NCPB to promote use of aflatoxin curbing chemical

Farmers can now access a bio-control product that helps in suppressing cancer-causing aflatoxin in crops from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots as the government moves to curb the menace caused by this toxic substance.

NCPB has entered into partnership with Koppert Biological Systems, Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) and Arysta Lifescience to promote the use of the product known as Aflasafe in order to cut levels of aflatoxin in crops.

High aflatoxin levels in maize saw NCPB destroy 124,625 bags (50kilo) of maize between April and August this year after the toxic levels exceeded the required minimum.

“NCPB has been greatly affected after receiving maize contaminated by aflatoxin and have had to have the maize destroyed resulting in great loss in terms food and funds used to buy it. It is for this reason that NCPB is investing in the promotion of Aflasafe to enhance food safety and reduce post-harvest losses” said Mr Joseph Kimote, NCPB managing director.

Currently the product is available in NCPB depots in eastern, central, north rift, western and central regions with Plans underway to increase promotional campaigns of Aflasafe during the upcoming short rains as farmers in eastern region of the country prepare to plant their crop.

Kalro appointed Koppert last year as the sole distributor of Aflasafe in the country last year as the government promotes the use of the product across the country.

Charles Macharia, regional manager for Koppert East Africa said they are banking on the wide network of NCPB to reach farmers.

“NCPB has a huge network across the country and when farmers collect other inputs such as fertiliser from their nearest depot, they can collect along with the Aflasafe,” said Mr Macharia.

The product will retail at Sh402 for a two kilo packet, which is enough for half an acre piece of land. The biocontrol product is applied to maize crop when it has attained a knee height.

Aflasafe, when applied to maize three weeks before flowering, reduces the aflatoxin contamination in the crop by 70 percent.

In January, a number of peanuts and popular maize flour brands were banned from the shelves by Kenya Bureau of Standards after it was found to have more than the required levels of aflatoxin but they have so far been cleared after complying.

Authorities in Kenya allow up to the maximum of 10 parts per billion as the limit for the cancer causing aflatoxin that is mainly harboured in grains.