The Mozambican Institute for Agricultural Research (IIAM) is awaiting authorization from the competent authorities to release genetically modified maize varieties in order to expand maize production. The varieties were developed with the aim of increasing maize yields, which currently stand at around one ton per hectare, to between four and five tons. The director-general of IIAM, Zélia Menete, stressed the importance of these varieties for increasing productivity and reducing dependence on imports.
However, she acknowledged that commercial farmers may choose to continue using non-genetically modified varieties. She also addressed the criticism of the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), defending the need to consider the advantages of these technologies. Menete stressed that the adoption of these varieties could help Mozambique increase its agricultural production and become less dependent on imports.
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