Cotton may soon feed millions

London, Dec 1 (ANI): Scientists have found a way to reduce the poison present in cottonseed.

The discovery may help millions who cannot afford diets with a reasonable amount of protein, reports The Daily Express.

Protein-rich cottonseed is inedible because it contains a poisonous substance called gossypol. But now, thanks to the development, researchers from Texas A and M University in the US said the leftover kernel - which has a nutty flavour - can be ground into meal and combined with wheat or corn flours.

In tests, the meal has been used to make pancakes and cereals and could be available in 10 years.

The amount of cotton grown worldwide is enough to feed 500 million people a year.

Keerti S Rathore, from A and M, said: "There are a lot of poor people that cannot afford diets with a reasonable amount of protein." (ANI)