October 4, 2009
The Associated Press of Pakistan reports that the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), India’s regulatory agency for genetically modified crops, has approved the export of Bt cotton seeds to Pakistan.
This follows a report by the Hindustan Times that the GEAC, under the direction of India’s environment and forestry ministry, gave permission in September to several major seed producers to export genetically modified cotton seeds to Pakistan for use in field trials. Monsanto, Bayer Hybrid Seeds and Nath Biogene were among the seed producers who received that permission.
Bt cotton has been used to great success in India, including regions bordering Pakistan. The country has doubled its cotton production since 2002, in large part due to Bt cotton. Because Pakistan has similar soil and geographical terrain as India, seed company officials believe that results from India can be replicated across the border.