The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE government is reportedly planning biotechnology-based research to develop high yielding varieties of cotton to ensure financial benefit for the farmers. A three-year project on strengthening research activities of the Cotton Development Board' (CDB) has been submitted to the Planning Commission for approval. It is expected that the estimated Tk 17 crore-project will pave the way for research on biotechnology alongside the conventional technology. Different cotton research institutes are planning to introduce the technology in cotton production under the supervision of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council for further improving cotton production.

There is no alternative to high technology to boost the production of cotton. Bangladesh has two lakh hectares of land suitable for cotton production, the farmers prefer other crops because of its less profit. The main cause of the declining cotton production after the year 1997-98 when yield was around 98,600 tonnes, as identified by the experts, was less profit for the farmers because of cotton price slide in the international market for four consecutive years. The government's emphasis on foodgrain production, crop diversification, increase of vegetable and fruit cultivation and tree plantation have also reduced the land for cotton cultivation.

The country has twelve varieties of cotton and their maximum yield is not more than two tonnes per hectare. The application of bio-technology, it is said, can almost double the production. Cotton cultivation needs almost five months and a half while the new variety would take four months and a half. The annual demand for raw cotton in the country's textile sector is 14-15 lakh bales. The local production of cotton is around 70,000-80,000 bales. Higher yield would boost domestic production and reduce cotton import. Before adopting the new technology, however, sufficient field trials should be made to avoid its adverse effects.