Kampala, Uganda
October 13, 2009
Source: Ultimate Media via Checkbiotech
Uganda has started producing its first-ever genetically-modified cotton to increase its production.
The cotton- being tasted by scientist at the National Semi-Arid Resource Research Institute at Serere in Soroti, are showing early indicators of pest-resistance and herbicide-tolerance.
The Director of the research institute, Dr.Thomas Areke says Bt cotton that have ability to withstand bollworms and Ht cotton that tolerates roundup chemicals sprayed to destroy weeds were planted in July, in confined fields trial sites at Serere and Mubuku in Kasese district.
He says the crops are vigorously growing and have flowered without any disease, pest or weed infestations.
He says they ventured into improving the crop by biotechnology to get varieties that would increase productivity and benefit farmers.
He observed that since the population is increasing and land reducing, government must look into improving technologies that can enhance production.
In Uganda, GM cotton is a second genetically modified crop currently being tested with the first one being bananas,at Kawanda Agricultural research institute.
The testing however, come at a time when genetically modified crops are facing criticism all over the world. Those opposing the technology claim the crops may have future side-effects to human beings.
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