Rwandan scientists debate potential pros and cons of allowing farmers to grow GMO crops

[G]enetically modified organisms (GMOs), which scientists argue are primed to revolutionise agriculture and livestock, have attracted criticism and skepticism from various circles.

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In bid to boost food security, several countries around the world have embraced GMOs, while others remain skeptical about embracing the technology.

Rwanda is one of the latest countries to take early steps towards legalising GMOs.

An official at the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) [in January] told The New Times that the environment watchdog had drafted a law regulating GMOs.

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The Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Gérardine Mukeshimana, has backed the move to adopt GMO technology, saying it would help feed the growing population.

Mukeshimana is a plant researcher and holds both a master’s degree and PhD in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology from Michigan State University in the United States.

“You can’t forever stick to crops and methods of farming that our forefathers practiced in 1900,” she said.

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[Martin Ntawubizi, a lecturer of applied genetics and animal breeding at the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Rwanda] warned that there are large multinationals in developed countries that actively promote GMOs in developing countries because of their business interests.

“They decide which seeds to give you,” he said. “It’s a kind of slavery, a new form of colonialism.”

Read full, original post: Debate ensues over move to adopt GMOs