Bangkok--26 Mar--Image Impact
The adoption of technology-enhanced crops by farmers is an essential step for Thailand in stabilizing productivity, making the country more competitive in regional and global markets, and helping in the alleviation of poverty in the Kingdom. These were some of the key findings of ‘The Study of Agricultural Biotechnology Benefits in Thailand’ report, which was disclosed in Bangkok today.
The Study examines agricultural biotechnology development in Thailand, reviews the socio-economic impact of the technology, and estimates opportunity loss should Thailand reject this technology. It contains up-to-date information about the success of biotech crop adoption worldwide, as well as case studies on cotton and papaya; all of which can be used to make future decisions about the country’s agricultural development.
Modern crop biotechnology is an alternative to conventional breeding that improves plant characteristics so that productivity is increased and input decreased. When conventional breeding techniques fall short, genetic engineering is a solution for integrating desired characteristics into plants — and realizing these benefits.
Cotton and papaya are important crops in Thailand, and genetically enhanced varieties that are today successfully grown in other countries are available for adoption here, after passing through a biosafety regulatory process. This is significant, as insects and viral diseases have devastated most of the country’s traditional production areas for these crops. Thus, the potential for damage prevention through agricultural biotechnology is considerable.
“Cotton was an important crop in Thailand during the 1980’s when planting area peaked with more than 150,000 hectares and production at more than 65,000 metric tons. Production area during recent years has been less than 70,000 rais or 11,200 hectares. If cotton production remained at current area levels, the advantages of Bt cotton adoption would still deliver a benefit to Thailand of US$11.5 million or 400 million Baht. “Since Thailand is today a net importer of cotton, an increase in production would improve the trade balance, and create more jobs in the ginning business. At the same time, income generated from these jobs would increase the national income as a whole,” said Dr. Supat Attathom, Project Director of the Thailand Biotechnology & Biosafety Information Center (BBIC).
Similarly, if papaya production were to remain at current area levels of 111,638 rais (17,862 hectares) the adoption of a biotech variety resistant to the ring spot virus would benefit Thailand by US$680 million or 24 billion Baht.
After more than a decade of positive results from the adoption of biotech crops, there are still dissenters. On this issue, Dr. Sutat Sriwatanapongse, President of the Biotechnology Alliance Association (BAA) commented, “Overall, scientific research in agricultural biotechnology and in other advanced technologies must be guided by ethical and safety-oriented principles, while respecting the private sector’s need to earn a decent return”. He went on to say, “At the same time, it is essential to harness the benefits of new technologies in sustainable ways to aid in the eradication of poverty.”
The benefits from biotech crops are driving widespread adoption of agricultural biotechnology around the world. In 2006, 22 countries planted these crops, and an additional 29 countries have approved biotech crops for import for food/feed use and release into the environment. The number of farmers planting biotech crops worldwide reached 10.3 million last year compared to 8.5 million in 2005.
In Asia, 6.8 million farmers adopted the technology in China, 2.3 million in India, and more than 100,00 in the Philippines. In India alone, biotech crops covered 3.8 million hectares in 2006, a 192% increase over 2005.
Commenting that the benefits of plant biotechnology demonstrated in India could add significant value in Thailand, Dr. Sutat said, “There have been no authorized field trials of biotech crops in Thailand since 2001. The resumption of field trials here would help re-establish Thailand as an agricultural R&D leader in the region, while the improved productivity of biotech crops would positively impact our farmers’ quality of life”.
“The technology will play an important role for the country’s economic and social development similar to the last decade’s significant development of information technology,” he added.
Media note: For photos please see CDROM
For further information, please contact:
Sutat Sriwatanapongse, Ph.D
President, Biotechnology Alliance Association
Tel/Fax: +66 (0) 2940 5264
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
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Image Impact Ltd.:
Chutinun Guna-Tilaka/Songyot Dejakaisaya
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