Golden maize varieties (High provitamin A)

Nutrition-boosting, income-enhancing maize.

These maize varieties have distinctive orange kernels, a result of high beta-carotene content. They are developed through advanced breeding techniques, combining naturally provitamin A enriched lines from Central and South America with elite land races and hybrid lines with improved agronomic traits.

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

7•7

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 7/9; level of use 7/9

Positive or neutral impact

Adults 18 and over: Positive high
The poor: Positive high
Under 18: Positive high
Women: Positive high

Positive or neutral impact

Climate adaptability: It adapts somewhat well
Adaptability for farmers: It helps a lot
Biodiversity: It doesn't hurt them
Carbon footprint: It reduces emissions a little
Environment: It makes a little difference
Soil quality: It doesn't harm the soil's health and fertility
Water usage: It uses a little less water

Problem

Widespread Vitamin A Deficiency: A significant portion of the population, particularly children and adults, suffer from inadequate vitamin A levels. This leads to preventable cases of blindness and compromises immune system function, increasing susceptibility to diseases like measles, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.
Malnutrition and Weak Immunity: Common maize varieties lack essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to widespread malnutrition and weakened immunity. This puts 50% of children aged 0.5 to 5 years at risk of vitamin A deficiency, leading to serious health complications and reduced quality of life.

Solution

Addressing Vitamin A Deficiency:

Provitamin A enriched maize varieties provide a stable source of essential nutrients, combating deficiencies.
Preservation of beta-carotene ensures a consistent supply of vitamin A.
Genomic modification maintains nutrient content without compromising yield.

Combatting Malnutrition and Weak Immunity:

Cost-effective approach for regions heavily reliant on maize.
Tailored to meet nutritional needs, providing a significant portion of daily vitamin A requirement.
Accessible and adaptable for diverse farming systems.

Key points to design your ORG TEXT

ORG specific text

In the meantime, use the “Request information” button if you need to contact us.

Cost: $$$ 0.8—1.2 USD

per kg

IP

Open source / open access

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested

Countries where the technology has been tested and adopted
Country	Tested	Adopted
Cameroon	–Not tested	Adopted
Democratic Republic of the Congo	–Not tested	Adopted
Ghana	–Not tested	Adopted
Kenya	–Not tested	Adopted
Malawi	–Not tested	Adopted
Mali	–Not tested	Adopted
Nigeria	–Not tested	Adopted
Rwanda	–Not tested	Adopted
Tanzania	–Not tested	Adopted
Zambia	–Not tested	Adopted
Zimbabwe	–Not tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid	–	–	–	–
Semiarid	–		–
Subhumid	–		–
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 2: zero hunger

Goal 3: good health and well-being

Variety Selection: Choose the specific Provitamin A Enriched Golden Maize variety best suited for your region. Refer to local agricultural guidelines for recommended planting practices.
Soil and Fertilizer Management: Conduct a soil test to assess nutrient levels and pH balance. Adjust fertilization based on the requirements of the chosen maize variety.
Consider Intercropping or Rotation: In areas with low soil fertility, consider intercropping Provitamin A Enriched Golden Maize with legumes or rotating with other crops. This practice enhances nutrient availability and water retention, benefiting the specific characteristics of this maize variety.
Monitor Growth and Pest Control: Regularly monitor the growth of Provitamin A Enriched Golden Maize, paying close attention to signs of pests or diseases that may affect this specific variety. Apply recommended pest control measures as needed.
Harvesting: Time the harvest for when kernels of the specific Provitamin A Enriched Golden Maize variety are fully mature and dry. This is typically indicated by a change in color and texture.
Storage and Processing: Store harvested maize in dry, well-ventilated conditions to prevent moisture-induced spoilage while ensuring the specific provitamin A content of this maize variety is retained. Use processing methods that minimize oxidation.