Bioscience project helps Kenyan regions that often suffer total crop loss

Abstract

A Bio-Innovate project is working on sorghum that is well suited for western Kenya where few other crops can grow. Sorghum growing in western Kenya is held back by weeds, low soil fertility, drought and disease. Crop loss can be total in bad years. First results suggest this new breeding approach could raise yields by at least 20%. Bio-Innovate will help the farmers choose the right varieties for different areas and possibly involve seed companies in the production of seeds for distribution. Initially, a million people are set to benefit, with about 3 million total gaining in the long term (Onkware Augustino, Bio-Innovate sorghum and millets Project Consortium Joint-Principal investigator in Kenya).