Biotech Updates

HarvestPlus to Release 'Iron Beans' in Rwanda

August 6, 2010

HarvestPlus is developing new varieties of beans with increased iron content. or 'iron beans'. It is estimated that 56% of preschool children and 33% of women in Rwanda are experiencing anemia, a disease often brought about by deficiency in iron. The 'iron beans' is expected to be released this year. HarvestPlus aims to feed 3.1 million people with biofortified beans after 10 years of release. Rwanda Agricultural Research Institute (ISAR) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) are two of the other institutions that partnered with HarvestPlus to develop 'iron beans'.

For more information, visit http://www.harvestplus.org/content/beans-better-health.