Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has launched a plant virus diagnostic laboratory and greenhouses to ensure sustainable cassava production and consumption in Kenya.
The Sh8 million facility which is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) is expected to foster national efforts in disease and insect vector mapping as well as analysis of emerging plant viruses.
The laboratory will also be used to produce high yielding, pest and disease free planting cassava materials besides teaching and research at the University.
“This laboratory forms a critical foundation in routine diagnostics of plant viruses whose accurate outcomes will greatly impact sustainable production of not only cassava but also other crops in the country,” said National Commission for Science and Technology (NACOSTI) Director General, Moses Rugut in a speech read by Dr Roy Mugiira, NACOSTI’s Technical Services Director.
Eng John Tanui who represented JKUAT Council at the function urged academics to play their rightful role in national development by producing useful knowledge that can be tapped to transform livelihoods.
“The future of Kenya is firmly in the hands of researchers and higher learning institutions as the country aspires to transition into a knowledge-based economy,” he said.
Vice Chancellor, Prof Mabel Imbuga lauded BMGF for the funding which she said had equipped JKUAT to undertake applied research that will provide the much-needed solutions to the many agro-based challenges in Kenya and the region.
“This will certainly contribute to the country’s food security as well as raise economic well-being of farmer households as envisaged in Kenya Vision 2030,” said Prof Imbuga who was represented by Prof Romanus Odhiambo at the function.