AU: Queensland Univeristy of Tech developing iron rich bananas for India
The agreement was signed in India on behalf of QUT and the Department of Biotechnology's BIRAC.
The project will see new strains of iron-rich bananas developed and will be jointly led by QUT's Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities Director, Distinguished Professor James Dale and Dr Rakesh Tuli of the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute.
Other partners include the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, National Research Centre for Bananas, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research.
"Australia is delighted to be associated with such an important project that would help prevent avoidable maternal mortality in India," said Mr Varghese.
"Bananas are a staple food in India, particularly in the south of the country," said Professor Dale.
"Once we develop the new banana varieties they should be widely available and provide a rich and easily accessible source of iron."
"This is a significant step forward in addressing a major health issue in India's nutrition deficient population," said Dr Renu Swarup, Managing Director, BIRAC, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
BIRAC is providing Australian $1.2 million (Rs 68 million) to QUT and another $1.4 million (Rs 80 million) towards the cost of the Indian component of the program.
Professor Dale said QUT felt privileged to enter into the agreement with India as this was the first technology transfer agreement the Indian government had entered into with an international organisation in the field of biotechnology.
Source: newstrackindia.com
