Bangladesh Ag Minister Calls for Biotech Research
April 1, 2011| |
Bangladeshi Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury asked agriculturists to concentrate on genetically modified (GM) crop research to prevent pest attack and boost crop production to feed the country's growing population. "We will welcome and propagate genetically modified crops such as brinjal and potato which are in an advanced stage, if they are not harmful."
The Minister also called upon the campaigners of anti-GM crops to come up with substantial evidence that GM crop such as Bt brinjal is hazardous. "We will have to proceed with an open mind and forward looking attitude. If pest attacks can be avoided through genetic intervention, that will be our choice." According to agriculturists, 30-40% of crops are damaged a year in Bangladesh due to pests and diseases.
Minister Chowdhury was a guest during a seminar on "Integrated Pest Management (IPM) research and development in Bangladesh" on 29 March 2011. Organized by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), the seminar was attended by around 60 biotech and integrated pest management stakeholders.
For more news on biotechnology in Bangladesh, email Dr. Khondoker Nasiruddin of the Bangladesh Biotechnology Information Center at nasirbiotech@yahoo.com.
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