A farmer in Kamagut, Uasin Gishu County checks on his yellow maize crop. Scientists are calling on the government to allow the growing of Genetically Modified Maize (GM) to address the shortage. [Photo|NMG]

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Scientists in the country have successfully tested genetically modified maize samples that are resistant to stem borer and are drought tolerant.

The scientist said the maize developed resistance against fall armyworm.

The project, developed under the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) has been tested for two planting seasons in Trans Nzoia and Makueni counties.

Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, WEMA scientist Murenga Mwimali said a lift on the ban will be a milestone to commercial maize farming as it would improve yield.

Murenga said tests conducted in the new variety proved to increase yield by more than 40 percent, improve the grain quality and reduced negative environmental impact due to reduced use of pesticides, reports the Star.

The testing entailed inducing a gene from a bacteria that produces a pesticide that kills the stemborer upon consumption.

However, a ban on importation and use of GM crops that came into force in 2012 will hamper the approval of the corn seed to benefit farmers.

“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,” Murenga said as quoted by the Star.

In Kenya, stemborers lead to the loss of 13 percent maize yield every year, accounting for close to Sh9 billion.