Researchers have received a R1,5-million grant to explore methods of nutritionally enhancing maize and sorghum without inserting foreign genes into the plant, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) said on Wednesday.
”… our biosciences researchers are directing their scientific endeavours at improving the nutritional value of African staple crops,” said CSIR biosciences director Dr Gatsha Mazithulela.
The two-year grant, which is likely to be extended for another two years, will allow biotechnologists to conduct research on the modification of maize and sorghum by exposing the plant material to radiation.
”In Africa, trends in child malnutrition, household food insecurity and poverty are moving in the wrong direction. Some crops grown in the region are also low in the major nutrients and vitamins,” said Mazithulela.
The project will hold many benefits to the 300-million people living in arid and semi-arid tropics of Africa.
The grant was awarded by the International Atomic Energy Agency in August, and the project would be conducted by a consortium led by the CSIR and its partners the Agricultural Research Council and the University of Pretoria. — Sapa