The results of trials growing GM cotton at Katherine and in the region show a vast difference between relying on wet season rain as opposed to irrigation for optimum harvests.

About 100 hectares of genetically modified cotton was grown in the NT this year with the Federal Government eyeing off the prospect of growing crops across one million hectares in the future.

The study is looking at tapping into the Roper River to help water these crops.

There remains much community concern about use of irrigation to meet the Territory's ambitions to expand crop growing.

There has also been concern about the use of GM crops, the current trials are trying to reduce the quantities of insecticide sprays for controlling caterpillars.

Commercial size plantings on Edith Springs Station and Tipperary Station were commercially picked and sent to southern Queensland for ginning

Trial results published this week by the Department of Primary Industry and Resources centre mainly on the results of trials at Katherine Research Farm.

GM cotton crops were sown in late January and early February and harvested by hand in some of the trials in June and July.

Average yields in Katherine on irrigated plots produced between 5-10 bales to the hectare against one or less bales on rain-fed trials.

The Katherine trials used the latest release Bollgard3 cotton varieties, which have been progressively developed from the release of the first genetically modified Ingard Cotton in 1996.

The Bollgard3 cotton contains three Bacillus thuringensis (Bt) genes that code for three Bt proteins that control the caterpillars of Heliocoverpa species (cotton bollworm).

Today's varieties show great versatility and are grown from Lake Boga in Victoria to Tipperary in the NT, the department's research update states.

The small plot experiment planted at Katherine have been intensively monitored through the crop growth.

The department and CSIRO are using the information to "simulate a cotton industry across the NT to gain insights into the industry potential on a regional scale and better understand potential risks and agronomic issues, especially in a rain-fed farming system".

The Federal Government has given the CSIRO $3.5 million to "undertake a comprehensive assessment of the development potential of the water and soil resources of the Roper River Catchment in the NT".

Using irrigation water from the Roper River could open up one million hectares to cropping, the Federal Government said in March.

Cotton and rice are thought to be the best bets for the long-head dream of growing crops in the north.

"In addition to the pest controlling genetically modified (GM) attributes in current cotton varieties, traditional plant breeding has developed varieties that are higher yielding in Australian conditions, with shorter crop growth periods," the department's cotton research states.

"With parts of Australia experiencing drought conditions, one benefit of these crops is the reduced amount of water required compared to other commonly planted crop species.

"The experiment to grow genetically modified cotton in the Territory has been ongoing since December 2018, with the first of the harvests completed in recent weeks.

"It is anticipated the research into diversified mixed cropping systems will play a key role in developing the Territory's agricultural industries.

"Critical to the success of the trial is the department's strong focus on robust biosecurity practices such as monitoring machinery movements that will ensure the potential of a viable cotton industry to become a major contributor to the internal and export economy of the NT."

Cotton growers from the Northern Territory have toured southern Queensland and northern NSW growing regions to gain an insight into the process, from seed breeding all the way through to ginning.

There are early plans to build a cotton gin in Katherine to help kickstart a cotton industry across the Territory.

There is a handful of cotton growers already in the region who want to expand their plantings and not have to transport their crops to Queensland or NSW for processing.

The study for a cotton gin is being funded by Singapore agribusiness OLAM Australia (Queensland Cotton), Northern Territory Cotton Growers Association and NT Government and will be undertaken by PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

Northern Territory Cotton Growers Association chairman Bruce Connolly said it was an exciting development which would give growers the confidence to take the next step and plant cotton for the coming season.

"The fact that industry and government have pulled together to fund this important study will give a tremendous boost to growers and the future for cotton in the north."

PriceWaterhouseCoopers have been engaged to complete these studies and will map out a clear pathway for a sustainable development model for the cotton industry over the next decade.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.