Islamabad, April 10: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today between Monsanto Company and the Government of Pakistan which provides a framework to continue discussions focused on introducing BT cotton to Pakistan.
The MOU was signed by Federal Secretary, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Zia-ur-Rehman and Rick Gaudet, Global Cotton Marketing Lead for Monsanto in Islamabad today. Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture, Nazar Mohammad Gondal and Federal Minister for Textile Industry, Rana Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan were also present on the occasion.
Monsanto is currently working with the industry and government stakeholders in Pakistan on a sustainable business model for the introduction of Bt Cotton.
Monsanto plans to introduce Bollgard-II cotton technology which is undoubtedly the most extensively studied cotton technology globally. The rigorous scientific studies conducted demonstrate that Bollgard and its products are safe for the environment, human beings, animals and agriculture.
We believe that Bt cotton technology will bring significant benefits for the Pakistan cotton farmers in terms of contributing towards increasing yields and farm income, said Rick Gaudet, Global Cotton Marketing Lead for Monsanto.
For the past several years, Pakistan has been a net importer in excess of 2 million bales due to an acute shortage in cotton production. Pakistan needs to increase its bulk production of cotton. Biotechnology is one tool that can help increase the productivity of Pakistan agriculture. Worldwide, millions of farmers in over 20 countries are already reaping the benefits of Agri biotechnology.
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto Pakistan has been associated with Pakistan farmers since 1998. Monsanto Pakistan is already doing business in a range of superior products like Dekalb hybrid corn and Roundup herbicide.
* Bollgard/Bt cotton contains an insecticidal protein from a naturally occurring soil microorganism, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Bollgard insect-protected cotton is used widely around the world for the control of bollworms.