The company, the world’s largest seed producer, reported a smaller fourth-quarter loss than last year and said profit might increase on sales of weed killer and gene-modified seeds.

Monsanto pledged to develop seeds that would double the yields of corn, soybeans and cotton by 2030 and would require 30 percent less water, land and energy to grow.

Monsanto pledged to develop seeds that would double the yields of corn, soybeans and cotton by 2030 and would require 30 percent less water, land and energy to grow.

Monsanto pledged Wednesday to develop seeds that would double the yields of corn, soybeans and cotton by 2030 and would require 30 percent less water, land and energy to grow.