downtoearth-subscribe

Caught in a maize

  • 30/03/2006

Zimbabwe is importing unmilled, genetically modified (gm) maize from Argentina, despite a ban on it. According to Reuters, local traders said that Argentinean ships loaded with yellow maize (a gm crop), were making their way to Zimbabwean shores.

Government officials, however, pleaded ignorance and said their policy against gm crops remained unchanged. Though Zimbabwe is suffering from acute food shortage, it is wary of importing gm foods because it believes they haven't been adequately tested. The country accepts only milled gm crops to avoid crossbreeding with local crops.

Related Content