The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has called on the Akwa Ibom state government to ban the cultivation and consumption of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the state.
This appeal is part of HOMEF’s efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and protect the environment as GMOs, a scientifically produced seeds, negatively impact agriculture.
Speaking during a one-day training on agroecology for farmers at Uyo Afaha Nkan in Ikono LGA on Monday, the Director Programmes of HOMEF, Mrs Joyce Brown, said their concern is rooted in the potential health and environmental risks associated with GMOs.
She stated that several countries have already banned or restricted the use of GMOs due to these concerns , adding that some European countries like France, Germany, and Austria have prohibited the cultivation of GMOs within their borders.
Brown said that similarly African countries like Algeria and Madagascar have also banned GMOs.
She said the move by HOMEF is aimed at encouraging Akwa Ibom to follow suit and prioritise the health and well-being of its citizens.
The HOMEF Director of Programmes said that by banning GMOs, the state can promote organic farming methods that prioritise soil health, biodiversity, and human well-being.
“We call on the Akwa Ibom State Government to ban GMOs because of it negative impact on the environment and human consumption.
“We will make plans to meet with the officials of the government in Akwa Ibom to clearly explain why GMOs are bad idea and why we are calling on them to ban them.
“The call is ongoing at the national level for GMOs to be banned and for the country to embrace and promote agroecology so that
healthy food could be produced for human consumption.”
She expressed delight that the organisation’s free trainings for farmers on how to produce organic pesticides and organic fertilizer are yielding fruit as many farmers are currently experiencing bounty harvest on their farms.
Brown said that if GMOs are allowed, the food system of the country will be controlled thereby living the nation at the mercy of the manufacturers of the seeds.
She stated that apart destroying ecosystem, studies have shown that GMO has negative health implications on human beings like cancer, immune deficiency among others.
Our correspondent reports that the theme of the event is, “Solving The Food and Climate Crises: Practical Training on Agroecology”.