KALRO To Release 11 Metric Tons Of Certified GMO Seeds Ahead Of 2023 Long Rains

KISII, Kenya, Oct, 27 – After the Kenyan Government lifted the ban on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Director General Dr. Eliud Kireger has said KALRO will be releasing 11 metric tons of certified GMO seeds in 2023 for cultivation during the long rains. 

Dr. Kiregrer said the GMO seeds will be planted by farmers on 500,000 acres of land across mid-altitude agroecological zones as a demonstration ahead of the full commercialization by private companies.

“Lifting of the ban of GMOs is as a result of really need to ensure food, feed security and to safeguard the environment,” Said KALRO Director General.

He noted, scientifically GMO is proven to be safe for food, feed, and the environment and is currently approved for cultivation in about 70 countries worldwide. 

This comes after the authorization for open cultivation and importation of white GMO maize.

The ban prohibited the cultivation of genetically modified crops and the importation of food crops and animal feeds produced through biotechnology innovations.

Climate change with drought, emergency of new pests such as fall army warms, and diseases such as Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) are posing a real threat to food, feed, and general security in the country.

“These pesticides are also harmful to human health and the environment, especially water. They significantly contribute to low production that currently stands at seven to ten (90kg) bags against the potential of 22 to 35 bags per acre. We lose about 13 million (90kg) of maize to stock borers alone annually valued at Sh32.5 billion,” said Kireger.

These pests and diseases contribute to low production and are difficult to control as farmers are forced to spend more in controlling them. 

“Kenya has fully robust and functional policy, legal and institutional framework governing the growing of GMOs, after a decade of successful research, three biotechnology BT maize varieties were recommended for release by Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and the final release to the market pending cabinet decision,” said Dr. Kiregrer. 

He assured Kenyans that BT maize is safe as a conventional variety for food feed and the environment and they thank the government for lifting the ban.

The DG said KALRO partnered with African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and has worked with regulatory agencies, National Biosafety Authority (NBA), National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) on the various steps of the research process, as required by law.