Truth about GMO

Kenya has begun a countdown to commercialization of genetically modified maize (corn). Scientists at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and Insect Resistant Maize for Africa (IRMA) already have a new maize seed, resistant to the stem drills. Drill Stem destroyed 400000 tonnes of maize in Kenya alone. In sub-Saharan Africa, chronic cases of infestation drill stem cells account for 10-70 percent of the yield losses. This has a devastating impact on Africa's efforts to feed its population is apostrophizes. Maize is the main staple food and an occasional cash crop in many parts of the Africa.

The first case of stem cells was discovered drill in Malawi in 1932. Since then, a number of methods, pointedly, biological control, habitat management and use of natural pesticides have been used to deal with the threat drill stem cells. Unfortunately, very little has been achieved. Bounty yields, a common occurrence in countries such as the USA, Canada, Argentina, India and China, have biotechnology, are not expected. For example, Niger, one of the poorest countries in Africa is currently facing acute food shortage by drought and crop failure. About 3.6 million people are on the verge of death by starvation. News is disturbing that 800000 children are chronically malnourished.

Niger is a semi-desert country, the lack of rain could lead to massive harvests. This situation and others in Africa can be avoided. Auftischend emergency food aid, as is currently happening, will help in the short run. But long-term measures have explored.

The development of seeds with tolerance to drought and low soil fertility resulting from modern biotechnology can benefit, Niger and other countries in similar situations.

Maize varieties with improved nutritional content is a boon for the malnourished children, who stranded the African continent.

It should be noted that the development of maize seed resistant to pests like drill stem cells not only the beginning of a new chapter in Kenya, but Africa as a whole. Other African countries should now borrow a leaf from these two countries. They should swim waves from the rest they continue to perpetual recipients of aid organizations food.

Kenyan scientists have shown determination to homegrown solutions for Africa food problems. It would be interesting to hear the views of the critics of modern biotechnology to this latest development.In the past, they have accused the rich countries of the foisting of novel technologies such as biotechnology to "hapless" Africa, in total disregard of their impact on the environmental or health complications associated with the consumption of genetically modified food.

The jury is now out. For Dr. Stephen Mugo, a plant breeder with CIMMYT, "The seeds were converted studied, multiplied and tested in the laboratory and greenhouse."

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