Biotech Updates

Farmers Appeal for GM Crops Cultivation in Zimbabwe

October 24, 2012

The Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union pleaded to the national government of Zimbabwe to allow genetically modified (GM) seeds to be cultivated in the country in order to increase agricultural output. For several years, the country has been experiencing shortage of its staple crop maize, yet the government has continued to oppose the cultivation of GM crops in the country inspite of its potential to fill the country's deficit on maize produce.

Zimbabwe has been importing maize and soy bean products from its neighbor South Africa where a significant portion are of GM variety. This effectively negates its stand for keeping the GM ban in force in the country. Until recently there had been little discussion about GM crops, and the views of opponents in government and in 'civil society' had predominated.

See the original article at http://www.africanagricultureblog.com/2012/10/zimbabwe-farmers-group-calls-for.html.