This is the second GM plant introduced in the country, following Bt brinjal in 2014
Bangladesh has introduced two types of genetically modified (GM) cotton to increase crop yields and reduce the need for imports.
This is the second GM crop introduced in the country, following Bt brinjal in 2014.
During a seminar held at the Cotton Development Board office in Dhaka, Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Agriculture Minister stated that the introduction of Bt and hybrid varieties could help meet around 20 per cent of the domestic cotton demand, which amounts to approximately 1.5 million bales.
Spinning and weaving industries need an additional 85 lakh bales of cotton to produce yarn and fabrics for export-oriented garment factories.
According to local media, domestic growers can only supply two lakh bales of cotton. As a result, Bangladesh imports a significant amount of cotton from countries such as India, Pakistan, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and Central Asian countries, spending around Tk 33,000 crore annually.
The production cost of Bt cotton is 12-15 per cent lower than local varieties, with an average yield of 4,500 kg per hectare, 15-20 per cent higher.
