Pabna, Feb 13 (V7N) – A cooking competition featuring zinc-enriched nutritious foods was organized in Chatmohor, Pabna, under the Scaling Biofortified Crop project by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the HarvestPlus Program. The event aimed to promote the use of zinc-enriched rice, wheat, and lentils in daily diets as part of expanding biofortified crops.

The event was held on February 12 at Chatmohor Pilot Girls High School, where guests included Wahidul Amin, Country Coordinator of HarvestPlus Bangladesh, Ataur Rahman Miton, Vice President of BICEF Foundation, and Clinical Nutritionist Sharmin Shilpi Nakshi from Dhaka CMH, among others.

Speeches emphasized the importance of not just producing food, but producing nutritious food and creating public awareness regarding its consumption and commercial use. Organizers mentioned that over 34,000 farmers from Pabna, Natore, and Sirajganj districts are already involved in the project to cultivate zinc-enriched rice.

Wahidul Amin, Country Coordinator of HarvestPlus Bangladesh, said, "We are exploring what types of dishes can be made with zinc-enriched rice, wheat, and lentils. Through this, we aim to develop food suitable for school children while making zinc easily accessible."

Ataur Rahman Miton, Vice President of BICEF Foundation, highlighted that government data reveals that one in four people suffers from micronutrient deficiencies, and zinc-enriched rice could play a vital role in addressing this issue. "The fortification of rice with zinc allows us to meet our daily zinc needs without needing separate supplements or zinc-rich foods," he explained.

Nutritionist Sharmin Shilpi Nakshi noted the importance of incorporating 7-10 milligrams of zinc into the daily diet. She emphasized that zinc-enriched rice could fulfill this need, contributing to brain development, bone growth, and faster healing of wounds. Additionally, zinc is beneficial for keeping the skin smooth. "I hope this initiative spreads across the country, encouraging more people to consume nutritious foods," she added.

The cooking competition saw the participation of 15 chefs from Sirajganj, Pabna, and Natore districts, who prepared dishes using biofortified zinc-enriched rice, wheat, and zinc and iron-rich lentils. The judges selected the top three chefs based on the nutritional quality, use of biofortified ingredients, taste, and presentation of the dishes. Hafsa Khatun secured the first prize, Monira Khatun came second, and Parul Khatun placed third.

It is noteworthy that HarvestPlus Bangladesh is actively working on the expansion and adoption of zinc-enriched rice, wheat, and lentils while promoting the development and distribution of vitamin- and mineral-rich biofortified food crops.

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