Two hybrid rice varieties obtain registration in Indonesia

Devgen nv (EURONEXT, Brussels: DEVG) and PT (Persero) Sang Hyang Seri (SHS) today announce that 2 premium hybrid rice varieties, DG 1 SHS and DG 2 SHS have been granted registration for commercial sale in Indonesia.

This result follows large scale trials of Devgens pipeline of rice hybrids in 10 locations across Indonesia. As part of the Devgen - PT (Persero) Sang Hyang Seri research cooperation, these products have been extensively evaluated a.o. for yield, disease resistance and grain quality, all critical parameters for the Indonesian farmer. Hybrid seed varieties DG 1 SHS and DG 2 SHS were approved by the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture in accordance with its stringent standards for new rice hybrid varieties. The hybrid seeds will be distributed in Indonesia by PT (Persero) Sang Hyang Seri under Devgens brand name Frontline. Product launch and first sales are targeted as planned for late Q4 09/Q1 2010.

"The availability of hybrid rice products that are well adapted to the local environment, that meet farmers needs while providing a good value proposition is a prerequisite to the effective introduction of hybrid rice in Indonesia" says Devgens CEO, Thierry Bogaert "We are confident that DG 1 SHS, DG 2 SHS and other products in our pipeline will mark a turning point for hybrid rice in Indonesia."

"We are proud to have developed and registered these products together with Devgen." says PT (Persero) Sang Hyang Seris President Director, Mr. Eddy Budiono "As per government guidance, we are committed to provide the Indonesian farmer with hybrid rice products that increase yield and productivity. These hybrid seeds are amongst the best in the world. We will scale up the production to fulfill Indonesia and export markets so that the world food supply is increased as a result of using these high productivity seeds-which also produce good taste rice".