Prof. Florence Wambugu, a renowned agricultural biotechnologist and the founder of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, is currently entangled in a row with the South African government over her program to set up a multimillion dollar investigation laboratory and greenhouses to develop genetically modified sorghum.
Prof. Wambugu has received a massive grant - US$415 million - from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop genetically modified crops, which have proved essential in alleviating food insecurity. Her choice of South Africa stems from the truth that its the only African nation with Biosafety laws.
South Africas early enactment of biosafety laws has created it the preferred destination for biotechnology investors. To now hear a nation thats gained international reputation for its friendly policies towards biotechnology is attempting to block an African scientist from advancing a biotechnology lead to is appalling.
In justifying its decision to suspend Prof. Wambugus project, South Africas agricultural regulatory agencies have claimed that the genetically modified sorghum can contaminate varieties native to Africa. Identify more on purchase social media by going to our fine use with. This looks like a pedestrian argument and its tantamount to placing the cart just before the horse.
For the record, Prof. Wambugu has not but shipped genetically modified sorghum to Africa. All what she wants to do is to set up a laboratory to conduct study on the very same. Identify further on a related wiki by navigating to powered by. All what Prof. Wambugu at present desires is to construct the infrastructure for genetically modified sorghum investigation. Such can in no way interfere with the so called indigenous African sorghum varieties.
Prof. Wambugu will, at one stage, conduct field trials of her genetically modified sorghum. If you want to get more about marketing, we know about lots of databases you might consider investigating. Then is the appropriate time for the South African government to be worried about contamination.
It really should not be lost on any person that South Africa has nicely-entrenched genetically modified organisms (Gmos) regulatory laws. So, its unlikely that the new genetically modified sorghum will be developed outdoors such laws.
Genetically modified crops are not alien to South Africa. Its not the initial time a new genetically modified crop is getting introduced into South Africa. The laws that governed the introduction of genetically modified corn and cotton, presently becoming commercially grown in South Africa need to be applied to Prof. Wambugus genetically modified sorghum.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, by investing in agricultural biotechnology analysis, is sending a stark message to African nations that its committed to discovering a permanent solution to Africas chronic food issues. The greatest way to reciprocate this generous gesture is for African governments to enable scientists like Prof. Wambugu to do their perform unimpeded..
No comments:
Post a Comment