Smart farms

: 03 September 2021; Hits: 5759

African Union developing genetically modified crop guidelines

cotton cotton field white farming agriculture crop

By George Munene

According to African Union officials the 55 member state body is currently developing guidelines for the use of genetically modified (GM) crops across the continent.

This is meant at harmonising Africa's GMO regulations.

Only seven African countries have commercialised GM production. Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria are the foremost countries in adopting genome editing mainly in Bt cotton cultivation-- a genetically modified pest resistant cotton variety.

"The food, feed and environmental safety controversy surrounding genetic engineering technology makes continental guidelines extremely significant," read part of the AU draft report.

Peace Mutuwa, an AU Knowledge Manager, explained that the developed guidelines will also protect consumers from unwitting consumption of genetically modified products.

GM backers argue that improved crops hold great potential in boosting the continent's food security and increasing farmer incomes.

However, Africa's march toward the authorisation of GMOs has come under criticism from campaigners who argue that modified crops are a debt trap to farmers that will have them buying unaffordable seeds and agricultural inputs.

The guidelines are expected to be finalised and sent to an October AU summit for possible adoption.

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: 26 August 2021; Hits: 7960

Kenya facing 360M kilogram fish deficit

fish

By George Munene

The Ministry of Agriculture has warned of a 360 million kilogram fish shortage in the next four years.

“There is already a significant gap between the projected demand and production. This is expected to increase to 360 thousand metric tons by 2025,” said Lawrence Omuhaka, the Chief Administrative Secretary for Livestock and Fisheries.

According to the government's 2019 budget policy statement, Kenya's annual fish demand was estimated at 500,000 tonnes. However, local fish production stood at only 180,000 tonnes. The numbers of fish captured from natural water bodies have also been on a steady yearly decline owing to overfishing, illegal fishing, and cold weather.

Kenya has had to supplement most of its catch with fish imports, especially from China. Chinese imported fish accounted for 8,900 tonnes in 2020, a Covid-19 induced drop from 18,074 tonnes, in 2019. This translates to Sh2.2 billion worth of fish. Chinese imports made up 90 per cent of fish shipped into the country, mainly as frozen tilapia and mackerel.

Speaking during the handout of fishing inputs for the Aquaculture Business Development Program beneficiaries in Siaya, Omuhaka warned that the drop in fish production has led to a corresponding decline in the per capita average consumption of fish to an average of just 3.5 kilograms per person per year compared to a global average of 16.4 kilograms.

He further raised alarm on the high cost of fish farming in the country, pointing out that imported Chinese fish takes a month to get to Kenya, yet is still cheaper than locally caught produce.

Fish are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals (B12, vitamin D, iodine, and zinc) that are beneficial in supporting healthy growth in infants and young children, as well as the normal growth and development of children and helping adults maintain muscle.

It is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for the development of the brain and eyes.

Eating at least one serving of fish per week has also been linked to reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes, two of the world’s biggest causes of death.

It is recommended that young children, pregnant and lactating mothers eat at least one serving of fish per week

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: 13 August 2021; Hits: 7140

Mazao recruiting organic horticulture outgrowers

shutterstock 376619734

By George Munene

Mazao Organics, a non-synthetic fertilizer manufacturer has a ready market for various organically grown crops and is looking for farmers across the country to cultivate chemical-free tomatoes, onions, carrots, capsicums, potatoes, sweet potatoes, arrow roots, spring onions, cabbages, spinach, sukuma, dhania, ground peas, matoke, and iceberg lettuce.

The company which currently has 60 large and small-scale farmers advises farmers on what to grow depending on their locality adhering to the team’s strict supervision. With a database tracking the various stages of growth of their various farmers, produce is picked from growers when ready and delivered directly to organic buyers. This alleviates the hustle of having to source for markets from farmers.

“With the proliferation of nutrition-based diseases such as cancer, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes there's increased demand for chemical-free farmed food produce—a market gap we are trying to but are nowhere near fulfilling,” says Eric Mwiti, director of sales and marketing at Mazao Organic Fertilizers.

Increasingly, farmers' cost of production through conventional means has also shot up. As Eric explains, it has been practically authenticated that organic farming through Mazao organic fertilizers decreases farming expense by 40-50 percent. While fertilizer and chemical production of an acre can set a farmer back anywhere from Sh14-20 thousand, the use of organic inputs reduced this cost down to Sh 10-11 thousand.

“Our existing farmers are currently growing onions, potatoes, coffee, tea, miraa, maize, papayas, and tomatoes in Kilifi, Loitoktok, Kitengela, Ruiru, Nyeri, Embu, Tharaka and many other regions of the country,” he says.

The agro-manufacturer has been in existence for 11 months and is working with various agricultural players such as Kenchick in the development of mazao digester, an eco-friendly biological treater and odor extinguisher. They are also working with Digifarm Safaricom’s integrated mobile platform by supplying fertilizers to their organic farmers.

Mazao Organic Fertilizers: 0708 114025

Eric Mwiti: Inbox/WhatsApp; 0726280326

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