Modern biotechnology and products derived from it have come to stay and will not go away as a result of polarized debates, seeds scientists have warned.Speaking late Wednesday during the Seed Traders Association of Kenya (STAK) Congress in Nairobi, the scientists noted that the technology has brought new benefits for plant breeding and seeds with improved benefits in agriculture. The scientists said that functioning seed systems are required to deliver improved genetics, seed quality and seed treatment in a scalable manner.They called for the linkage of upstream breeding and research and development with extension and value-chain led activities. “The technology has brought new crop production practices and coexistence of conventional and genetically modified food crops,” said President of African Seed Traders Association (AFSTA) Jitu Shah.Shah called on players in the seed industry to become familiar with the new developments that impact production and trade in agriculture. He noted that there is need to adopt and follow the new regulations and also help create public awareness amongst the farmers.Dr. Wynand Van der Walt, a biotechnology expert from South Africa, observed that the technology has provided resistance to insects and pathogens and tolerance to herbicides.Through the technology, tillage has been minimized, reduced crop rotation and pesticide use as it gives farmers maximum benefits.
