International Service for the Acquisition of Agri- Biotech Applications has launched Global Status of Commercialized Biotech crops program Thursday 26th May, in Lilongwe at Golden Peacock Hotel. The program aimed at improving agricultural industry through biotech crops.
The revelation was made during the presentation of a 2014 Global Status Report of Biotech crops, in which crops show continued growth. For instance, the 2014 global plantings increase by 6 million hectares roughly, representing 80 percent indicating the significance of the program to developing countries.
The Program Officer for ISAAA Paul Chege, during presentation of findings of survey reveals that in 2014, a record 181.5 million hectares of biotech crops were grown globally, an increase of more than six million hectares from 2013. “This shows that biotech crops in livelihood development are important hence launching the program in Malawi to improve the country’s economy since agriculture is the main stay in as far as Malawi economy is concern”, said Chege.
Further Chege highlight that since 1996, more than ten food and fiber biotech crops have been approved and commercialized around the world. These range from major commodities such as maize, soybean and cotton, to fruits and vegetables like papaya, eggplant and, mostly recently, potato to enhance the development of African countries. In addition, the biotech crops contribute to more sustainable crop production systems and provide resilient responses to the challenges of climate change.
The Director General of the National Commission for Science and Technology Alick Manda, recommended that the research launch has come at a right time when Malawi has been hit by the flood and dry spell. “Government of Malawi is committed to ensure food security in the country through biotech crops. Malawi is a shining example among most African countries that with political will, the use of agricultural technology, and working in partnership with the agricultural industry, can increase agricultural productivity”, said Manda.
Manda also lament that cotton is treated by government as a strategic crop to generate income in the country. Therefore, government of Malawi approved the National Biotechnology and Biosafety policy in 2008 and Malawi parliament enacted Biosafety Act in 2002 and Science and Technology Act in 2003 to ensure safe and responsible application of the technology. These instruments provide a framework for effective implementation of biotechnology programs and activities in line with the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy.
The Cotton trial Manager, LUANAR James Bokosi, commented that Biotechnology research in Malawi help to eradicate poverty, hunger, diseases in the Sub-Sahara Africa if properly managed citing finances as one of important areas for progress of the program. The program also focuses on fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
