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{
    "id": 447070,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/447070/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 75,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Nooru",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2238,
        "legal_name": "Adan Mohamed Nooru",
        "slug": "adan-mohamed-nooru"
    },
    "content": "following short-term activities: Awareness is to be created among the public and stakeholders on the management of the MLND disease and its insect vector transmitting virus; development and deploying technologies for diagnosis and characterization of MLND to generate information on disease and this is geared towards designing integrated management strategy; and identification of the vector virus causing MLND, its host ranges and pesticide efficiency trials. Through institution-based financial support, the team’s other activities include screening that was carried out by KARI and Seed Traders Association of Kenya. So far, over 8,000 maize stations have been screened under natural and artificial disease inoculation in Naivasha, Narok and Bomet. These include breeders’ population, pre-commercial hybrid, in-breed lines and 126 local commercial maize hybrids. Secondly, there was establishment of the MLND regional screening facilities. This was done by KARI through a project funded by the Bill Gates Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture established through the MLND screening facilities at KARI in Kiboko and Naivasha. The Kiboko facility used double high board technology which shortens the breeding of resistance varieties from eight to two years. With regard to pesticide evaluation and management of the disease vectors, KARI, the Pesticides Control Board and agro-chemicals industries have conducted field trials on the efficiency of various seeds and applied pesticides to control the various disease vectors. Results indicate that there is a significant difference in crop performance when seeds and many crops are treated with appropriate pesticides from early stages. These studies are, however, still in progress. With regard to the seed treatment against MLND disease, consensus was reached among the seed industry players like KEPHIS for additional seed dressing to safeguard maize plants against MLND vector for up to four weeks after germination. The recommendation of the management of MLND at the farm level is that when planting maize, use certified seeds with additional pesticide against MLND virus transmitting vector; use of manure, basal and top-dressing fertilizers; plant at the onset of rain and undertake timely weeding and field sensitization; undertake crop rotation by avoiding production of maize in successive seasons; opt for and diversify crop production with alternatives such as Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans and vegetables; practise regular scouting for insect vector and early eradication of MLND symptoms. Finally, the Member asked what measures the Government has put in place to sensitize and equip farmers with prerequisite skills to fight the disease. Sensitization has already been done. All relevant public institutions have already been notified of the presence of the disease since it was first noted in 2011. Through consultative forums, two Press releases were developed and issued by the Principal Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary to the public. Two major farm field days were conducted in North Rift with a total attendance of 1,800 farmers. For holistic delivery of the message, several stakeholders from various disciplines, including research, agro inputs, seed industries and extension services, were involved. The county staff also conducted field days to sensitize farmers on MLND symptoms and the available management options. Demonstration of vector control methods was conducted in Trans Nzoia to minimize spread of disease from affected farmers’ fields to adjacent commercial fields. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}