Genetically modified (GM) cassava varieties that have been tested in Rwanda – under confined field trials – show promising results, mainly resistance to a destructive viral disease, but their cultivation in open fields or release to farmers awaits relevant regulations, according to a scientist at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

Athanase Nduwumuremyi, the Coordinator of the Roots and Tubers Program at RAB, told The New Times that a relevant National Biosafety Committee, and a ministerial order that determines modalities for application for a permit to release a genetically modified organism (GMO) – in this case cassava crops – are not yet approved in the country.

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Nduwumuremyi said that 12 GM cassava varieties have been under confined field trials, but three of them are ready to be given to farmers as they have already gone through the required research stages at three different sites – located in Bugesera District, Nyanza District, and Rubona [in Huye District].

The variety trials at different sites were meant to determine their adaptability in diverse places and soils, he pointed out.

"Their productivity is good, they are not affected by cassava brown streak disease [a devastating viral cassava disease locally called kabore],” said Nduwumuremyi, who is also the coordinator of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Rwanda.

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He observed that resistance to the viral disease is what matters the most since it ensures that all the obtained produce is of good quality, which means a farmer can sell all of it as opposed to varieties affected by the disease which makes farmers incur losses as it renders the tubers inedible.

An effective comparison of the performance of the varieties versus conventional ones (non-GMO ones) will be made when they are grown on open fields [not under confined field trials], Nduwumuremyi said.

"We request that they [regulations] get expedited, and for Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) to follow up on the establishment of the National Biosafety Committee, and for the ministerial orders that provide for permit application to be availed,” he said, indicating that they are required to make the biosafety law fully implemented.

REMA – as an entity in charge of environment management – is the competent authority to ensure the coordination of enforcement of the biosafety law.

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According to the law governing biosafety, which was enacted in February, the National Biosafety Committee is established for the purpose of assisting and providing expertise in reviewing [permit] applications.

The Committee also advises REMA. Based on a report submitted by the National Biosafety Committee, REMA may request the applicant in writing, to set up an Institutional Biosafety Committee within the prospective institution while stating in the same notice, directions for the Institutional Biosafety Committee.

An Order of the Prime Minister determines the composition, responsibilities and functioning of the National Biosafety Committee as well as its term of office, according to the law.

Activities subject to permit application include intentional introduction of a living modified organism (or genetically modified organism – GMO) into the environment; and to place on the market a living modified organism for direct use as food, feed or for processing; and to handle, package, label, transport or store a living modified organism.

An order of the minister in charge of environment may determine other activities subject to permit application, the law provides.

Amandin Rutayisire, a biosafety specialist at REMA, told The New Times that an order of the Prime Minister establishing the National Biosafety Committee, and a ministerial order that determines modalities for granting a permit [for GMO realise] "are being worked on, and you will be informed once they are approved in Cabinet.”

Also, Rutayisire said, guidelines [to comply with in conducting the living modified organism risk management plan] are being developed and will be approved when the ministerial order is approved.