Biotech Updates

Pakistan Approves Use of Bt Cotton Seeds from India

May 23, 2008

Pakistan’s National Biosafety Committee (NBC)granted approval to Monsanto to import 13 biotech cotton seed varieties from India. About 200 gm each of the Bt cotton variety will be tested in different cotton growing areas during the current cotton season. The limited field trials will follow the concept of "Refugia and Buffer Zone" for growing genetically modified (GM) crops under Pakistan's biosafety rules and National Biosafety Guidelines. NBC will control and monitor the whole process from the importation of the seeds to field testing.

Earlier, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MinFAL) and Monsanto signed a letter of intent (LOL) to expand cotton production in Pakistan by introducing Monsanto-derived insect protection technology.

Email Ijaz Ahmad Rao at luckystarpk@yahoo.com for more information about this news.