By Abdoulie John
A visiting Professor has urged Gambians not to succumb to fear surrounding the use of agriculture biotechnology. The Federal University of Petmambuco (UFPE) lecturer, Dr. Paulo Pages de Andrade, said some campaigners are spreading fear of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) without providing any scientific background.
The Brazilian scholar was speaking Thursday at the Gambia College auditorium in Brikama, some 22 km away from Banjul. The event was organised by the American Embassy.
“Fear is used by the opposition to block development,” Professor Dr. Andrade told his audience while throwing a jab at some news organisations of “propelling fear-mongering.”
Like many underdeveloped countries, the West African nation is confronted with mounting challenges in the fight against food insecurity, with Gambians remaining divided over the best alternative to opt in boostibg agricultural products.
Professor Dr. Paulo Pages de Andrade, who spoke to this reporter, said biotechnology constitutes a complementary alternative.
“It is one among many technologies that are used in agriculture,” he said.
When asked why in Europe, America and Asia people are demonstrating against agriculture biotechnology accused of having disastrous consequences for the environment, for local farmers, and consumers, he said: “science has shown the opposite. Agriculture biotechnology is safe. We are all benefitting from this technology.”
Professor Dr. Andrade further stated that the consumer has greater advantage of using GMO products because the prices are cheaper.
However, the Principal of Gambia College Aboubacarr Jallow has a different opinion.
While acknowledging the fact that biotechnology can help increase the productivity and resistence of crops, he was quick to make it clear that Thr Gambia is not yet ready to embrace GMO products.
“We must get the knowledge to be able to manage GMO crops,” he warned, expressing the need to capacitise Gambian agricultural base before descending into “this modern form of agriculture.”
Jallow said Gambians must listen to the voice of campaigners, adding that communities stood up in India and Brazil because they were affected by GMOs.
“As people in the social justice movement, campaigners have to make their voice heard.”
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That’s right Mr jallow.first know how ,???.let ‘s us be careful.even in germany bio products are expensive bt people prefer them more than the GMO products