Publication: Cape Times
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003

LAGOS-- Crop scientists announced yesterday a $100 million plan, partly funded by software tycoon Bill Gates, to genetically modify the key crops in the developing world to make them more nutritious.

The Nigeria-based International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and its parent body the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research said the HarvestPlus plan would enhance cassava, maize and sweet potatoes.

Rice, wheat and other starchy staples might also be modified, boosting the current levels of micronutrients such as iron, zinc and vitamin A in the crops in order to cut back on malnutrition in the world's poorest communities.

"This is an idea whose time has come," said IITA food scientist Busie Maziya-Dixon. "It is time to add the plus. More nutritious food will be a foundation for development in Africa."

In a separate statement, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, set up by US software giant Microsoft's multi-billionaire founder, would contribute $25 million towards the costs.

The 10-year programme will cost $100 million, the IITA said, with the World Bank, USAid and the government of Denmark making up much of the balance in the first four years.

HarvestPlus director Howart Bouis said in a statement that iron deficiency affects billions of people in the developing world and leads to 100 000 deaths during childbirth every year. Vitamin A deficiency causes more than 500 000 children to go blind each year, and is a leading cause of child mortality.