Truth about GMO

Ever heard of the joy that you can not bite the hand that feeds you?. Shunned by the West for oppressing his people, President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, has been in China for the camaraderie. Two weeks ago, Mugabe and his lieutenants in China - on a begging mission. His country's economy is now in a shambles, Mugabe had to deal with China to save his rapidly sinking ship. As expected, China - a fast growing economy, has pledged to Mugabe's aid. Help is only, which means that Zimbabweans' problems are far from over.

What now awaits Zimbabwe - once Africa's Food Cart? Agriculture, the backbone of the economy of Zimbabwe, for one, is on its last throes. Outdated agricultural policies, outdated agricultural technologies in conjunction with Bad policies are largely responsible for the economic down turn. Why should not Zimbabwe, now, the benefits of their new-found Freedom - China, the revival of its agriculture? China, for example, has and will continue in the enjoyment of modern biotechnology. Zimbabwe, also could benefit enormously if it courts biotechnology. This would make it self sufficient in food and relief supplies to stop! monetary handouts such as President Mugabe is craving are only for the stop-gap to Zimbabwe food problems .

China is currently the hub of biotechnology in Asia. Since the planting of genetically modified crops in the U.S. fifteen years ago, China has aggressively pursued cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops. So far, it has approval to eight varieties of biotech corn, seven types of rapeseed and soybeans. As a result, China can now feed more than 1 billion inhabitants, without outside help. China is no longer in the list of countries, the United Nations (UN ) think, need food aid. In a very short time, China's agriculture, actually the recipient of food aid at a donor. admirable achievement!

China's success in biotechnology has a number of factors. One, China In contrast to many African countries, has refused to politicize the issue of genetically modified foods. It has worked closely with the United States to promote a settlement on the basis of sound science to the GM approvals. This is despite the presence of major political differences between these two countries.

Two, China enthusiasm in training first-class scientists on modern biotechnology has been steadfast. It has billions of dollars in the fields of science and technology education. As a result, the country is now in a position to make informed decisions about genetically modified foods.

Now, Zimbabwe is with China, it can not take advantage of this new acquaintance to modernize agriculture? Zimbabwe remains strongly opposed to genetically modified food without legitimate reasons. Even a time like this when he with acute food shortages , Zimbabwe would not allow the food aid laced with genetically modified organisms into its territory. relief organizations are required to GMO certificates to certify that food brought into the country is GM free. Is it necessary?

Many times, African countries have committed themselves to being used as guinea pigs by biotech companies, this is ridiculous. China, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and South Africa are just some of the countries from developing countries currently growing genetically modified foods. If they are guinea pigs?

China, early enough , saw the folly of politicizing the biotech debate. It is now reap bountifully. A poor country a decade ago, China is now in a position to bail out a country like Zimbabwe.

When Mugabe travels to Beijing again, China should be remember that his wealth was accrued interest from modern biotechnology. And that Zimbabwe should follow this example. If this fails, it amounts to bite the hand that feeds them.

James Wachai is a communication specialist who uses his expertise to increase public understanding of science and technology, specifically biotechnology. Read more from James at http://www.gmoafrica.org

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