Uganda successfully breed carrot-colored bananas

The Star of South Africa on July 13 reported that Ugandan scientists have taken biotechnology a step further when successfully transplanted bananas rich in vitamin A and iron, about 4 times more. compared to natural bananas.

New banana varieties give carrot-colored fruits.

To produce this banana variety, the scientists isolated the carrot genes and transplanted them on bananas to form a genetically modified banana.

According to scientists from the Uganda National Agricultural Research Center (NARO), the new banana variety is not only rich in vitamin A and iron, but also has resistance to nematode worms, capable organisms reducing up to 60% of crop production in Uganda.

Andrew Kiggundu, research director of NARO, said the new banana variety would help improve the nutritional deficiencies of Ugandan people and reduce about 40% of yield losses for people compared to traditional banana varieties.

Every year, in developing countries, about 600,000 children under 5 years of age die from lack of vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency is also a cause of blindness and death for mothers.