Zimbabwe to maintain ban on GMO imports

HARARE - The top Zimbabwean agricultural official on Saturday said the government will maintain its ban on imports of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and will not allow GMO crop seeds into the country.

Agriculture Mechanization and Irrigation Development Minister Joseph Made said imported GMO seeds pose a risk to national food security, while local scientists can develop seeds that are suitable for the country's soil and not harmful to the health of the people.

"Our scientists have over the years developed seeds that are in balance with our climate and soil. These GMOs will bring various conditions and complications to the environment and people's health," the minister was quoted as saying by state media.

The government will strive to ensure that the seed market is protected and dominated by local players, he added.

"Zimbabwe is the largest white maize seed producer in the world and we do not want to contaminate our local seed by introducing GMOs," he stressed.