The Kwara State House of Assembly has asked the state governor to instruct the Ministry of Agriculture to launch an awareness campaign on the dangers of planting Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) seeds, especially their effects on human health and the environment.
This call followed a motion titled “Need to discourage farmers from planting Genetically Modified Organisms seeds in order to enhance food security in Kwara State”. The motion was moved by Mr. Mohammed Kareem Musa, who represents the Patigi State Constituency.
During the debate, Mr. Musa said that eating genetically engineered food harms biodiversity and weakens traditional farming methods. He urged agricultural extension workers to take up their duty of discouraging farmers from embracing GMO seeds in the state.
Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate warned that GMO seeds are attracting global interest and should not be allowed to spread into Kwara State.
In his ruling, the Speaker, Yakubu Danladi Salihu, directed all local government councils in the state to set up demonstration farms. These farms will be used to show farmers the dangers of planting GMO seeds.
