Bt cotton: ABLE seeks scientific study into death of goats

Bangalore, June 9 (UNI) Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) President Dr K K Narayanan today demanded a scientific test to ascertain the truth regarding the death of goats allegedly after consuming leaves of Bt cotton plants in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh recently.

Speaking at the inaugural of Agribiotech day on the sidelines of Bangalore Bio-2006, the country's largest biotech show, here, he alleged that those opposing the entry of genetically modified crops were spreading false propaganda on the issue. A rational testing should be conducted into the issue to get at the truth.

Dr Narayanan said the country would immensly benefit by the application of Bt cotton and its acceptance was well acknowledged by the rapid expansion of Bt cotton grown area over the years. This year, Bt cotton was being grown in over 3.5 million hectares of land and had good potential to grow further.

He said India stood first in terms of growth in acreage of Bt cotton, which recorded over 160 per cent growth from last year, followed by Brazil (88 per cent), and Australia and Paraguay (50 per cent). India was the seventh largest Bt cotton growing country.

UNI MV GD TS1648