ADDIS ABABA— Ethiopia needs to strategically act and scrupulously appraise the global scenario to entertain technological outcomes especially when it comes to the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)in particular and biotechnology findings in general, says Dr. EndaleGebre, Biotechnology Senior Expert.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Dr. Endale said Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) has been controversial issue for years in Ethiopia. This calls for useful to follow findings of well defined researches and applying empirical evidences to decide upon the use of GMO.
He also said that over 70 countries worldwide have been making use of GMO technology and from 400 to 500 GMO products are being used at the global level. Even industrial products such as maize and cotton as well as processes are these days being rife following the GMO utilization.
Dr. Endale further elucidated that some two million hectares worldwide are being covered by different crops passing through the GMO channel. This approach has from time to time been intensifying and this indicates that to what extent the technology is useful and even it is repeatedly heralded that the technology helps reduce cost of production and increase productivity. This in turn helps people and countries to play a role in the world competitive market. Here, we can imagine how it is a worldwide choice to augment production and the usefulness of the technology is getting high.
However, he stated that dichotomous schools of thought are reflected in Ethiopia with regard to the use of GMO. Yes, he said, reflecting ideas is of paramount importance in coming up with convicting justification and sieving the chaff from the seed. But the arguments need to be based on empirical evidence and scientific findings. What is important for a given nation like Ethiopia is using appropriate technology as the burden of proof lies on the users.
He went on saying that interestingly, GMO regulation was enacted in Ethiopia taking the worldwide use of the technology into account. Besides, it is in a position of reconciling the two extreme thoughts as it was prepared in line with world treaties, agreements and conventions and leaves room to think about GMO and decide accordingly.
Entertaining the safe use of the technology is of significantly useful in securing food self-sufficiency, quenchinglocal demand and having disease and drought resistant produces. The good thing is the law provides Ethiopia with a leeway to choose what should be employed regarding the GMO, he added.
The Ethiopian herald June 5,2020
BY MENGESHA AMARE
