Embrace biotechnology to curb crop losses, experts urge
By Milliam.Murigi, March 20, 2024Collaboration between researchers, the private sector, and governments remains pivotal for advancing agricultural biotechnology, a stakeholders’ meeting has been told.
Paul Chege (pictured), a Programme Associate at ISAAA AfriCenter said during a meeting on agricultural biotechnology held in Embu recently that research organisations remain committed to supporting farmers to not only ensure resilient, high yielding crops but to also maximise their earnings.
“Africa must lead rather than follow, and technology sharing holds paramount significance. We are committed to fostering regional cooperation among willing participants for data exchange and synergistic efforts, fostering greater success in biotechnology,” he said.
According to Chege, losses accrued over time due to the reluctance to embrace agricultural biotechnology should be examined.
“This would quantify the losses incurred by farmers in terms of pesticide and herbicide sprays, as well as crop losses from drought, which could have been mitigated by biotech counterparts.”
Apart from that, data transportability should also be encouraged because it will lessen the burden of introducing new genetically engineered products in different countries.
“Laboratory and field data generated on genetically modified (GM) plants in one country can inform the environmental risk assessment and support regulatory decision-making for GM plants being cultivated in another country,” he said.
Joseph Nyaga, a Bt cotton farmer from Embu, noted that he has recorded improved production since adoption of the Bt cotton four years ago, with sharp contrasts in fortunes with the conventional crop.
“I plant less seeds per hole (two compared to 10 before) because the germination rate of the Bt cotton is higher, I spray way less, and the maturity period for the crop is shorter, by three months,” he said.