GOVERNMENT says it will maintain its position of
prohibiting the growing of genetically modified crops, arguing it is yet to be
convinced on the benefits of the GMOs.
This comes amid growing calls that Government should allow
the growing of GMOs as an alternative solution to boost agricultural production
being negatively affected by recurring droughts exacerbated by conditions
associated with climate change.
Last year, most parts of southern Africa, Zimbabwe
included, severely suffered long dry spells due to an El Nino weather pattern,
resulting in significant reduction in yields of major crops such as maize and
cotton.
This year, cotton output will be the lowest in two seasons
to about 68 000 tonnes from 142 000 tonnes last year and 74 000 tonnes in 2017
due to drought.
The drought also affected maize output, which dropped by 54
percent to 776 635 tonnes and indications are the country is likely to import
almost one million tonnes.
Advocates of genetically modified crops, said the
Government should take a fresh look and embrace the growing of such crops to
boost productivity and reduce imports.
“I think it is the right time to adopt these GMOs because
of the state of national food security as well as to improve better yields,”
said Dr Dexter Savadye, chief executive of National Biotechnology Authority
told Sunday Mail Business in an interview.
“Actually, we are already consuming the GMOs and I think it
is ideal to start engaging now. We have neighbouring countries namely South
Africa and Botswana that are already consuming these. As a country, we must not
be left behind.”
However, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural
Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri, said while the debate was ongoing on
GMOs, growing of such varieties remain prohibited.
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