US News

Kenya to import 1st genetically modified maize amid drought, food shortage

Kenya is set to import its first genetically modified maize, the trade cabinet secretary has said, as the government seeks to ease food shortages caused by the country’s worst drought in 40 years.

Local media reported that Kenya will on Friday authorize the duty-free importation of 10 million bags of maize over the next six months, and for the first time it will include genetically modified maize.

The imports will be the first since President William Ruto lifted a decade-long ban last month on the cultivation and importation of genetically modified crops, which authorities hope will improve crop yields and food security as millions face hunger.

KENYA’S SECOND BUILDING COLLAPSE THIS WEEK KILLS 2
 

10 million bags of maize will be imported to Kenya over the next six months. Pictured: Villager Caroline is seen in a withered maize crops field amid a historically devastating drought in Kidemu sub-location in Kilifi County, Kenya, March 23, 2022. 

10 million bags of maize will be imported to Kenya over the next six months. Pictured: Villager Caroline is seen in a withered maize crops field amid a historically devastating drought in Kidemu sub-location in Kilifi County, Kenya, March 23, 2022. 
(Dong Jianghui/Xinhua via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

“In view of the food situation in the country, I shall be signing instruments to allow duty free imports of GMO (genetically modified) and non GMO Maize for the next 6 months,” secretary Moses Kuria said on Twitter.

Annual rains have failed across Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia for the last four seasons, forcing 1.5 million people out of their homes in search of water and food elsewhere.

Source link

Denial of responsibility! Today Breeze.in is an automatic aggregator around the global media. All the content are available free on Internet. We have just arranged it in one platform for educational purpose only. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, all materials to their authors. If you are the owner of the content and do not want us to publish your materials on our website, please contact us by email – admin@todaybreeze.com. The content will be deleted within 24 hours.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button