Posted on October, 17, 2017 at 09:38 am
The government has lauded the sacrifice researchers and stakeholders have made in developing new maize seeds which can effectively control insect pests and also improve yields.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett, however, said more tests and safeguards are still needed before the genetically modified (GM) seeds can be commercially grown in the country.
Saying the seeds have since demonstrated high tolerant levels to the Maize Lethal Necrocis Disease (MLND), Bett termed the outcome a major breakthrough for the country and a major step towards making the country food secure. “The development is timely. The varieties have shown up to 65 to 80 per cent tolerant level,” Bett said during a media briefing at his Kilimo House offices.
At least the number of people affected by food insecurity has risen this year to about 3.5 million, with a majority being found in the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASALs). The country needs at least 40 million bags.
In addition to climate change and prolonged drought, the disease left a trail of destruction of maize fields in the country’s growing basket regions as it marched to neighbouring countries.
The CS also spoke on H12 ML1 maize variety tolerant to the Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus whose emergence also led to massive grain loss in the maize basket regions of the country.
The initial Sugar cane mosaic virus will be tamed by the H13M2 maize variety-both developed by Kenya Seed, the CS said adding: “The outcome is as a result by seed experts and other stakeholders involved in the short-term strategy of raising awareness among farmers on measures to contain the disease and in investing in research.”
According to the managing director of Simlaw Seed, David Kiplagat, the varieties at present are being bulked to be released into the market next season. Simlaw is a subsidiary company of Kenya Seed, with extensive distribution networks, including at the continental level.
Kiplagat spoke at Soweto Slum Good Samaritan Childrens’ Home where the firm donated food items and cash totaling Sh198,000: “The innovation is not just for the country alone.
Neighbouring states that have borne the brunt of the disease, also stand to benefit. They are recommended for those areas where the disease was prevalent. According to experts the varieties are also tolerant to other viral diseases in maize such as maize streak virus. Yields are also good. According to Kiplagat they yield up to 38 bags per acre and stays green.
Source: MediaMax Network