Golden Banana

GOLDEN
BANANA
PRESENTED BY
TALIB, SITTIE ASYA S.
WHAT IS A GOLDEN BANANA?
The Golden Banana is a genetically modified variety of

banana that has been engineered to produce higher
levels of pro-vitamin A, which is crucial for preventing
vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Vitamin A deficiency is a
major health issue in developing countries, particularly in
Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Central America,
where people rely on staple crops like bananas for much
of their daily nutrition. The development of the Golden
Banana is part of a broader effort to combat VAD using
biofortification.
THE SCIENTIST WHO DEVELOPED
THE GOLDEN BANANA
Professor James Dale is an Australian scientist and

plant biotechnologist known for his pioneering work in
developing genetically modified (GM) bananas to
combat vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. In
2005, he was a key figure in the development of the
"Golden Banana"—a genetically engineered variety of
banana designed to have increased levels of pro-vitamin
A (beta-carotene).
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
 Conceptualization (2000s): Researchers recognized

the potential of genetic modification to address
micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries.
 Research Beginnings (2005): Professor James Dale
and his team at Queensland University of Technology
(QUT) started working on the Golden Banana project.
 Breakthrough (2014): Dale's team successfully
engineered a banana rich in pro-vitamin A using genetic
modification.
 Field Trials (2015-2018): Golden Bananas were tested

in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
 Approval (2019): Uganda's National Biosafety
Committee approved the Golden Banana for cultivation
and consumption.
 Vitamin A Deficiency: Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa,
causing blindness, weakened immunity, and increased
mortality.
 Banana Importance: Bananas are a staple food in East
Africa, providing 30-40% of daily calories.
 Genetic Modification: Introduced a gene from a

banana variety high in pro-vitamin A (beta-carotene)
into the popular Cavendish banana.
 Funding: Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation, USAID, and the UK's Department for
International Development.
 Collaboration: QUT, Uganda's National Agricultural
Research Organisation (NARO), and the International
Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOLDEN
BANANA
Agricultural Importance
Economic Impact on Agriculture: Bananas, including

golden varieties (often referring to yellow bananas), are
vital to the agricultural sector in many tropical
countries. They serve as a major source of income for
farmers and contribute significantly to the economies of
banana-producing nations.
BANANA
Nutritional and Health Benefits
Rich Source of Nutrients: Golden bananas are rich in

nutrients, particularly potassium, vitamin C, and dietary
fiber, which contribute to heart health, digestive health,
and overall well-being. They are particularly important
in regions where they serve as a primary food source for
rural populations.
BANANA
Cultural Significance
Symbolism in Religion and Festivals: Bananas, especially
golden bananas, are often used in cultural and religious
ceremonies.
Economic Export and Trade

Global Trade: Bananas, particularly the yellow or golden
varieties, are one of the most exported fruits globally. Countries
like Ecuador and Costa Rica depend on banana exports,
contributing to their economic development. The golden banana,
being a high-demand fruit, is a key export product.
ADVANTAGES
AND
DISADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES
 Nutritional Benefits
 Energy Boosting
 Increased Yields
 Disease Resistance
 Economic Benefits
 Food Security
 Sustainable Agriculture
DISADVANTAGES
 Initial Investment
 Limited Availability
 Labor Requirements
 Loss of Traditional Varieties
 Health Risks
 Labor Conditions
 Regulatory Challenges
REFERENCES
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) report on "Bananas: A Major Global Crop" (FAO, 2021). This
outlines the economic importance of bananas, including varieties that are typically yellow or golden
in color, in global food security and trade.
"Banana Crops and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa" – A study by the International Banana
Congress (IBC), 2018, highlights bananas' role in sustaining agricultural economies in Africa,
particularly in small-scale farming contexts.
"Cultural Importance of Bananas in South Asia" – Article by the Indian Journal of Cultural Studies
(2017), discussing the role of bananas in religious rituals and cultural festivals in India and
neighboring countries.
"Banana Trade and Export Markets" – International Trade Centre report (2020). This report provides
detailed statistics on global banana exports and the role of golden bananas in international trade,
particularly from Latin American countries.
"The Decline of Banana Genetic Diversity" – Biodiversity and Conservation Journal (2019), which
addresses the dangers of monoculture farming and the loss of diverse banana varieties.
"Labor Rights in the Banana Industry" – International Labour Organization (ILO) report (2017), which
discusses the labor conditions and human rights challenges in the global banana industry.
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GOLDEN

The Golden Banana is a genetically modified variety of

Professor James Dale is an Australian scientist and

 Conceptualization (2000s): Researchers recognized

 Field Trials (2015-2018): Golden Bananas were tested

 Genetic Modification: Introduced a gene from a

Economic Impact on Agriculture: Bananas, including

Nutritional and Health Benefits

Rich Source of Nutrients: Golden bananas are rich in

Economic Export and Trade

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