New Drought Tolerant Maize to Curb Hunger in Africa
February 12, 2010| |
Corn production in Uganda has been low at 1.5 to 2 tons per acre. The drought in 2008 and 2009 caused a 100% crop failure which increased the number of hungry people that started five years ago in Eastern Africa. The research being conducted by the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) and Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) hopes to improve maize production between 30% and 35% that will benefit 30 to 40 million people.
Two genetically modified (GM) corn developed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center and Monsanto contain genes from a bacterium to resist drought. WEMA is currently testing the maize in Kasese, Uganda in conjunction with the National Crop Research Institute at Namulonge and in Kiboko, Kenya by DTMA. More tests will be carried out in Buliisa and Abim districts before the variety is approved and distributed to the farmers.
Read the story at http://allafrica.com/stories/201002100117.html
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