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Kenya starts distributing free transgenic cotton seeds

23 Apr '20
1 min read
Pic: Shutterstock
Pic: Shutterstock

The Kenyan government has started distributing free cotton seeds, including a genetically modified variety, to farmers in the latest push to revive the cotton industry in the country. Sixteen metric tonnes of hybrid seeds and one metric tonne of Bt cotton seeds will be distributed across 24 counties, according to the ministry of agriculture.

The consignment is worth Sh64 million and is expected to produce over 2,000 kg of cotton per hectare against the current average yield of 572 kg per hectare.

The cabinet approved commercial farming of the genetically improved cotton on December 19 last year to revitalise the cotton, textile and apparel sector. Though the approval did not specifically address Kenya’s 2012 ban on transgenic crops, it was seen as having opened the door to other transgenic crops, according to a report in a Kenyan newspaper.

The country now produces 10,000 bales of cotton against a potential 260,000 bales.

The Bt seeds were produced by Mahyco Seed Company. Among the counties to benefit from the free seed distribution are Busia, Bungoma, Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River and Lamu.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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