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Government should allow importation of milled Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) maize to overcome shortages of stock feeds on the local market, the Pig Industry Board (PIB) has said.A GMO is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
In 2006, Zimbabwe banned the production and importation of GMOs preferring to maintain the organic form of its agricultural products despite threats to food security.
There has however been growing calls to lift the ban on GMOs to ensure food security with some experts arguing that breeding of seed varieties was the same as genetically modifying organisms.
PIB director Andrew Shonhiwa told New Ziana that government should allow the importation of crushed genetically modified maize to overcome stock feeds shortages.
“Because we are not producing enough maize, prices of stock feeds with time go high. Maize is accessible at cheaper prices only during the harvesting period, he said.
“We urge the government to allow the importation of genetically modified maize in milled form. This prevents the dangers to the genetic make-up of our locally produced maize so that farmers, especially pork producers, access milled maize at favourable prices,” he said.
Shonhiwa said the number of pigs registered abattoirs slaughtered in the first 10 months of last year grew by three percent compared to the previous one.
“However smaller animals were being slaughtered towards the end of the year because of feed challenges,” he said.
He said many farmers failed to sell their pigs at good prices while others even contemplated to reduce numbers due to poor markets caused by the liquidity challenges.
Online Reporter