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Maize disease outbreak threatens Kenya's food security, growers warn

Workers sort good maize from cobs affected by MLND at Moi's Bridge in Uasin Gishu County. As many as 70 per cent of farmers in the main growing regions may have been affected by the virus. [PHOTO: KEVIN TUNOI/STANDARD]

Nairobi; Kenya: An outbreak of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) may reduce maize production by almost a third this year as yields fall and growers abandon the grain for other crops, the Cereal Growers Association has said.

As many as 70 per cent of farmers of the staple food in the main growing regions may have been affected by the virus, Anthony Kioko, chief executive officer of the industry body, said in a recent interview. All of the maize varieties grown in Kenya are susceptible to the disease, he said.

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