Jakarta, Feb. 9 -- Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) announced Monday that it is leading a joint research project on wild banana breeding aimed at strengthening both national and global food security.

Head of BRIN's Center for Genetic Engineering Research Ratih Asmana Ningrum explained that bananas are among the world's most important food commodities, serving as a staple for millions of people in Indonesia and across Africa.

Banana production, however, faces serious threats from diseases such as Panama wilt, caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, and Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), spread by insects.

"Breeding banana varieties resistant to pests and diseases is the most sustainable ...