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{
    "id": 291258,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/291258/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 296,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Ndambuki",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Agriculture",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 191,
        "legal_name": "Gideon Musyoka Ndambuki",
        "slug": "gideon-ndambuki"
    },
    "content": " Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to issue a Ministerial Statement on the disease which has affected maize especially in Bomet and the other areas. Mr. Speaker, Sir, in September last year, an infection of maize was reported in parts of Bomet District by some farmers and our District Agricultural Officers (DAOs). The disease had not been reported in the area or any other part in the country before. The symptoms of the disease are manifested as a streak and withering. Subsequently, the disease was reported in Chepalungu, Narok North and Naivasha District. Immediately the disease was reported, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) were on the scene within three days. The farmers in Bomet and Naivasha can confirm that to the hon. Member, Dr. Kones, who alleges that he has and I quote: “Seen lastly from the Government and particularly the Ministry.” Mr. Speaker, Sir, the scientists who went to the field brought in reports that the disease was new in this country and, therefore, they needed further assistance from other scientists to diagnose the disease. We sought further assistance from CABI, International Wheat and Maize Improvement Centre Summit and Egerton University. The sample materials collected by KARI and KEPHIS were subjected to laboratory analysis by several institutions both locally and abroad and results confirmed that the disease is caused by two viruses namely maize chlorotic virus and sugar cane mosaic virus in combination with a fungus. We found out the disease had been reported in China, US, Hawaii, Nebraska, Kansas State, Argentina and Mexico. Now we are aware of the disease and how to deal with it. We are using our extension workers and the media to educate farmers on how to avoid it. I want to state that the disease is not related to real or imagined importation of genetically modified (GMO) seed maize. There has been no such importation and if you visit the farmers, they have kept the packets of the maize seed they used. The seed they use is exactly as last year and the year before and other years in the past. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we are now aware of the problems the affected farmers are experiencing and we are seeking to mitigate these problems by ensuring that in the next planting season, they will receive subsidized seeds as well as fertilizer. In the meantime, we are involved in a programme to provide seeds for alternative crops such as beans, potatoes to break the cycle of the disease and also have some food before the regular maize planting season. Mr. Speaker, Sir, as far as food security is concerned, we have mapped out the area affected by the disease and we are aware that approximately 261,000 bags of maize will be lost. The total expected maize harvest this year is going to be 35 million bags. So, if we put this in proper perspective, the loss will not unduly constrain our total harvest. Thank you."
}