Burkina Faso`s Cotton output increases by 57% dueto GM
According to Burkina Faso National Cotton Producers Union (UNPCB), Burkina Fasos cotton output for 2012 (which includes January 2013) has increased by 57.5 percent due to higher number of farmers who adopt genetically modified (GM) cotton.
According to Burkina Faso National Cotton Producers Union (UNPCB), Burkina Fasos cotton output for 2012 (which includes January 2013) has increased by 57.5 percent due to higher number of farmers who adopt genetically modified (GM) cotton. Compared to its cotton output in the previous year (2011-2012) which accounted to 400,000 tonnes, the countrys output for 2012-2013 rose to 630,000 tonnes .
Burkina Faso, which relies on cotton as one of its major exports, is one of the first countries in Africa to approve GM cotton. The government authorized the planting of Monsantos Bt cotton in 2008. The countrys greater-than-expected output could also boost the regional total for West Africa for the year. In an April survey in six West African countries, producers had a forecast of 29 percent increase to 1,738,500 tonnes for 2012-2013.
For more information, go to http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=120666 and http://www.sharenet.co.za/news/Burkina_Faso_cotton_output_soars_575_pct_due_to_GMOs_producers/c1c24aabd780db9068e132867b233950.