THE Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is seeking support from various stakeholders in Tanzania and abroad to help build a modern biotechnology laboratory at its Molecular Department, capable of conducting research on biotechnology and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) including seeds and crops.

Dr. Ally Mahadhy, a lecturer and researcher in biotechnology at UDSM says yesterday when speaks to journalist on the potential of biotechnology and how can be used to support people’s health, contribute to agricultural activities and industries.

Currently, the department has more than 20 academicians and technicians who can conduct research on GMO. What is required is a modern laboratory to conduct the research.

“If someone or organizations help us  build this laboratory, we will use the knowledge we have to conduct research, we need to know more about GMOs and carry out research on farms or in a laboratory, we should have it once we need it, and we will be able to use it,” he says

Additionally, Tanzania must invest heavily in research, and our research institutions should also have a GMO farms to continue conducting research.

“As Tanzanians, we must understand GMOs, otherwise, we will continue to rely on importing seeds from abroad,” he says

Additionally, Tanzania still does not need to import GMO crops from abroad, as we have the technology to produce a variety of crops and have sufficient food,  Mahadhy says

Mahadhy says that if Tanzania conducts research, it will not be dependent on foreign companies that produce seeds and related products.

“We must understand GMOs, otherwise, we will continue to take or purchase seeds from abroad,” he says

Additionally, we need financial resources for this technology, as it is very expensive. We also need to train experts and equip the laboratory with the necessary tools, along with modern infrastructure, including buildings and labs.

They need support because, their buildings are not suitable for conducting research for GMO and they need a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory. So far, TARI has one lab and health institutions also have such facilities.

Biotechnology presents opportunities to tackle some of the major challenges facing society. It can be used to make medicines, food, and new substances, as well as to prevent and cure diseases and even combating climate change.

He called on the government to increase the research budget for biotechnology and give it special attention to address challenges in health and agriculture. This would also help secure various vaccines for both cattle and humans, which we currently import from the USA and Russia.

“Currently, we import the vaccine to treat Hepatitis B from USA, UK and other foreign countries, he says