The Tanzanian government has removed the strict liability clause in the Environmental Management (Biosafety) Regulations of 2009 to enable researchers conduct studies unimpeded in genetic engineering of both food and cash crops.
The Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children, Pindi Chana, said the clause was restraining local researchers from conducting research towards productions of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
In the erased clause, researchers were held responsible for any negative impact brought about by their studies on GMOs crops even if it was not deliberate.
Chana explained that the government has put in place a strategic programme on cultivation of genetically engineered crops such as cotton, maize, cassava and banana.
“Through the programme, the government has strengthened the capacity of local researchers as well as infrastructure for laboratories and special farms to conduct tests before the technology is introduced,” Chana said in her response.
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