Having successfully conducted trials and commercialized genetically modified cotton, Malawi has taken an extra step to venture into genetically modified maize, exploring the efficacy of a bioengineered fall army worm resistant maize seed.

The genesis of GM cotton in Malawi was not without controversy as different sectors of society expressed mixed reactions on the pros and cons on environmental safety, and later the realities came to light on the issue of pricing.

It is a reality that some cotton farmers have been unable to purchase the cotton GM seed, leading to poor output as they mix it with local varieties despite the government ordering that it be the only cotton seed grown in Malawi.

Now, given that maize is the staple food for Malawi, how prepared are scientists and the regulators to circumvent this challenge. Annes Mwale finds out.