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{
    "id": 1183909,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1183909/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 317,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Okiya Omtatah",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Yesterday, I heard very strange statements being made on the Floor of this House; that hybrids and crafted plants equal to GMOs. Basing on very simple literature and the little that I know, a hybrid is gene selection. GMOs as the name says, is gene modification by either editing the genes or by introducing new genes into organisms. As that goes, one would say it is playing God with organisms. Therefore, it is an area that maybe we are ill equipped to debate and arrive at any findings that have merit. Therefore, I urge that if GMOs are going to be debated as an aspect of food security, then the debate must be informed, not just being emotional. Information must come from scientists whom we do not have a shortage of and not from politicians campaigning for or against a position. It will not help us. We know there was a taskforce on GMOs that was established. It rendered a report, which has never been published officially, although I have seen some of it circulating online. It was given as a basis for which GMOs were banned in this country. Therefore, if GMOs are being defined as being equal to food security, then let us give that debate to people who understand it. From where I sit, this country has not exhausted its potential to be food secure. If you look at the Motion moved by Sen. Gataya Mo Fire, it shows that there is a lot that can be done in this country to improve our capacity to produce food and feed ourselves, and protect our farmers. There is a reason for protecting our farmers. In this country, farming is a major employer. We could as well just open the floodgates and say that we can get the cheapest maize in Brazil, whether GMO or not, bring it here and consume. What then happens to our farmers in a largely peasant economy? Therefore, protection of the farmer is very important. However, as we protect that farmer, we must enable them to produce efficiently, so that they can compete. That is why I go back and urge that whatever we do, agricultural extension and veterinary officers must be put back on the Government payroll. Now that agriculture is devolved, we must enhance the amount of money that goes to the counties to cater for these critical agents of production in the food chain. Even the environment is heavily dependent on them. The other day, we were told about the crossing over of diseases from animals to human beings. We need veterinary officers as a frontline for an eventuality, such as that with all these mutating genes and other stuff. It is my submission that over and above what has been ably presented by the Mover of the Motion and the various hon. Members who have supported it, this House, as the custodian of devolution under which agriculture is, must take the question of agriculture seriously. We must go the scientific way of getting back into the field of agricultural extension officers and veterinary officers. Our people cannot afford to pay for these services and that is why there is a lot of poor production and failure in our agricultural and livestock enterprises. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, with those few remarks, I support the Motion by the Sen. Gataya Mo Fire, the Senator who represents the area with very many people. I thank you."
}