Avesthagen gets patent for salt tolerant rice

Avesthagen has announced that it has been granted a patent for developing salt tolerant rice in India.

This announcement comes just a day before the Bombay High Court's hearing on the case pertaining to Danone's $5 million investment in Avesthagen.

Danone's India partner Wadias had filed a case alleging that the French partner did not have Wadias' approval for this investment as it was a clash of interest against Britannia, as Avesthagen has a small interest in the foods business.

Avesthagen has,however, maintained that Danone's investment is only for research purpose and "the controversy is uncalled for." Avesthagen, in what can be seen as an effort to communicate its core focus, has stated that with the new patent it has a significant portfolio of 137 patent applications.