FG to strengthen food, nutrition security through bio-fortified crops
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food and nutrition security through expanded adoption of bio-fortified crops across the country. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food and nutrition security through expanded adoption of bio-fortified crops across the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, stated this at a national biofortification workshop in Kano on Saturday.
“Ensuring food availability alone is no longer sufficient,” he noted.
He stressed the need to ensure that food consumed by Nigerians was nutritious, safe, affordable and accessible.
He noted that malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies remained major public health and economic challenges in the country.
Dr. Ogunbiyi explained that biofortification provides a cost-effective and sustainable approach to improving nutrition, particularly among women, children and vulnerable groups, he said.
The workshop was organised to review the mandate and operational framework of the National Biofortification Steering Committee and align it with national food and nutrition policies.
Nigeria currently has the largest portfolio of biofortified crops globally, with iron-rich pearl millet, zinc-enriched rice, Vitamin A cassava, Vitamin A maize and Vitamin A sweet potato developed and promoted through partnerships with research institutions.
The initiative has been integrated into national agricultural and nutrition policies, with private sector participation strengthening the value chain through seed multiplication, processing and market development.
Speaking to reporters, participants emphasised the need for sustained investment in research, extension services and awareness creation to accelerate the adoption of biofortified crops nationwide.
