IITA and NARO release NARITA 17: A Matooke banana variety, in Uganda

In Uganda, approximately 75% of farmers cultivate ‘Matooke’ and other banana varieties, covering an estimated 38% of the total cultivated land. However, production has declined over the past three decades, primarily due to soil fertility depletion, drought, and attacks from pathogens such as banana bacterial wilt, black Sigatoka, and fusarium wilt. Additionally, pests like the banana weevil and burrowing nematodes have further contributed to the decline.

As part of efforts to find solutions, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), in collaboration with the IITA–CGIAR in Uganda, developed the high-yielding, disease-resistant Matooke banana variety NARITA 17. This variety, known for its desirable consumer sensory qualities, was officially released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries on 21 March 2025 in Uganda.

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