(HERALD) Motion for Zim to embrace genetic engineering community ratified

Motion for Zim to embrace genetic engineering community ratified
Thursday, 27 October 2011 00:00
Herald Reporter

THE House of Assembly has ratified a motion to make Zimbabwe a member of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Science and Technology Minister Heneri Dzinotyiwei steered the motion on Tuesday. In an interview after the sitting, Minister Dzinotyiwei said by being a member of the centre, Zimbabwe would be able to access high research facilities for no extra cost.

"It will mean that we can have a right to send scientists to undertake research using sophisticated facilities that are available at the centre," he said.

"There is no way Zimbabwe can manage to buy the facilities because they are very expensive."

Minister Dzinotyiwei said genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were less than one percent of the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
He said from a scientific point of view, there was nothing wrong with GMOs.

Minister Dzinotyiwei said adopting GMOs in Zimbabwe would be an opportunity to revive the agricultural sector and make the land reform programme a success.
Debating the Presidential speech earlier on, Zanu-PF legislator for Uzumba, Cde Simbaneuta Mudari-kwa, said there was need for Zimbabwe to embrace GMOs.