Bangladesh has begun greenhouse trial of a genetically modified (GM) cotton variety imported from China. GM cotton seeds are infused with genetic traits taken from a soil-dwelling bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that effectively fights bollworm, a harmful caterpillar responsible for damaging cotton yields.

Typical synthetic pesticides have become increasingly ineffective in fighting cotton bollworm, thereby causing crop losses of up to 20 per cent. Cotton growers’ expenditure on pesticides accounts for 40 per cent of total production costs. Once the greenhouse trial completes by December this year, the Bt cotton will see a field trial in the next season and then trials for its adaptability will begin at a regional level in the following season.

The GM variety should be available in the hands of cotton growers once all the trials are done in three years' time. Bt cotton has the potential to increase yields up to 20 per cent and enhance fiber quality of cottons as those are not attacked by bollworms.

Bangladesh has set a target to increase annual cotton production to one million bales in the next five years. The introduction of Bt cotton is expected to help reach that target easily as well as helping save the money spent for costly imports.