GM: Why Stewardship is Important
The article GM Should Not Just be Dismissed, Nor Just Accepted (16 June, IPS) reports of hybrid white maize failure in South Africa that affected an estimated 82,000 hectares due to under-fertilization in the laboratory, unsuitable weather and incorrect farming practices, calls for heavy investment in stewardship. Technology helps farmers increase their yields but the above scenario indicates high risks if judicious use is not taken to account.
For a continent that relies on white maize for its staple food; crop failure in such a sector translates not only to famine but could also lead to political instability. Industry players therefore ought not to dismiss critics who urge caution on use of technology, especially, on genetically modified seeds because indeed threats of malfunction may actually occur and plunge nations, and sub continents into food crisis. The best option is to address such fears, and transparently offer a way forward.
The great lesson one gathers from the seed failure in South Africa is the importance of product traceability. The responsible company was able to compensate farmers and even provide a scientific reason for the failure. To improve crop farming in poor countries, science is critical to offer explanations on ways of increasing yields while at the same time giving reasons as to why farmers find it difficult to feed citizens in their jurisdictions.
James Shikwati
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