Friday, March 29, 2024

GM Cotton Yield Renews Hope In Threatened Crop

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BY GERALD ANDAE

Scientists have been conducting National Performance Trials (NPTs) on cotton since last year following the intervention of State House after the initial attempts were stopped by the Ministry of Health and the National Environment Management Authority.

The NPTs have been conducted on different parts of the country with the final season of the crop being the one that is in the field.

The performance of this GM cotton, which yields are four times more than the conventional one, has given Mr Kiara hopes that the cotton sector in the country can be revived. However, his hopes are being dampened by a ban on commercial cultivation of this biotech (Bt) variety.

Scientists have argued that Bt cotton is resistant to pests and diseases and have the ability to withstand drought.

“This GM cotton is pest-resistant and drought-tolerant and it is the solution to the notorious bollworms that have been affecting the production of the crop in the country,” says Charles Waturu, a senior scientist with Kenya Agriculture Livestock and Research Organization (Kalro).

Under the big four agenda, the government is targeting manufacturing, especially through textile production, which has been dwindling over the years, to create more jobs in the country…Read more>>

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