Economy

New drought-resistant beans to boost food security

ps

Livestock Principal Secretary Andrew Tuimur. FILE photo | nmg

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) has launched a new breed of drought-resistant crops and technologies aimed at boosting food security.

Kalro, in collaboration with the European Union, introduced three new types of green-grams that mature early, yielding two tonnes per hectare instead of the current 1.5 tonnes.

There are also four varieties of drought-resistant micronutrient-rich beans that mature fast regardless of the weather.

The launch of the crops marked the end of a five-year partnership between Kalro and EU.

The Agriculture ministry is now establishing links with seed companies and farmers for reproduction and distribution.

The initiative — Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Agricultural Productivity Research Project (Asal-APRP) — also rolled out a kit, developed in partnership with Masinde Muliro University, that diagnoses mastitis in cattle and camels. It will be used by farmers, vendors and processors. The gadget is awaiting registration in readiness for a large-scale launch.

A mobile-based application to access Kalro technologies was also launched.

“There is need to transform the agriculture sector to meet the demands of the increasing population,” said Livestock PS Andrew Tuimur.