The National Environment Management Authority has called on Kenyans to submit feedback on an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report for the proposed commercialisation of a genetically modified cassava variety.
The proposed variety, known as KingaKUU, has been bred to resist two major diseases that ravage cassava yields across Kenya and the wider East African region.
The diseases are cassava mosaic disease and cassava brown streak disease.
Kalro says the disease-resistant variety has demonstrated consistent performance across multiple cropping seasons and sites in Kenya and Uganda.
“KingaKUU cassava varieties are disease-resistant and will empower East African smallholder farmers and improve their socio-economic welfare,” reads Kalro’s technical factsheet.
“The varieties have shown robust and durable resistance to cassava brown streak disease, validated over several production cycles.”
The research organisation notes that the variety was developed through a collaborative effort involving Kalro and international research partners.
The commercialisation proposal seeks approval to introduce the cassava variety to farmers in 18 counties.
by AGATHA NGOTHO
