PROPOSED INTRODUCTION FOR CULTIVATION OF POTATO (solanum tuberosum l.) WITH RESISTANCE TO LATE BLIGHT (phytophthora infestans) DEVELOPED THROUGH MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in collaboration with International

Potato Center (CIP), and African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) have proposed a release of Potato (solanum tuberosum1.) with resistance to late blight (phytophthora infestans) developed through modern Technology with an ambition for outcomes that will enable the introduction of late blight resistant potato variety in Kenya. Growing potatoes in Kenya and many parts of the world is constrained by disease and pest challenges, including the most serious disease known as late blight (LB). Scientists have tried to get natural resistance from existing potatoes and their relatives through traditional breeding techniques but little success has been obtained. However, through the application of modern biotechnology, resistance to LB disease has been Successfully conferred to various potato varieties

Stakeholders/ public participation is an integral part of the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) process for such projects, since it forms a useful channel for the collection of specific environmental and social information.  The environmental and social impact forums have been conducted in the 11 potato growing counties of Kenya where potato farmers, National and County government, agricultural officers, government agencies, research institutions, academia, and Interest groups have shared their input that has been incorporated in the Draft ESIA study report.   The draft ESIA was on 19th September 2024 subjected to a National stakeholder scrutiny before submission for approval

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