Uganda successfully researches nutritious hybrid banana and carrot

According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Africa, the South African daily The Star recently reported that Ugandan scientists have taken biotechnology a step further by successfully cross-breeding a banana rich in vitamin A and iron, about four times more than natural bananas. The new banana variety produces fruit that is similar in color to carrots.

Illustration photo.

To produce this banana variety, scientists isolated banana genes and planted them on carrots to create a genetically modified banana variety.

According to scientists at the Uganda National Agricultural Research Center (NARO) Laboratory, the new banana variety is not only rich in vitamin A and iron but also resistant to roundworms, which can reduce crop yields in Uganda by up to 60%.

NARO research director Andrew Kiggundu said the new banana variety will help improve malnutrition in Uganda and reduce crop losses by about 40% compared to traditional banana varieties.

Every year, in developing countries, about 600,000 children under 5 years old die due to vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency is also a cause that can lead to blindness and death for mothers./.

According to VIETNAM+