29 Sep 2014

After 18 years of consuming genetically modified crops in the United States, there is no evidence that the crops cause any illnesses or side effects, says a plant biology professor.

Professor Peter Davies of Cornell University in America said there was no single documented case of illness or allergy caused by eating Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).

Addressing the media last Thursday, September 25, Professor Davies said every major science and food safety authority had examined the crops, but that no side effects were identified.

Prof Davies said it was instead found that GMO crops had many benefits as they produced high yields, were insect and disease resistance and had more tolerance to drought than ordinary crops.

He also noted that being insect resistant, GMO crops decreased the need to use toxic pesticides which may harm the environment and result in global warming.    

Dr Derrick George from the Department of Agricultural Research said through a bio-technology survey, his department realised that Batswana lacked knowledge on bio-technology and safety.As a result, Dr George said they decided to go around the country to raise awareness about bio-technology and safety issues.

He said the use of GMO crops could benefit Botswana as local farmers faced challenges such as pests. He noted that in some instances pests lead to 100 per cent failure in yield. 

He also said the use of GMO crops could lead to increased yield, and in the process uplift the living conditions of farmers.

He noted that GMO  crops could not be used in Botswana, as the country does not have legislation in that regard.He said although the country does not have a law on GMO, it cannot be said that the country was against their usage. 

He noted that the country was party to the Cartagena Protocol on bio-safety.Regarding feedback on country-wide interactions with stakeholders, Dr George said local commercial famers had shown interest in GMO crops.

He said although GMO seeds were priced higher than other seeds, profits made from the yields were also higher. ENDS