A National Performance Trial (NPT) of the insect protected (BT) Maize seed variety has been rolled out at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Alupe in Busia County.
The seed variety is expected to give farmers an opportunity to decide on the best variety that suits them and be able to tackle food insecurity.
“It’s hard to change the mindset of our farmers in terms of what they are used to. The best way to help them is by doing more research on better yielding crops for them to have enough food on the table. It will also mean more money in their pockets” said Chief Officer for Agriculture and Veterinary services Ruth Mukhongo.
Jane Tado from the Ministry of Agriculture appreciated the efforts of all key stakeholders emphasizing that their role is to make policies that are implemented by County Governments who are closer to wananchi and called on cooperation to make the research a success.
“Food insecurity is still a big challenge in Kenya especially maize which is mostly imported. This technology will help in boosting our food security and contribute our national aspirations and goals of improving the agriculture sector” she said.
The Alupe KALRO Center Director said it was a good idea for the National Biosafety Authority to approve the release of BT Maize.
She said this will enable the research to continue and help in identification of suitable varieties that will be available to farmers affected by stem borers.
Socio-economic studies show that stem borers cost Kenya nearly USD 90 million from the loss of 400,000 tons of maize each year – equivalent to the total amount of maize that Kenya imports.
KALRO and African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) have been on a three-year trial.
The results recorded significant benefits including high yields, low production cost, reduced use of pesticides, and high grain quality with low aflatoxin contamination.
This project is implemented in five countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa).
In Western region NPTs have also been established in Kakamega and Kibos in Kisumu.
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