In the vibrant heart of Zimbabwe, where agriculture forms the backbone of the nation’s economy and food security, a powerful force is quietly revolutionizing the way farmers cultivate the land. This force is biotechnology, and at the helm of this transformation stands the National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe (NBA), an institution dedicated to fostering innovation and sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
The Authority’s mission is clear and ambitious: To guide Zimbabwe from a raw material-based economy to a knowledge-based one, harnessing biotechnology to boost productivity, resilience and sustainability.
Speaking with 07NewsDaily, the NBA Chief Executive Officer Dr Deckster Savadye highlighted that the authority is among other objectives leveraging cutting-edge biotechnological advancements to support farmers, address environmental challenges, and contribute to the nation’s socio-economic growth.
Below are excerpts of the interview.
Q: The National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe is a pivotal institution driving innovation and sustainable development in the agricultural sector. Could you please outline the primary role of the Authority in advancing agricultural development in Zimbabwe?
A: The National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe is mandated to regulate, actively support and manage biotechnology research, development and application.
Our primary role is to transform the country from a raw material-based economy to a knowledge-based economy through the judicious application of biotechnology. We aim to promote biotechnology research, development and innovation in key sectors of the economy, particularly in agriculture, to enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
Q: How does biotechnology contribute to enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in the country?
A: Biotechnology contributes significantly to enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in Zimbabwe by providing innovative solutions to crop and animal production challenges.
Through biotechnology, we can develop crops that are resistant to pests and diseases, tolerant to drought and have improved nutritional content. This enhances crop yields, reduces pesticide use and improves food quality, ultimately contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture.
Q: What are the key biotechnology innovations currently being promoted by your authority to support Zimbabwean farmers?
A: We have number of innovations that we are undertaking, among them, Molecular Biology. Here , we develop crops with improved traits such as disease resistance and drought tolerance. Molecular biology transforms agriculture by enabling precise genetic improvements in crops resulting in higher yields, improved nutrition, and greater resistance to pests, diseases, and climate stress.
Additionally, we employ agricultural biotechnology for superior planting materials and increased yields using Plant Tissue Culture. This also facilitates year-round propagation, genetic improvement, and the quick, large-scale manufacture of disease-free, homogeneous plantlets. It also aids in the conservation of uncommon species and the development of resilient crops.
Genomics is another additional biotechnology factor that the authority is doing. By speeding up conventional breeding and enabling precision breeding for improved food security, sustainability, and nutritional value, we innovate genomics to increase crop yields and disease resistance.
There is also Biotechnology for Import Substitution through which we deliver a vibrant bio-economy through biotechnology.
Q: How does the National Biotechnology Authority ensure that biotechnological advancements are accessible and beneficial to smallholder farmers?
A: We ensure that biotechnological advancements are accessible and beneficial to smallholder farmers through various initiatives, including:
1. Capacity Building: Providing training and capacity-building programs for smallholder farmers on biotechnology applications.
2. Partnerships: Collaborating with organisations that support smallholder farmers to promote biotechnology adoption
3. Extension Services: Providing extension services to smallholder farmers to enhance their knowledge and skills in biotechnology.
Q: What measures are in place to address public concerns regarding the safety and ethical implications of biotechnology in agriculture?
A: We address public concerns about the ethical and safety implications of biotechnology in agriculture by establishing and enforcing stringent regulatory frameworks that guarantee compliance and safety.
In addition, we engage stakeholders and run public education and awareness campaigns to educate people about the advantages and dangers of biotechnology. In order to address issues and foster trust, stakeholders such as farmers, consumers, and civil society organizations should be included.
Q: Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations with organisations that strengthen Zimbabwe’s biotechnology sector?
A: We have partnerships with international organisations that strengthen Zimbabwe’s biotechnology sector, including collaborations on research and development, capacity building and technology transfer. These partnerships enable us to access new technologies, expertise and resources that support our national development goals.
Q: How is the Authority supporting research and development to tackle challenges such as climate change, pests, and crop diseases?
Answer: We support research and development to tackle challenges such as climate change, pests, and crop diseases through: Research Funding: Providing funding for research projects that address these challenges, Collaborations: Collaborating with local and international research institutions to leverage expertise and resources and Capacity Building: Building capacity in research and development to enhance our ability to address these challenges.
Q: What regulatory frameworks exist to govern the use of biotechnology in agriculture, and how does the Authority enforce compliance?
A: We have established regulatory frameworks to govern the use of biotechnology in agriculture, including the National Biotechnology Authority Act which provides the legal framework for biotechnology regulation.
We also have regulations in place to ensure safe handling, use, and application of biotechnology products and we do Compliance Monitoring through which we conduct regular inspections and monitoring to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Q: How do you envision the future of biotechnology transforming Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape over the next decade?
A: We envision biotechnology transforming Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape by:
1. Enhancing Food Security: Enhancing food security and nutrition through biotechnology innovations.
2. Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices through biotechnology.
3. Economic Growth: Contributing to economic growth and development through biotechnology innovation and application.
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