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'Biotechnology Ideal for Developing Countries' , (Dominionization)

'Biotechnology Ideal for Developing Countries'

The Herald (Harare)
NEWS
February 3, 2006
Posted to the web February 3, 2006
Harare

BIOTECHNOLOGY is ideal for developing countries and can go a long way in increasing food production, visiting United States academic Professor Tom de Gregori has said.

Prof de Gregori was speaking at a one-day National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) seminar in Harare to discuss biotechnology.

"Biotechnology is quite useful for developing countries because there are numerous benefits to be derived from it," he said.

The academic said in agriculture, different varieties of crops such as maize, potatoes and beans were being produced through biotechnology and those varieties had proved to be more nutritious besides boosting a high level of disease tolerance.

He said biotechnology was safe despite some scepticism from some quarters worldwide adding that there was no reason why it should not be embraced in today's modern life.

A renowned academic who has written dozens of books on biotechnology, Prof de Gregori is in Zimbabwe at the invitation of President Mugabe.

He is in the country to exchange notes with other researchers and scientists in the field of biotechnology.

Speaking at the same occasion, chairman of the Bio-Safety Board Dr Robbie Mupawose said biotechnology would be useful in agriculture, health and industry.

"Biotechnology will increase food security if used properly. We are becoming a very expensive producer so we have to watch out for costs of production," he said.

He said Zimbabwe was renowned for its scientific prowess but of late research projects had not been receiving adequate funding.

"Most institutions at the moment do not have adequate tools to promote research.

"Lack of appropriate remuneration has also seen most researchers leaving the country for greener pastures in the region or abroad and we have to do something about it," said Dr Mupawose.

Biotechnology, he said, provided golden opportunities for the use of resources for the benefit of the nation.

Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences (ZAS) president Professor Christopher Chetsanga said Zimbabwe had the biotechnological knowledge but it was not being fully utilised because some people believed it was harmful.

He said by ignoring biotechnology, the nation was depriving itself of essential technology.

Local scientists and researchers attended the seminar whose theme was "Utilising Biotechnology to Enhance Agricultural and Food Production and Disease Control".

Biotechnology has grown to become a driving force for economic growth in developed countries and contributes significantly to high standards of living.

Article Last Updated: 2/03/2006 02:32 AM

Wed Feb 8