Sudan Breaks World's Record of GM Cotton

Date:12-06-2013

Sudan’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Abdul Halim Al Mutaafi, recently said a new day in the history of cotton production in Sudan has begun. Farmers have produced 15 Qintar (15000 pounds) an acre during the first harvesting stage, he said. This is the world's highest production of genetically-modified cotton, he added, and expected the production to shoot up from 100,000 to 400,000 bales.

When cotton production deteriorated in Sudan other crops have also deteriorated, he said, adding that cotton is now back to the agricultural map and other crops will also prosper.

The Minister added that Rahad Agricultural Scheme will also be rehabilitated after the introduction of the genetically-modified cotton adding that the scheme will improve the life of farmers in this area.

Meanwhile, Abdallah Mohamed Ahmed, director of Rahad agricultural scheme said the genetically-modified cotton succeeded by 100% adding that large areas are expected to be cultivated after farmers have been motivated.

The Minister of Agriculture attended a function held to honour ten farmers at the Rahad agricultural scheme. The farmers have been given their net profit the average of which was estimated at SDG 19,000 and maximum profit at SDG 28,000.