Uganda scientists develop products that can reduce aflatoxin contamination in grains by over 80%
-
Loading... - Glory Selemani
- 03 Apr 2023
- 68 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Scientists from Uganda’s National Agricultural Advisory Research Organization (NARO) have developed products that can consistently reduce aflatoxin contamination in grains by over 80%.
According to the research organization’s director general, Dr. Ambrose Agona, the products, NARO Aflatoxin Binder and Aflasafe have been proven to render Uganda grains safe for consumption.
Aflasafe
“Our Aflasafe product, for instance, can consistently reduce aflatoxin contamination by over 80 per cent mostly in pre—harvest and it is cost-effective and easy to use by farmers,” said Agona.
The Aflasafe technology which is also existent in the neighbouring countries such as Kenya and Tanzania is currently being validated in farmers’ fields to produce data for its official registration before commercialization.
The exercise which is conducted by NARO and IITA started in 2020 and has given some positive outcome with ability to reduce aflatoxin levels in maize, groundnuts, and sorghum by over 85%.
“I believe that the success of the technology enhancing awareness about aflatoxin and its management, increased capability for frequent testing and giving premium price to quality grain meeting trade and health standards are important drivers,” said Agona.
Aflatoxin Binder
This product, on the other hand, contains natural aluminosilinicate clays gotten from Albertine graben region of Uganda.
“Aflatoxin Binder is effective in binding toxins from contaminated animal feed, preventing the toxins from entering animal bloodstream and getting assimilated into animal products and tissues.” Read More…
