In Rwanda, scientists are advocating for the adoption of genetically modified (GM) banana varieties to combat the lethal Panama disease, which threatens the extinction of two local banana types. This soil-borne fungus has wreaked havoc on the global banana industry, spreading from Southeast Asia to Africa. The affected varieties, Kamaramasenge and Gros Michel, are integral to Rwanda's diet and economy, covering about 23% of the nation's cultivated land.
At a recent workshop in Musanze District, Pacifique Nshimiyimana, an agricultural scientist, emphasized the critical role of bananas in Rwanda's food security. He highlighted the potential of GM bananas, already developed in Australia, to resist Panama disease and safeguard these vital crops. The disease's persistence has escalated market prices, with small bunches of Karama and single Gros Michel bananas seeing significant cost increases.
Australia is on the verge of approving the first GM banana, QCAV-4, designed to resist Panama disease. This development could mark a pivotal moment in the global fight against the disease. Meanwhile, Rwanda has made legislative progress by passing a bill on GMO crops, setting the stage for a future where biotechnology could significantly bolster food security and agricultural sustainability.
Source: newtimes.co.rw