A farmer goes through his maize plantation. [Photo/The Star]
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization has concluded a five months field trial on Genetically Modified (GMO) maize in Kitale and Kiboko.
The organization says the maize is resistant to drought, diseases, and pests like the fall army warm.
The debate about the use of GMO’s in the country has been eliciting mixed reactions as others see it as an answer to the country’s quest for food security while others term it a health hazard.
KALRO says the maize is resistant to both drought and diseases as compared to other traditional maize seeds.
The scientists from KALRO say the new genetically modified maize seed is also resistant to the Fall Armyworm pest which has infested and destroyed thousands of maize fields in parts of the country.
The National Bio-Safety Authority is expected to give a comprehensive report about the trial once they conduct an environmental assessment test.
Stakeholders have urged the government to lift the ban on GMO to boost food production adding that it is much safer compared to the use of pesticides in growing crops.
They called for more research concerning GMO to demystify issues surrounding the use of genetically modified seeds.