Kenya starts distributing free transgenic cotton seeds

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)