Sodecoton meet on 1st phase of research on GMO cotton

According to the Executive Director of Sodecoton, Abdou Namba, the use of innovative technology could provide answers to the threat of loss often recorded by producers, thereby improving the yield per hectare. The results of the first phase of the research in this area were presented in Garoua.

This is why during a meeting on 23rd-24th October chaired by the Governor of the northern region; the cotton company presented the results of the first phase of the research on genetically modified cotton. These studies, conducted in the workplace confined crops since 2012, but this was designed to measure, in addition to the properties of this GMO, the risks it will pose on Cameroonian environment.

According to Dr. Célestin Klassou, one of the experts who led this work, the impact of cotton genetically modified on crop yields, is indirect. Due to its better resistance, the plant is better protected from certain pests, more robust against herbicides, and therefore allows a better crop. And to learn more about this type of seed, Sodecoton invited a representative of cotton farmers from Burkina Faso .

Indeed, Burkina Faso has experimented for ten years already, the genetically modified cotton. This country was able to share its experience on the subject with Cameroon. "There is less difficult for producers with the GMOs, in terms of weeding but application of insecticides", explained Dr. Klassou.

However, the Director General of Sodecoton was prudent in stating that, technology presents a number of advantages. But we are still far from the phase of extension.

The Government through the Act governing the field set tags to avoid slipping.. At the end of the workshop in Garoua, the first results presented were welcomed with satisfaction and optimism, thus opening the doors to a second test phase, this time in an open environment.