By OLIVER SAMBOKO
AFRICA should reject Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) foods and technology to avoid contamination of non GMO plants due to pollen movements, former Southern Province Minister Edify Hamukale has said.
Dr Hamukale said apart from contamination of non GMO plants due to pollen movements, GMO has potential to foster dependence on corporate seed supply, increase in the use of agro chemicals, patenting restrictions that can only favour developed countries.
Dr Hamukale said GMO has negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystems, and also a threat to human health and can impact the sustainability of food security in African countries.
Meanwhile, farmers in Kalomo have called on the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to offer the market a favourable maize floor price of not less than K250 per 50 Kilogram bag.
Last year, the government pegged the cost of a 50kg bag of maize at K150.
Mr Lumamba Mweemba, said in an interview that this is the only way farmers can be encouraged to produce more for local consumption and export.
He said for a long time now, the price of maize has not been favourable to farmers resulting in farmers contemplating growing soya beans which has a high price.
Another farmer, Mr Maybin Mukuni said most farmers in the area are likely to hoard the maize if government through the FRA goes ahead to offer a low price in this maize marketing season.
“Very few farmers will be willing to sell their produce to FRA if they go ahead to announce a low price,” Mr Mukuni warned.
