‘Biotech Potatoes Not Harmful To Humans’

The Global Biotechnology Potato Partnership (GBPP) has debunked the notion that consuming Biotech Potatoes can cause allergies and cancer in human beings. They also said that it has been extensively tested that Biotech Potatoes are safe and can not cause sickness, make one to become impotent or suffer a miscarriage.

LEADERSHIP reports that GBPP is USAID Feed the Future funded initiative focused on the development and deployment of genetically modified (GM) potato varieties to address agricultural challenges and improve food security, particularly in developing countries.

The Principal Investigator (PI) GBPP/ National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike Dr Charles Amadi stated this while speaking at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) round table meeting with potato stakeholders in Kuru Jos, Plateau State.

According to him, Genetic Modify Organism (GMOs) have been grown in many countries worldwide for 30 years with no health or safety problems with humans or livestock.

Dr. Amadi explained that the objectives of GBPP is to develop potato varieties that are resistant to major diseases, pests, and environmental stresses and to enhance the nutritional quality and yield of potato crops.

Other objectives he said include ensuring that these improved potato varieties are accessible to small holder farmers in developing regions adding that the partnership also aimed to contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing the environmental impact of potato farming through decreased pesticide use and better resource efficiency.

He further pointed out that the partnership is aimed at conducting field trials and regulatory assessments to ensure the safety and efficacy of the GM potato varieties and to work on capacity building and training for farmers, extension workers, and regulators to support the adoption and proper management of these biotechnological innovations.

The expert also lamented the low yield of potatoes in Nigeria which is caused by late blight disease adding that Biotech potatoes are GMO potatoes that resist late blight, without fungicides as they are farmer-preferred varieties made resistant to late blight through biotechnology.