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) have already introduced a new corn seed, resistant to stem the drill. Drill stem destroyed 400000 tonnes of maize in Kenya alone. In sub-Saharan Africa, chronic cases of infection drill stem cells account for 10-70 percent of the crop losses. This has devastating effects on the efforts of Africa to feed its ever growing population. Maize is the most important 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 the drill stem cells threat. Unfortunately, very little has been achieved. Bounty yields, a common occurrence in countries like the U.S., Canada, Argentina, India and China, which have biotechnology, were not expected. For example, Niger, one of the poorest countries in Africa is currently facing acute food shortages due to crop failure and drought. About 3.6 million people are on the brink of death by starvation. News is disturbing that 800000 children are chronically malnourished.

Niger is a semi-desert country where lack of rain can cause massive crop failures. This situation and others in Africa can be avoided. Dishing emergency food aid, as at present, will help in the short run. But long-term measures must 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, strand of the African continent.

It should be noted that the development of maize seed resistant to pests such as drill stem cells not only heralds 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 by the waves rest they continue to be perpetual recipients of aid organizations food.

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

The jury is now outdated. I quote Dr. Stephen mugo, a plant breeder with CIMMYT, "The seeds were converted studied, multiplied and tested in laboratories and greenhouse."

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