Dar es Salaam – Tanzania has launched three new banana varieties—Bira, Lahi, and Apantu—rich in vitamin A to enhance nutrition and food security. Developed by the Alliance of Bioversity International, CIAT, and the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), these varieties are officially registered with the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI). The introduction addresses the pressing issue of vitamin A deficiency, affecting around 33% of children under five in the country. Dr Deborah Nabuuma of the Alliance highlighted the importance of incorporating nutrient-rich crops into daily diets, particularly in communities where bananas are a staple. 

With over 900,000 households relying on banana cultivation, Tanzania is East Africa's second-largest banana producer. Bananas contribute significantly to food security, and traditional dishes include mtori (banana stew) and ndizi kaanga (fried bananas). Dr Mpoki Shimwela from TARI noted that these new varieties emerged from nearly a decade of research on agricultural performance and consumer acceptance. The registration of these vitamin A-rich bananas marks a crucial step toward improving nutrition and food security across Tanzania, allowing for broader multiplication and distribution among farming communities.