Mozambique’s corn evolution; embracing genetic modification for agricultural sustainability

The country may start producing genetically modified corn. Research from the Mozambique Agricultural Research Institute recommends adopting seeds with altered genes to resist pests and tolerate drought. It’s common to hear that major food consumers worldwide, like India, as well as many European countries, do not accept genetically modified agricultural products. But Mozambique prefers to advance in genetic manipulation, at least for corn, to produce a seed resistant to diseases and pests, as well as drought, which is increasingly common due to the impacts of climate change. “In fact, what’s happening is that we’ve been conducting this research for 16 years. Our idea is not to say that we want this. Among several problems posed by farmers is the issue of low corn yield. At the national level, we’re around 900 kilograms/hectare, in some places, one ton/hectare. In other countries, here, in the region where Mozambique is located, they’re producing 5 to 10 tons/hectare. So, from the ...