Karlo Maize breeder,Dr Murenga Mwimali and Dr Steve Mugo from CIMMTY who are the lead scientists in the test (photo/citizen digital)Scientists in the country, in a project developed under Water Efficient Maize for Africa, have successfully tested genetically modified maize samples that are resistant to drought and even attacks by pests and diseases.
The milestone test was undertaken for two planting seasons in Trans Nzoia and Makueni counties. It revealed that the maize developed resistance against fall armyworm.
According to the scientists, the test involved a gene from a bacteria known as Bacillus thuringiensis that produces a pesticide that kills the stemborer upon consumption.
The 2012 ban on importation and use of genetically modified crops will ,however, derail the approval of the corn seed to benefit farmers.WEMA scientist Murenga Mwimali, while speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday said a lift on the ban will boost commercial maize farming as it would improve yield.According to Mr Murenga,the tests carried out revealed increase yield by more than 40 per cent, improve the grain quality and reduced negative environmental impact due to reduced use of pesticides.
“This crop will produce a more reliable harvest," Murenga said.He also commented some of the possible health impacts have been documented in the infamous Seralini Paper, which claimed that genetically modified food cause cancer.“I know there have been a lot of concerns over the possible health effects of GMOs out there. But I want to assure the public the process is rigorous. It takes about 10 years to develop a GMO seed and we as an authority do a lot of checks to ensure public safety, so there is no need to doubt a process that has been fully vetted and thoroughly monitored,” Mwarenga said.