Argentina has become the first country in the world to approve the use of drought-resistant genetically modified (GMO) wheat, the South American nation’s agriculture ministry announced.

In collaboration with the National Commission for Science and Technology (CONICET), the drought-resistant HB4 wheat variety has been developed by Argentine biotech company Bioceres.

“This is the first approval in the world for drought-tolerant genetic transformation in wheat,” CONICET said in a statement.

Argentina’s Agriculture Ministry has declared a state of agriculture emergency due to the new locust clouds reported in the country’s northern province.

Since May, the Argentine government has started providing financial assistance for farmers affected by locusts.

It is worth noting here that Argentina is one of the top global grain-producing nations. Commodity crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat form critical elements of human diets and livestock feed.