Poultry producers appeal to have GMO maize allowed

from between US$120 and US$150 per tonne. Poultry producers said they could only import non-GMO maize that is expensive. Karoi poultry producer, Mrs Enerdy Tsoro said the increase in cost of production would affect the small holder producer. She said stockfeed prices had also increased.
“We will not be able to compete against the cheap imports if our cost of production continues to rise,” she said.
Producers said stockfeeds accounted for almost 75 percent of the cost of production.
They complained that there was maize shortage in Zimbabwe and Government should allow them to import GM maize.
They suggested that the ban could be re-introduced when there is enough maize for both human and livestock consumption.
However, Zimbabwe Poultry Association chairman Mr Solomon Zawe said importing GMOs was not a solution.
He said it was better for farmers to endure the current hardships while coming up with home grown solutions.
“It is better to intensify production of maize than rely on importing GM products,” he said.
AMA director, production and operations, Mr Maxwell Chikanda said companies and individuals were free to import maize in any quantity as there were no limitations due to the current grain shortage in Zimbabwe.
“We are permitting importation of maize if companies meet all the requirements which include a GMO-free certificate. Importation of GM maize is a non starter as Government has made it clear to all stakeholders,” he said.
Zimbabwe requires 1 384 000 tonnes of maize from human consumption and 350 000 tonnes for livestock and other uses.
During the 2011/12 cropping season, Zimbabwe produced nearly one million tonnes of maize leaving a defict of 900 000 tonnes