Supporters of biotechnology said it offered Africa the best chance of guarding against food insecurity because it enhances agricultural productions.
Opponents countered by questioning the safety of the relatively new technology as well as its affordability.
“Just like any other new development or product to any society there will be concerns, questions and myths and all these can be countered with a proper campaign and promotion,” Margaret Karembu, Director of the International Services for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications [ISAAA] Africentre, told PANA on the sidelines of a conference on ''Delivering Agricultu ral Biotechnology to African Farmers'' in Entebbe, Uganda.
“The products of biotechnology science always undergo rigorous scientific process and testing including safety,” she said.
Karembu dismisses suggestions by opponents of the new technology that its products will be expensive for African farmers, noting: “It is only when patent rights are valid that anybody else who wants to use that products will require a uthorization by paying some loyalties to cover the cost of research and development of the product.”
“Other companies can now access the GM products after paying the loyalties. They can now negotiate with the present manufacturers in the US, Europe and Asia. This is no longer as serious as it was when the technology was first developed more than 10 years ago because the private sector in Africa has built capacity to inherit it,” she explained.
But Uganda’s Vice President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, said he was still worried about the consequences of GM crops.
“I do not know the consequences of cross pollination, monopoly and affordability when it comes to GM,” said the VP, also a scientist.
But Karembu countered, saying there is no need to fear because GM crops so far have not been found to have any negative effects.
“Beyond the gardens, GM crops have been found to have passed the safety assessments and are being consumed by many,” she said.
Bukenya also expressed concern about the largely “peasant and primitive” African farming population's access to GM seeds, given they have to buy the patented seeds.
“I do not know how Africa farmers can access the seeds because of the monopoly by the Western-based manufacturing firms,'' he said, adding that Africa was not ready for such technology.
When asked about Uganda not having a biosafety law like neighboring Kenya, the VP said: “ Uganda will go slow in following the path of Kenya. However we have so far set up a policy on biotechnology.”
Entebbe - 21/05/2009
Pana
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|