After a recent initiatives to grow more resilient GM potatoes, the Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetable and Allied Products Exporters’ Association worry that exports from Bangladesh may face a huge setback if the government goes along with the plan.
“Cultivating GM potatoes will definitely hamper potato export as many countries, including Russia, do not import GMO [genetically modified organism] foods,” said Mohammad Monsur, general secretary of Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters’ Association.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau, potato export has been declining as one of the country’s major buyers, Russia, stopped importing potatoes from Bangladesh two years ago, due to the presence of brown rot disease in the produce.
Bangladesh is a potato-surplus country which relies hugely on export to protect farmers’ interests.
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Bangladesh officials worry GM potatoes may result in export ban
