This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
On October 1, 2019, the Agriculture ministry made a timely decision by allocating funds for a bio product to control aflatoxins, the fungi that affect cereals and pose serious health risks.
The toxin has been responsible for significant losses in farm yields in past years, and its presence in locally manufactured food products has led to the withdrawal of these products from supermarket shelves.
Withdrawals of such products have a huge impact on revenues and the economy, making it essential for the government to take action.
The ministry has initially allocated Sh400 million for the purchase of Aflasafe, a product that could help reduce cancer incidents and have far-reaching benefits for agriculture, the cost of living, and the livelihoods of farmers.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri has emphasized the potential of Aflasafe in reducing cancer incidents, and the government should ensure that food products are free of aflatoxin.
Providing an antidote for the toxin is a positive step, and the product should be carefully tested and well distributed to maximize its benefits.
