By Brenda Kayo:
Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar), in collaboration with the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) and Open Forum for Agriculture Biotechnology (OFAB), has started conducting trials on biotech (BT) maize at its Bunda Campus.
Biotechnology Senior Lecture Abel Sefasi said biotechnology has potential to manage insects.
He said the aim of the research is to find how genetically modified crops like maize can resist insects so that farmers should produce bumper yields.
In his remarks, National Planning Commission Head of Research Andrew Jemali said the research has come at a right time as Malawi is striking with hunger.
- Advertisement -
“It is very important to have such kind of studies because Malawi’s farms have been infested with a lot of pets, disease and the worms that are affecting our crops,” he said.
He said that the major benefit for BT Maize is that it increases crop yields for the farmers.
Medical doctor responsible for Research Collins Mitambo said the ministry will work together with Luanar to ensure that BT Maize is safe for human consumption.
