There is too much misinformation on GMOs – Luo

Higher Education Minister Professor Nkandu Luo

Higher Education Minister, Professor Nkandu Luo says her ministry has observed with dismay that despite pieces of legislation on Genetically Modified Organism and products being in place, and the capacity that has been built for genetic engineering, there seems to be a lot of misinformation on this matter.

Speaking during the sensitization and awareness workshop on biosafety and biotechnology for members of parliament and ministers in Lusaka today, Professor Luo notes that any new agricultural product which appears to be large in size as opposed to what used to be seen in the past is termed a GMO.

She says in view of the contention and misunderstanding surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms, her ministry, through the National Biosafety Authority has taken up the initiative to create awareness in order for the nation to have a new perspective around modern biotechnology.

Professor Luo adds that it has also been resolved to increase the momentum to acquire full benefits of the technology in a judicious manner.

Speaking at the same workshop, COMESA Assistant Secretary General Programs Dr Kipyego Cheluget said the cultivation of Genetically Modified organism (GM)has so far reached 188 million in 28 countries globally including those in Africa and in the region since the introduction of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO).

Dr. Kipyego Cheluget says the COMESA member states are at different states when it comes to biotechnology policy choices and capacity.

He says the workshop is timely to better understanding the issues and learn from the experiences of other COMESA Member States and use it for appropriate policy decisions in future.

And speaking earlier, National Biosafety Authority (NBA) Board Chairperson, Dr. Paul Zambezi advised the participants to help government clear the myths pertaining to GMOs.