Tanzania experts allowed to study GM crops

The Tanzania 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, Ms 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.

Ms Chana was responding to a basic question by Lushoto MP Dr Henry Shekifu (CCM) who had wanted to know how the government was prepared to introduce the technology as it has been with other countries in the African continent.

The deputy minister 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,” Dr Chana said in her response.

She noted that the state recognises the importance of science in boosting agricultural productivity owing to climate change which has brought about drought, floods and poor distribution of rain in addition to emergence of new diseases and pests which have negatively affected agriculture production.

"Local researchers have the required expertise to conduct the studies and as we speak they are working on cassava genes which have been resistant to diseases affecting cassava,” the deputy minister DR Chana noted.