Novozymes bets big on microbial products

Denmark-based biotechnology giant Novozymes is anticipating huge demand for its microbial products that improve crop yields in China, the world's largest producer and consumer of agricultural goods, a top company official said on Thursday.

The company has already started field trials for its microbial technology in China and expects to commercialize the technology soon, said Peder Holk Nielsen, chief executive officer of the Danish company, which specializes in industrial enzymes.

The company has also teamed up with the world's largest seed company Monsanto Co and formed a $300 million strategic alliance to jointly develop and commercialize microbial technology worldwide.