Growth of BT cotton harmful for animals and can also concern humans

Growth of BT cotton harmful for animals and can also concern humans

Farmers at the Toba Tek Singh have complained that their cattle are suffering from diseases and the reason is claimed to be the cottonseed cakes available in the market. Animals are suffering from lack of appetite, premature deliveries, sudden deaths and
decline in milk production.

Khalid Mehmood is the deputy district at the agriculture department as he mentioned that almost 90 percent of the cotton planted in the district is of type BT (Bacillus Thuringiensis).

He also mentioned that in order to earn more profit, farmers prefer using BT crop. The per acre yield of cotton crop has increased significantly after the use of BT cotton.

Dr. Javed Iqbal who is a qualified Agriculture scientist mentioned that, “BT cotton had been invented with such genes in it which had insecticidal action against both types of bollworms (American and spotted) attacks, but at the same time it had the potential
to cause toxic impact on animals”.

He further added that, “BT cotton could resist against only two types of insects `American and spotted bollworms`, but other types of sucking pests were still needed to be controlled through the use of pesticides”.

It is also believed that the use of BT cottonseed oil is harmful for humans and there may have been a number of people currently suffering from various diseases due to its use. A few farmers have also reported the skin-related itching after using the BT
cotton seeds on animals. The infection can be transferred to humans after using the milk or milk products of such animals.

A number of cooking oil sellers mentioned that they use BT cottonseed for producing oil and ghee. A large portion of BT cottonseed is used for the purpose by different oil companies.

Human rights activist Ashfaq Fateh has requested the Government to take necessary measures in order to resolve the issue as human lives might be at stake. It has also been reported by the Grain market commission agents that profits are higher in cultivation
of BT cotton but it has also caused a serious downfall in the sowing of wheat.

If the situation is not controlled in time, Pakistan might face a wheat crisis and have to import an adequate quantity to meet its internal needs. The old variety of cotton took only six months and farmers were not bound to choose a different land for sowing
of wheat. However, it takes as many as 9 months (starting from February to March) to harvest the BT cotton which influence the wheat as its ideal season is from mid November to mid December.

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Posted by Ahmed Babar on Dec 19 2011. Filed under Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry