Why do SA farmers use genetically modified plants?
However, South Africa is still one of the few countries in the world where the government supports the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to boost the quality and quantity of food crops. The National Department of Agriculture (NDA) says that South Africa needs artificial assistance when it comes to growing crops, because the country itself does not have ideal growing conditions. Less than 15% of South Africa’s land is arable and climatic constraints like periodic droughts make natural growth too risky to ensure food security for its people. The NDA believes that if plants are genetically modified, their resistance to pests and disease can be increased. This not only yields more crops, but also reduces the need for pesticides. Scientists can also control the taste and nutritional value of GM plants and this can help combat the deficiency diseases that ravage the country. Eighty percent of South African meat is non-organic (See “Can you get organic meat?
