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EUROPEAN-SEED.COM I EUROPEAN SEED I 41 The academy has so far been able to demonstrate and promote 70 hybrid rice vari- eties in 15 countries in Asia and Africa during the past five years. It has also established joint agricultural labs in countries including Brazil Australia Belgium and Kazakhstan. Source Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences STATUS AFRICA A scorching drought in Southern Africa that led to widespread crop failure could nudge African nations to finally embrace genetically modified GM crops to improve harvests and reduce grain imports. The drought which extends to South Africa the continents biggest maize pro- ducer has been exacerbated by an El Nino weather pattern and follows dry spells last year that affected countries from Zimbabwe to Malawi. Aid agency Oxfam has said 10 million people mostly in Africa face hunger because of droughts and poor rains. That has brought GM crops to the forefront especially maize a staple crop grown and consumed in most sub-Saharan countries. Many African countries have banned GM crops arguing that they will cross contaminate other plants pollute the environment and could have long-term health effects for humans. GMO advocates however say the fears are not scientifically proven adding that poor African farmers are likely to benefit most from reduced use of pesticides lower production costs higher yields and high prices for crops. GM crops are one of the alternative solutions for reducing hunger on the conti- nent among many others which include good agronomic practices Jonathan Mufandaedza chief executive at National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe a government agency told Reuters. Exclusively being in the seed coating business we offer our customers long term support and work with them to develop tailored solutions and add value to their seeds. ITS THE MIX THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE www.satec-seedcoating.de EQUIPMENT Dressing Our specialities Encrusting Pelleting CHEMISTRY SERVICE This year South Africa which produces more than 40 per cent of Southern African maize may need to import up to 5 million tonnes of maize due to drought the countrys largest producer group Grain SA said this week. Historically Africa has been a laggard to accept new agricultural technologies. For GM crops much of the problem lies in the percep- tion exaggerated fear and conflicting messages sent to policy making says Getachew Belay an African expert on GM crops. Source Reuters