Aflatoxin in maize[Photo/the big issue]According to Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) Director General Eliud Kireger, an aflatoxin outbreak is expected in the south eastern marginal agricultural areas.The areas include Makueni, Kitui, Tharaka Nithi, Lower Meru and Embu Counties.The areas are prone to infestations due to inadequate on-famrm storage and limited preventive measures .The infestation could cause aflatoxin poisoning in maize and pulses.
Mr Kirege confirmed that this is possible in areas where temperature are above 25 degrees celsius.He, however, said that in an effort to address the aflatoxin poisoning, the government has developed an aflatoxin lab to produce a bio-pesticide known as aflasafe in Kalro-Katumani in Machakos County.He further added "If we can get this startup capital, farmers can start accessing the product at a cost of Sh1, 800 in the next two months of the planting season.”Mr Eliud urged the government to integrate aflasafe while purchasing subsidized fertilizer for those farmers who cannot afford the product to ensure that the maize is free from the toxin."