Genetically engineered biotech cotton resistant to bollworms was commercialized in 1996/97. Area planted to biotech varieties increased to over one-fourth of the world total 2005/06, and the Secretariat estimates that biotech varieties accounted for 36% of 34.4 million hectares planted to cotton in 2006/07. The world average yield in 1995/96 was 564 kg/ha, and the average yield in 2006/07 is estimated to be 726 kg/ha. Much of the increase in the world yield during the last ten years was related to the use of biotech cotton. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China (Mainland), Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa and USA have commercialized biotech cotton so far.

In spite of visible achievements, there are some genuine concerns about this technology including resistance to the Bt toxin, resurgence of secondary pests and long-term use of biotechnology applications. There is a continuous need to keep updated on the pros and cons of this technology.

The National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Pakistan and the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotechnology Applications (ISAAA) prepared a project "Regional Consultation on Genetically Modified Cotton for Risk Assessment and Opportunities for Small-scale Cotton Growers" for funding from the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC). The CFC approved the project CFC/ICAC34FT in July 2006. NIBGE and ISAAA are working together to organize the Consultation in Faisalabad, Pakistan from March 6-8, 2007. Delegates from Bangladesh, China (Mainland), Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe will attend the Consultation. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, CIRAD (France), European Consortium for Agricultural Research in the Tropics (ECART), CFC and ICAC will also be represented.

For further information contact the following:

Dr. Randy A. Hautea
Global Coordinator
International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotechnology Applications, SEAsia Center
email: r.hautea@cgiar.org

Dr. Yusuf Zafar
Director
National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE)
Faisalabad, Pakistan
email: yzafar@nibge.org