The Head of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) Clive James said Egypt should make more use of genetic engineering when cultivating wheat, maize and cotton. Egypt joined the club of countries using this advanced technology to cultivate genetically-engineered maize as of 2008 when it cultivated disease resistant maize in Beheira, Qalyubia and Sharkia governorates.
Speaking to Al-Masry Al-Youm, James said this technology can achieve food security for Egypt by increasing self-sufficiency of wheat and maize. Genetic engineering increases the productivity of these crops by up to 25% and reduces the costs of production by 50%. In addition, it reduces poverty rates, as it provides food at affordable prices, James added.
He said new technology achieves seven benefits for farmers and the society: it contributes to food security, provides food at affordable prices, preserves biodiversity, reduces poverty and hunger rates, de-escalate environmental problems resulting from agricultural operations, contains negative impacts of climate change, reduces greenhouse emissions, and contributes to the production of bio-fuel at an affordable cost.
Genetic engineering is the strong engine to achieve Egypt's economic growth, especially as the majority of Egyptians work in the agricultural sector. Therefore, this will contribute to the growth of the national economy, he said. Egypt should adopt biotechnology to support its agricultural economy, as this will positively affect the development of the agricultural manufacturing sector that the Egyptian government intends to expand over the next few years, he added. Egypt's decision to use genetic engineering technology is an important strategic decision for Egypt and African countries, especially as Egypt is one of the most influential countries in the region thanks to its progress in this technology, he went on to say.
Areas cultivated with genetically-engineered crops are expected to increase after the enforcement of the law on the circulation of such kind of crops, especially as it would reduce the consumption of herbicides, which are the greatest concern due to their high prices. These products are very healthy and are of great benefit for the environment, as they increase farmers' financial returns and improve their standards of living, he added. Regarding the possibility of cultivating genetically-engineered cotton, James said genetic engineering could be used to increase the production of cotton, reduce the costs of production and fight against Earias insulana. One of the major problems facing the marketing of Egyptian cotton is its high cost of production, something that could be avoided by cultivating genetically-engineered cotton as is the case in India and China.
James expected the number of countries using this technology to increase from 25 to 40, adding that 55 countries are expected to allow the circulation of genetically-engineered crops.
