Uganda introduces high-yielding banana variety to boost farmers’ productivity
The new banana variety, NARITA 17, offers higher yields and disease resistance, giving farmers in Uganda a major boost.
UGANDA – The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Uganda, has released a new banana variety, NARITA 17 (NAROBAN6).
This variety, developed through a collaboration between the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA-Uganda) and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), promises higher yields, better disease resistance, and improved taste.
Farmers across the country are expected to benefit from this development when banana production faces challenges due to pests and diseases.
Researchers say NARITA 17 produces 243% more yield than the traditional ‘Mbwazirume’ variety. “This is a game-changer for banana farmers in Uganda,” said a representative from IITA-Uganda. “Farmers will now have access to a variety that increases production and reduces losses due to diseases.”
Strengthening banana and plantain breeding efforts in Africa
The introduction of NARITA 17 is an outcome of sustained research efforts to improve banana and plantain production.
Prior collaborations, such as the training initiative by the IITA-CGIAR Plantain Breeding Program towards the end of 2024, have played a key role in strengthening breeding techniques.
From October 28 to November 8, IITA hosted experts from Nigeria’s National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) to enhance their plantain and banana breeding knowledge.
The training covered tissue culture, macro propagation, field management, and digital data capture, all crucial for developing resilient crops.
The training also introduced NIHORT to MusaBase, a global database supporting banana breeding. With access to this tool, researchers can refine data-driven breeding techniques to develop stronger and healthier banana crops.
As part of this effort, the IITA Accelerated Breeding Initiative, led by Rony Swennen, provided NIHORT with essential equipment to facilitate data collection and analysis.
At the closing ceremony, Ibitoye Dorcas Olubunmi, the Plantain and Banana Breeder at NIHORT, emphasized the importance of continued research. “Much trust has been invested in all of us. Let us go out there, be fruitful and multiply.”
Delphine Amah, PROSSIVA Coordinator and Plantain Breeder at IITA-CGIAR, assured participants of ongoing support. “We appreciate this partnership and commend your commitment and dedication throughout this training period. We assure you of our continued support—once you enter the plantain and banana breeding program, you will join the family.”
African Development Bank supports agricultural innovation
In another development, the African Development Bank has provided a €5 million grant to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to promote food security and climate-resilient farming.
The grant, part of the second phase of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT-II) program, will support high-impact agricultural activities across multiple African countries, including Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, and Rwanda.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Abdul Kamara, the Bank’s Director General for Nigeria, underscored the program’s importance.
“TAAT is not just an agricultural program; it is a revolutionary initiative that continues to harness cutting-edge technologies, supporting Africa’s food sufficiency.”
“This funding is another decisive step in securing Africa’s food future, as investment in technology, capacity building, and financing solutions is integral to the program’s success.”
Dr. Simeon Ehui, IITA’s Director General, highlighted the significance of the grant in improving agriculture across Africa. “This investment will help CGIAR bring proven technologies to scale, strengthen seed systems, and empower farmers with climate-resilient solutions.”
“We are committed to working with the African Development Bank and other partners to ensure that smallholder farmers, who are at the heart of Africa’s food system, benefit from these advancements.”
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