Farmers resist genetically modified (GMO) seeds
The debate over the pros and cons of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) seeds continues.
In Ghana, some Farmers have expressed their dislike the use of GMO seeds.
One of the reasons why many are nervous about the way GMO is managed in Ghana is that it is not particularly transparent.
In an interview with WADR’s Elisabeth Laure Njipwo, a specialist in plant genetics at the University of Ouagadougou, Professor Jean Albert Zongo argued that the main inconveniencies of GMO seeds is the dispersion of its genes into nature, because they would impact biodiversity by reducing it.
They will mix with local varieties and change their natural structure. The evolution of any plant lies on the diversity of its species and when these varieties are lost it becomes impossible for that plant to evolve.
Western countries are now coming to Africa to search for plant species to improve varieties of their plants because they know how important it is for their biodiversity.
Another concern for Professor Zongo is the patents attached to these flying genes.
“Imagine when their dispersing genes would mix with local varieties we will have to pay royalties for the initially non GMO varieties. This is a threat to farmers’ right to grow their own seeds from local varieties” Zongo pointed out.
According to the Ghanaian farmers, GMO seeds are not only difficult to use, but they also doubt the potency of their yields.
WADR’s Accra Correspondent Kofi Agyepong reports.
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