Scientist are working on a scheme to introduce Omega-3 oils into vegetables through the use of bio-technology.

GM giants Monsanto is carrying out research on the concept which could help brain development and the prevention of arthritis and heart disease, claimed Robert T Fraley, chief technology officer.

Delivering a lecture on ''Agriculture Bio-Technology-growing option- Helping Farmers to grow our food'' recently, he said countries all over the world were now competing with each other to double their current agricultural yield.

In the last 10 years bio-technology was tested on more than one million acres of land world-wide and it had established itself as a safe technology, he claimed and asserted that it was the only answer to meet the food security needs of the world today.

Research is being conducted on 57 crops in 63 countries to improve yield, resistance to pest and drought and nutrient value and as many as 15 new products had been approved by the European Communities alone, he pointed out.