Tandao 
Kenya agricultural and livestock research organization KALRO has unveiled a new verity of cassava resistant to mosaic and brown streak diseases, kalro has set up seed units to help in the distribution of the same to farmers/ cassava Is now Africa’s 5th biotic crop approved for open cultivation and players in the industry are assuring farmers that the new verity will improve production.
Last year Kenya become the first country globally to approve national performance trials of genetically modified cassava to provide resistance to the distractive stem; which was developed by KALRO cassava is now the 5th biotic crop approved for open cultivation after cotton maize, saw, bean and calpy
Cassava was developed using modern biotechnology in confined field trials in Mtwapa (Kilifi), Kandara (Murang’a) and Alupe (Busia).
KALRO identified starch as a potential cassava product that the country can leverage to advance its industrial growth. It is also projected that the improved cassava can protect farmers from devastating losses of this important food crop and contribute to the creation of thousands of jobs along the value chain due to the crop’s use as animal feed.
There will be no technology fee associated with line 4046, scientists say, implying that cassava stakes and cuttings will cost about the same as other highly valued cassava varieties.
Cuttings from CBSD-resistant cassava can be replanted in the same way farmers replant conventional cassava. They can also be grown with other crops because cultivation practices are the same as conventional varieties.
The developers have further assured that CBSD-resistant cassava line is safe for the environment and biodiversity
The general public and key stakeholders have been involved in the project, and it is anticipated that farmers and communities will be involved in selecting the best CBSD-resistant cassava varieties for their needs.
By Kelvin Kimtai
