Tanzanian
experts have dismissed the much touted benefits of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in crop production saying
there are better options, NaijaAgroNet
reports.
The
benefits of GMOs include creating plants that are resistant to weeds, pest and
other diseases, bigger yields, less uses of herbicides
and other pesticides, foods with better texture, flavour and nutritional value
and a longer shelf life for easier shipping. GM is also claimed to possess an essential
sustainable way to feed the world.
Speaking
to newsmen on the issue of GMOs, a lecturer at the Open University of Tanzania
(OUT), Dr Noorali Jiwaji, said that so far Tanzania had not fully put all
existing technologies into practice.
“There
are various technologies and methods developed by our local scientists, but we
have not utilized them to the extent of deciding to shift to GMO,” he said. Jiwaji,
NaijaAgroNet gathered, drew
attention to the wealth of knowledge that abounds in the country that was
hardly disseminated to farmers which, to a greater part, might have better
results than GMO.
Another
expert, the District Agriculture Irrigation and Cooperative Officer (DAICO) in
Sumbawanga, Mr Kwileluye Habona, argued that scientists should be given a
chance instead of politicians.
“So
far no country has benefited from GMO, this is a sign that we don’t need it
here in Tanzania as we can decide to opt for other technologies which our
scientists have proved,” he said.
NaijaAgroNet also learnt that in
East Africa, Kenya and Uganda have commenced field trials of GMOs, but Tanzania
is still on laboratory trials due to lack of a science-based and cost-effective
regulatory system.
Cyriacus
Nnaji/GEE
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