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New maize variety gives farmers hope against deadly armyworm

Armyworm feeding on farmer's maize crop. (Photo: Courtesy)

Scientists have urged the government to approve genetically modified maize after trials in Uganda showed resistance to fall armyworm invasion.

Dr Sylvester Oikeh, Project Manager of Water Efficient Maize for Africa (Wema) that is carrying out Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) maize trials in Kasese, said the genetically modified variety was resistant to the pest that has decimated maize farms across the border.

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