Genetically modified products cover Azerbaijani market

“A few years later we will not see local variety of fruits and vegetables because genetically modified products fall in the markets, “Director of the Genetic Resources Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Zeynal Akbarov said.

But no one knows what consequences it will bring in the future. He said the existed legislation concerning GMO is not enough. “We need in adoption of a law concerning the genetically modified products. The laws on ecologically safe agriculture and seed-growing ban the import of genetically modified products. But some businessmen bring such products and organize their sale. There is a law on the protection of genetic resources and effective use of cultivated plants. The article 21 of the law shows that bringing, test and registration of genetically modified products to the Republic of Azerbaijan are prohibited because GMO crowds out the genes of local plants. Therefore all changes in the genes of the plants should be investigated”.

Akbarov said mostly genetically modified corn, soybean, sunflower, vegetables and fruits are brought to Azerbaijan. “We are planning to purchase the equipments to detect products containing GMO. We will address the government agencies on this issue”.


/APA/