Joseph Bonyo
14 August 2008
Nairobi — The debate on Genetically Modified Organisms should be based on proven scientific evidence and not myths, Agriculture minister William Ruto has said.
The minister has cautioned that Africa risks being left behind in adoption of new technologies bound to increase productivity and food security.
"There is a lot of rumours and myths about GMOs. If they are being consumed in the rest of the world, what makes us in Africa shy away from adopting them," said Mr Ruto.
Concern has been raised over the safety of biotechnology as a new trend in crop production. Farmers and other civil societies have in the past pressed the Government against allowing use of such crop varieties.
According to Mr Ruto, biotechnology would prevent perennial food shortages and increase crop productivity.
"My take is that this is the way to go not just in Kenya but across Africa. We cannot continue to import food from countries that sustain themselves on biotechnologies," he said.
Reject Bill
The minister was addressing a regional workshop on development of a Biosafety communication strategy for Comesa, at a Nairobi Hotel.
The minister also announced that he would be re introducing the Biosafety Bill 2008 in Parliament in October when the House resumes sessions.
MPs rejected the Bill when it was introduced in Parliament.
"I know it will be a task to convince both my peers in Parliament and the public on the importance of the Bill, but I'm confident that with proven evidence it will go through," added Mr Ruto.
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