Illegal Bt Cotton Comprises 40 percent of Pakistan's Crops
October 19, 2007| |
A new Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN) report released by the United States Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) estimated that illegal Bt cotton varieties comprise nearly 40 percent of Pakistan’s total cotton crop for the year 2007/2008. Of the estimated 11 million bales of cotton, 4 million is expected to be from illegal biotech varieties. According to the report, the majority of the illegal cotton seeds were likely smuggled to Pakistan from India, China and Australia, while some were probably obtained from local research institutes where new genetically modified cotton varieties are being developed. There are no GM crops approved for commercial release in Pakistan.
Modified to be resistant to the cotton bollworm, the Bt cotton is not effective against mealy bugs and the cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV), serious threats to Pakistan’s cotton crop. Initiatives are now being taken to develop new cotton varieties suited to Pakistan’s climate, insect pests and plant diseases. A Federal Committee has been formed to promote cooperation between international biotechnology companies and Pakistan’s research institutes.
Read the USDA GAIN Report at http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200710/146292619.pdf
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