A related issue is that of Bt 121 - a variety of exotic origin that occupies around 90% of transgenic cotton area. The variety has so far given good yield and protection against bollworms. How (and whether) this potential can be sustained is an important concern.
• Assessment of the suitability of Chinese biotech products for Pakistani cotton landscape Government of Punjab as well as many private seed companies are negotiating with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CMS) (through their authorised agents like M/s Biocentury and M/s Silver Land) for import of various Bt cotton products. The CMS products are available at a much lower cost as compared with Monsanto products. But before we make a decision, the efficacy and effectiveness of CMS products for Pakistani cotton landscape needs to be examined critically, especially in comparison with Monsanto products.
Identification of international sources of public-good biotech products and processes Many technologies are available as open source products through international organisations (e.g. FAO) and public sector universities. What are some of the more important biotech products and processes that we can access through. the open source and use in local research and development programmes?
• Identification of sources for import of elite germ plasm Pakistani cotton has narrow genetic base, which constitutes a serious constraint on development of new varieties. The genetic base needs to be widened to maintain genetic diversity and to integrate useful traits into local cotton varieties. The linkages with international sources of cotton germ plasm are weak and need to be strengthened.
• dentification of ways and means to meet the challenges of CLCV and mealy bug, and to improve fibre qualities of cotton
Bollworms are an important threat to cotton production in Pakistan. But other issues, like CLCV and mealy bug are equally important. Recently, these have become more serious issues in the face of relative protection from bollworms through cultivation of Bt varieties. Finding practical solutions to these threats is a challenge for Pakistani agriculture. So far our research system has not been successful in identifying cotton germ plasm that is tolerant to CLCV and resistant to mealy bug. Until such germplasm is identified, can the chemical products available with different Chinese companies provide an effective control? As for the mealy bug, we need to examine current strategies and see how these can be improved. Also, we need to explore technological and cultural ways and means to improve fibre qualities of our cotton.
• Developing a framework for making CRDC a dynamic and forward looking R&D company that can lead the change in cotton landscape The Government of Punjab has recently created a Cotton Research and Development Company (CRDG) as an autonomous corporate entity to oversee cotton R&D in the public sector. This is a step in the right direction, but the company struggles to find answers to questions as important as stewardship, stakeholder engagement, private sector investment, and asset management. To help CRDC, we need to deliberate on these (and other) issues and develop a comprehensive framework for its working in the long run. The framework should suggest measures to transform CRDC into a private-sector led, dynamic and progressive R&D organisation that follows a research agenda in sync with the needs of farmers. It should also be able to reach out to farmer and bridge the gap between research and extension.
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