Uganda develops Vitamin A rich bananas

Biotechnical researchers in Uganda have come up with a banana richer in Vitamin A and iron. The altered nutritional content shows - the banana are orange once peeled.

The scientists responsible for the bananas say they are also resistant to nematodes.

Andrew Kiggundu, the research director at Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organisation (Naro), said the enhancement of vitamin A and nematode resistance in bananas would improve the lives and nutritional state of Ugandans who lacked crucial nutrients.

"We also expect that we can recover 40 percent of losses if we can assist farmers with resistance to nematodes."

Vitamin A deficiency claims the lives of over 600,000 children each year in developing countries. The idea has been to provide more Vitamin A through foods that are staple in such countries.

Emily Twinamasiko, the director-general of Naro, said Uganda was plagued by various food security challenges, which had driven the organisation to explore biotechnology.

Source: ilo.co.za