ST LOUIS Mo - Rising incomes and surging demand in China makes this country a top growth target for Monsanto, the world's largest seed company over the longer term, Reuters reported, citing Jesus Madrazo, leader of Monsanto's global commercial seeds and traits business.

Monsanto said it was deepening its ongoing alliance with Chinese chemicals conglomerate Sinochem Corp. The two companies have a hybrid corn seed joint venture, and Monsanto wants to strengthen its reach into the rapidly growing Asian corn market.

Madrazo said the focus on China is seen as a longer-term investments as limitations remain strict on foreign investments in agriculture.