Harare, (New Ziana)– Zimbabwe is considering adopting a genetically modified cotton variety, Bollgard II, known to improve yields and reduce pesticide use.
This follows results of trials conducted at five research stations in the country, aimed to assessing its safety and efficiency in local conditions.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development permanent secretary Obert Jiri said this while addressing participants at a workshop in the capital on Thursday.
“The results from these confined field trials provide evidence for considering the adoption of Bollgard II cotton in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“However, before full commercialization, it is imperative that we engage key stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, policymakers, and industry players for informed decision-making.”
Bollgard II cotton is a genetically modified cotton variety developed byMahyco-Monsanto Biotech Limited, which contains two genes, Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab, which provide season-long control of key
pests, including the American bollworm, Spodoptera, and Heliothis pests.
The technology has been shown to reduce pesticide use by up to 80 percent, improve yields and enhance farmer profitability in countries like Australia, the United States of America and India.
Cotton remains one of the most vital cash crops in Zimbabwe, providing livelihoods for many smallholder farmers and contributing significantly to the economy.
However, the persistent challenge of bollworm infestations has led to
heavy reliance on chemical pesticides, increasing production costs and
environmental risks.
The confined field trials, conducted at five research stations across the country, aimed to assess the safety and efficiency of Bollgard II under Zimbabwean conditions.
Research stations involved in the trials included Kadoma Cotton Research institution, Save Valley Experiment Station, Chiredzi Research Station, Panmure Shamva experiment station and Chisumbanje Experiment Station, as well as two additional trial sites at Glendale Quton Plant and Seedco Kadoma research Centre.
Jiri emphasised that the adoption of new agricultural technologies requires a collective effort from all stakeholders.
“Farmers, in particular, play a crucial role, as they are the primary beneficiaries of improved cotton varieties,” he said.
“Their feedback on field performance, pest resistance, and economic benefits will be invaluable in shaping future policy decisions.” Zimbabwe’s cotton industry is a vital component of the country’s agricultural sector, providing livelihoods for thousands of smallholder farmers and contributing significantly to export earnings,” he added.
He said the success of the cotton industry hinges on the ability to embrace scientific advancements while ensuring that they align with national priorities and farmer needs.
Speaking at the same occasion, Fanuel Tagwira, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, highlighted the significance of the trials in addressing the challenges facing cotton industry in Zimbabwe.
“We cannot rely on data from other countries, we need to test these varieties in our own local environments to ensure their safety and efficacy,” he said.
“Restricted field trials are critical in ensuring environmental safety, efficacy, and yield, as well as regulatory compliance.”
New Ziana
