Pakistan, Monsanto Sign MoU on Bt Cotton

The Pakistani Government aims to increase cotton production in the country through the introduction of insect-resistant Bt cotton, a report by the Daily Times says. In a meeting attended by representatives from the American seed giant Monsanto, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MINFA) and Ministry of Textile said, the government, specifically, wants to increase cotton production to 21 million bales by 2015. The officials stressed that to reach this target, it would be imperative to introduce approved Bt varieties cotton in the country.

The Daily Times article said that during the meeting, officials from the Ministry of Environment objected to the proposed introduction of Bt cotton in the country. The objection, however, was countered by the National Biosafety Committee saying that studies on the effect of Bt cotton on the environment will be initiated soon. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Pakistani government ministries and Monsanto.

"Signing the agreement is in our favor. We need to move ahead with the agreement while taking all the stakeholders on board. The reservations, if any, of the stakeholders shall be taken into consideration and addressed in the agreement with the company so that our interests are safeguarded," said the Nazar Muhammad Gonda Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture.

Read the Daily Times article at http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010%5C01%5C29%5Cstory_29-1-2010_pg5_5