RANGPUR, Dec 3, 2019 (BSS) – Agriculture and health experts today stressed
on adaptation to bio-fortified zinc rice and its commercialization and
regular use to free the common people from malnutrition-related complicacies.
They expressed the view at a workshop on ‘Adaptation and Commercialization
of Bio-fortified Zinc Rice’ organised by HarvestPlus Bangladesh at the
conference room of Divisional Commissioner in the city.
Divisional Commissioner KM Tariqul Islam attended the event as the chief
guest with Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md Zakir Hossain in
the chair.
Officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and other
agriculture-related organisations, health and education officials, food and
social welfare officials and journalists of Rangpur division participated.
Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) Abu Taher Md Masud Rana,
Deputy Commissioner Md Asib Ahsan and Country Manager of the HarvestPlus
Bangladesh Dr. Md Khairul Bashar addressed as special guests.
Officer-Agriculture Research and Development of HarvestPlus Bangladesh
Agriculturist Ruhul Amin discussed the success achieved in farming eight
varieties of zinc-enriched rice and preservation and distribution of its
seeds in the country.
“Zinc deficiency hinders physical and mental growth of children, cusses
apathy to meal intake, skin disease, disease infestation, memory-loss,
diarrhea and pneumonia,” he said, adding that zinc plays a vital role in
reducing infertility and increasing immunity.
Seed System Specialist of HarvestPlus Bangladesh Mozibar Rahman delivered
presentation on ‘Bio-fortification as a strategy for addressing micronutrient
deficiencies in Bangladesh’ and forwarded suggestions for implementation of
the strategy.
Project Coordinator of the organisation Syed Hanifa delivered presentation
on ‘Commercialization of bio-fortified zinc rice in Bangladesh’ putting
importance on production and smooth supply of bio-fortified zinc rice and
creating its market demand.
Moderated by Senior Manager of HarvestPlus Bangladesh Dr. MA Saleque,
Divisional Deputy Director (Health) Dr. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Directors of
the DAE and BADC, Rangpur Regional Controller of Food Mohammad Raihanul Kabir
and BSS Senior Reporter Mamun Islam spoke, among others, in the open
discussion.
The speakers called upon scientists, policy makers, top officials of paddy
and rice marketing companies for engaging coordinated efforts to formulate
realistic methods for accelerating smooth marketing of bio-fortified zinc
rice in Rangpur division.
The chief guest lauded HarvestPlus for promoting nutrition and public
health through disseminating micronutrient-rich bio-fortified food crops in
Bangladesh and providing global leadership to the expansion of bio-
fortification technologies.