Rwanda is set to join other Eastern Africa countries in growing genetically modified (GM) Irish potato varieties, a technology that has, in the past, attracted wide-ranging public scrutiny in the country.
The move comes after the country initiated enacting the law governing genetically modified organisms last year. The law is yet to be passed.
The potato variety has been developed by International Potato Centre (CIP), Karangwa said.
“That disease-resistant potato variety which was developed through genetic modification has many benefits to the farmers because it cuts the costs that they were incurring on pesticide sprays. In addition, it will reduce harmful effects that the pesticides were causing to environment,” he said.
Author: By Emmanuel Ntirenganya