National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has assured farmers in western Kenya that genetically modified (GMO) maize is resistant to fall armyworms.
The state agency said GM maize is also resistant to other pests and diseases that cause farmers to incur huge losses every planting season.
Speaking during a public participation forum at Magharibi Hall in Kakamega on Tuesday, NBA Director of Legal Services Moses Sande, reiterated that BT maize is safe for use. "The BT Maize is expected to address the challenges of the fall armyworms and maize stem borers, which are the two major pests of maize in Kenya and the region," said Sande.
He explained that the Authority is mandated to supervise and control the development, transfer, handling, and use of GMOs to ensure the safety of human and animal health as well as the provision of adequate protection to the environment.
