National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE): Genetically Modified Spider Cotton

The case illustrates a crop variety development and registration process employed in Pakistan, and provides an account of the enablers and challenges faced by a public sector biotechnology-based R& D organization while developing and registering a state-of-the-art innovation, namely, Hvt cotton variety. It also provides a useful ground to discuss factors involved in mass production and commercialization of crop varieties, such as intellectual property rights, and the roles which multinational organizations can play in this regard. The discussion is taken further by explaining actions taken by the Government of Pakistan, such as passing bills to enforce IP laws in order to facilitate development and commercialization of new plant varieties, and the likely consequences it may bring about for multi-national organizations, farmers and public sector R& D organizations.