adminand Technology Minister Heneri Dzinotyiwei has said.
Minister Dzinotyiwei was speaking at the Nugget National Schools debate on the importance of biotechnology crops held at Prince Edward School on Thursday.
He said science now made it possible to move genetic traits from different organisms to achieve specific goals.
The motion for the debate was: “Should we make use of genetically modified crops to feed the world?”
“To a large extent, such crops would tend to be more productive per unit area than non-biotech crops,” said Minister Dzinotyiwei.
“A lot more remain in the laboratories of scientists awaiting delivery to countries in a position to grow the crops.
“All together, more than 80 crops have had their genetic traits analysed and improved outcomes generated.”
Minister Dzinotyiwei said there were concerns some countries had raised over the adoption of the GMOs such as that they could be unhealthy and that they could affect bio-diversity.
Minister Dzinotyiwei said all the concerns had been scientifically proved wrong.
He said people only choose to debate more on genetically modified food and feedstock, while rarely talking about genetically modified medicines.
Minister Dzinotyiwei said the genetically modified medicines were administered in most hospitals in the world.
He said Zimbabwe only allowed importation of GMO food in milled form.
Where a need to import grain is established, Minister Dzinotyiwei said, those responsible would have to seek permission.
The genetically modified food would be transported under close monitoring to ensure that none ends up being used as seed.
Minister Dzinotyiwei said it was illegal to import GMO seeds, adding that efforts to review the regulations where underway in Government.
“We, as government, need to hear your views and should encourage public debate so that ultimately we have national consensus and hence a national conviction on the way forward,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter