Genetically modified (GM) variety of maize that is resistant to pests has the potential to increase crop yield in Malawi.
Farmers who were involved in the trials have reported that the GM maize could be a lasting solution against the fall army worms and dry spells and beat food insecurity.
In addition to increasing yields, gm maize also helps to reduce the use of pesticides. This is a major benefit for both farmers and the environment because pesticides can be harmful to human health and pollute waterways.
Although the adoption of GM maize could meet some resistance from environmental experts, the evidence suggests that GM maize is a safe and effective way to improve maize yields.
Malawi is one of the countries, conducting a confined field trial for biotechnology developed maize crop, to confirm the efficacy of genetically modified maize crop in line against leaf-eating insects and herbicides tolerance.
Speaking in an interview with The Atlas Malawi, one of the farmers involved in the trials Ronald Kapsata from Muunde village, Traditional Authority Kaphuka in Dedza said GM maize is a game changer and has potential to increase yields.
“The research has demonstrated that the maize on trials is resistant to insects, this is very good news to us farmers and the country as a whole. We would like to urge authorities to adopt this new variety without delays. Biotechnology is a powerful tool that can be used to address some of the world’s most pressing problems.” He said.
Another farmer Febe Brino from Kasiya village, Traditional Authority Kachere, Dedza district said “Climate change has significantly affected agriculture and food systems in Africa hence the need for new varieties which are climate resilient.
We need to adopt new technologies into agricultural systems to increase yield. This new variety on trial would be a major boost for us farmers and improve the lives of many Malawian farmers”
GM maize is just one example of the potential of biotechnology to improve agriculture. Biotechnology has the potential to increase crop yields and, reduce the use of pesticides and improve the nutritional value of food.
In his remarks, trial manager, Kingdom Kwapata says the main objective of the trials are to identify and determine whether the insect resistance particularly fall army worms is working for the transgenic maize plant.
“Looking at the progress, it is evident that the plants that the plants that have the Transgenes, the leaves are intact, while those that do not have their leaves have been damaged with the fall army worms. The major benefit for this technology, is that once done and approved, it will increase crop yield and because of that we are also expecting a corresponding increase in incomes.” He said.
He added that fall army worms are one of the devastating impacts for maize in the country, and now the research has demonstrated that the maize is resistant to insects which he described as very good development to farmers.
Kwapata said the research will take three to four years because after the confined trial, they will take the trials in other parts of the country.
The research is being conducted by the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources-LUANAR and National Commission for Science and Technology.
The GM maize is likely to be the solution to other challenges that have significantly led to a decline in crop yield.
