An elderly woman carrying 50 kg of Maize on her back
Bianca Mlilo, Business Reporter
Forty five percent of the maize consumed in Zimbabwe is genetically modified (GMO) despite government’s anti-GMO policy, a study has revealed.
The crippling El-Nino induced drought has forced government to import GMO products, especially grain to avert starvation, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) president, Busisa Moyo, said.
Citing a study by a member of the organisation, Moyo told captains of industry during a business briefing in Bulawayo yesterday that policy on the importation of GMO products should be looked at holistically and be evenly applied to ensure importing businesses benefited equally.
“The country is already consuming GMOs. This is statistically proven, we received statistics from one of our members,” he said.
Moyo said engagements between the government and the private sector on grain imports was positive but there was a need to clarify the issue of importing GMOs.
“I know millers have been given permits to import up to 100,000 tonnes of grain for milling and processing. We, however want the playing field to be level and avoid a situation whereby some are allowed to import GMOs while others are denied,” said Moyo.
Protagonists argue that GMOs are generally cheaper than organic or conventionally produced foods hence the need to allow businesses to import GMOs especially during years of drought.
Last month Agriculture Minister Joseph Made told Parliament that the government had not changed its policy on GMOs but will allow import of GMO maize for milling.