Agriculture and health experts today stressed on adaptation to bio-fortified zinc rice and its commercialisation and regular use to free the common people from malnutrition-related complicacies. They expressed the view at a workshop on ‘Adaptation and Commercialisation 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.