At one time some regions of Tanzania stopped cultivating cotton due to diseases and pests that damaged the crop. But now there is a belief the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the country will help revive cotton growing in the country.
GMO refers to seeds implanted with certain genes to withstand droughts, pests and diseases developed by scientists using the latest molecular biology technology. The seeds or planting material are modified in laboratories to enhance desired traits such as increased resistance to diseases or improved nutritional content.
Apart from GMOs’ increasing farmers’ yields, the hybrid seeds will also improve quality hence making Tanzania being able to compete with other major cotton producers in the world. GMO cotton is resistant even to climate change and yields high quality products and hence fetches higher prices.
Genetically engineered cotton has been approved as being safe for use. Countries such as Senegal, which cultivate GMO cotton have increased yields and improved quality of the crop allowing farmers to improve their lives. Kenya and Uganda are already undertaking field trails to pave the way for commercial cultivation of GMOs. With GMOs pests like red bollworm are not expected to spread or affect the crop.
