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Running head: GENETIC AGRICULTURE IN UGANDA, MONSANTO AND COTTON FARMING 1

Genetic Agriculture in Uganda, Monsanto and Cotton Farming
Name
Institutional Affiliation

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Genetic Agriculture in Uganda, Monsanto and Cotton Farming
Introduction
Genetic agriculture can be defined as the applied study of genetic variation effects as well
as selection used to generate valuable heritable trait combinations in farm animals and crop
plants. The practice involves the application of genetic indicators to direct conventional
breeding, as well as introgression and introduction of attributes or traits from other species into
farm crops or animals (Aid, 2003). The term genetic agriculture can be used interchangeably
with biotechnology. Genetic agriculture or biotechnology is one of the ways to enhance
agricultural production (Adebiyi, 2014). For instance, insect-resistant selections of maize and
cotton suitable for Africa have been successfully adopted in Africa having an important impact,
particularly in Uganda. Crops that are also resistant to viruses are under development. In
Uganda, the majority of the population resides in the upcountry and obtains most of their
livelihood from agriculture. However, due to the nature of their farming practices, crops and
animals are exposed to environmental stresses as well as diseases. These challenges provide an
opening for the use of genetic agriculture to develop flexible materials to the environment of the
country. Conversely, the supposed risks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) dim the
assurance of the technology for its use in agriculture. However, many nations, including Uganda,
companies as well as institutions, are promoting genetic agriculture as a response to food
insecurity and low crop yields due to diseases and environmental stresses. Their claim is that
genetic agriculture will promote sustainable agriculture, provide more nutritious food, reduce
environmental dilapidation, as well as increase agricultural production (Raman, 2017). Monsanto
Company is a company that introduced biotechnological seeds in Africa and is actively

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responsible for the production of genetically modified cotton seeds in Uganda. But what is the
possible impact of genetic agriculture cotton farming in Uganda at the farm level?
Company's Background
The Monsanto Company was a US agrochemical as well as agricultural biotechnology
corporation established in 1901. However, in early 2018, Bayer Inc. acquired it as part of its crop
science segment. Monsanto had its headquarters in Missouri, and in the 1970s, it became a huge
producer of genetically modified crops. The company was also one of the corporations to
introduce genes into crops in 1983, and one of the first to carry out field trials of genetically
engineered crops in 1987. Presently, Montana is an agricultural company applying innovation
and to assist farmers globally to produce more while at the same time conserving more. The
company assists farmers to develop produce sustainability so that they can yield more food, more
fiber and animal feeds, and become successful, while also lowering the impact of agricultural
practices on the environment. In Africa, the regional offices of Monsanto are based in Nairobi,
Kenya, but are also located in various countries across the continent, including Uganda, which
are mostly seed manufacturing and production facilities, sa...