NAKURU—The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has unveiled a new technology aimed at significantly improving cassava production in Kenya. This development involves the use of Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology to produce high-yielding, drought, and disease-resistant cassava varieties. The initiative comes as a response to the declining maize production and the need for alternative food crops.
According to Kenya News Agency, the head of Food Crops and Research at KALRO's Njoro station, this technological advancement is set to revolutionize cassava farming by halving the crop's maturity period from 24 months to one year. Dr. Macharia emphasized the importance of farmers using seeds certified by KALRO to reduce the spread of diseases and ensure the success of the newly developed varieties.
The SAH technology employs a unique method of growing plants in modified soil with minimal water, promoting efficient root growth while preventing diseases associated with excess moisture. This method not only accelerates the multiplication of cassava planting materials but also ensures they are disease-free.
Joseph Odhiambo, a research technologist at KALRO, highlighted the advantages of SAH technology over traditional tissue culture, including lower production costs and the production of clean planting materials. This innovation is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of early-generation seed businesses, enabling them to quickly supply farmers with suitable varieties.
Cassava, a staple food in regions such as Busia, Siaya, and lower South Nyanza, is praised for its low input requirements. The new technology also makes it possible for cassava to thrive in non-traditional areas like Nakuru. However, Odhiambo cautioned against consuming raw cassava due to its high cyanide content, advising that it should be boiled or processed before consumption.
The experts at KALRO are advocating for cassava production as an alternative to traditional crops like sugarcane, tea, and maize, to combat food insecurity and for commercial purposes. They emphasize cassava's year-round harvesting capability and its starch richness, making it a viable crop for both food security and wealth creation.
Cassava faces significant challenges from diseases such as Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), which have severely impacted productivity. KALRO's efforts in developing resistant varieties aim to safeguard the income and food security of farmers across the country. The introduction of SAH technology represents a critical step in overcoming the limitations of traditional clonal multiplication, ensuring the rapid dissemination of improved varieties to farmers nationwide.