Kenya inches close to sustainable food

Kenya inches close to sustainable food Kenya has launched a countdown for the marketing of maize (co). Scientists of the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Inteational Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and insect resistant maize Africa (IRMA) have already developed a new maize seed resistant to the stem, the levy. Drawing attack destroys 400,000 tonnes of maize in Kenya alone. In sub-Saharan Africa, chronic cases of stem infestation levy for 10-70 per cent loss of yield. This has had devastating effects for Africa efforts to feed its ever soaring population. Maize is the staple food and an occasional crop in many parts of Africa. The first case stemmed drawing was discovered in Malawi in 1932. Since then, a number of appropriate methods, biological control, management of natural habitats and the use of pesticides have been used to address the threat of a drum sampling. Unfortunately, very little has been achieved. Payout retus, a phenomenon in countries like the United States, Canada, Argentina, India and China, which have adopted biotechnology have not been forthcoming. For example, the Niger, one of the poorest countries in Africa is currently facing severe food shortages due to poor harvests and drought. Approximately 3.6 million people are on the verge of death by starvation. It is terrible news that 800,000 children are chronically malnourished. Niger is a semi-desert country where lack of rain can lead to massive crop failures. The situation in Africa and the other to be avoided. Dishing emergency food aid, as is the case for the time being, it will be short term. But in the long term to be explored. The development of seeds with tolerance to drought and low soil fertility of mode biotechnology could benefit Niger and other countries in similar situations. Maize varieties with improved nutritional content will be of benefit to malnourished children who look to the African continent. It is interesting to note that the development of maize resistant to pests such as stem drawing not only the announcement of a new chapter in Kenya but Africa as a whole. Other African countries should now borrow a leaf from these two countries. They have to swim the rest of the waves, they continue to be the perpetual beneficiaries of relief food. Kenyan scientists have demonstrated determination to seek solutions to the problems of food in Africa. It would be interesting to hear the views of critics of mode biotechnology with regard to the latter development.In the past have accused the rich countries to impose new technologies such as biotechnology on the "unfortunate" l Africa and in total disregard of their environmental impact or health complications associated with the consumption of GM foods. The jury is out. To quote Dr Stephen Mugo, a plant breeder with CIMMYT, "The conversion from seeds have been studied, multiplied and tested in laboratory and greenhouse conditions. "