FG inaugurates biofortification committee to ‘increase nutrients in food crops’

The federal government has inaugurated the National Biofortification Steering Committee in a bid to increase nutrient density of food crops. 

The committee was set up in collaboration with HarvestPlus, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) backed by the United Kingdom Agency for International Development (UKAID).

Speaking with reporters on Friday in Lagos, Nuhu Kilishe, a director in the federal ministry of agriculture and chair of the biofortification committee, said the panel was set up to address nutrient deficiencies in children and nursing mothers.

“The committee is important because we will be discussing issues that have to do with biofortification,” he said.

“Before now, the biofortification has been happening in some states and areas under scattered arrangements.

“There have been duplication of funds and wastages of projects, but this committee will align the activities of biofortification.

“The reason for biofortification is because there are nutrient deficiencies, our children, our women lack the basic nutrients iron, zinc – which this committee will work towards that crops are biofortified.”

Yusuf Dollah, Harvestplus Nigeria country director, said people tend to focus on filling up their stomachs than eating healthy food, thereby worsening “the already not so good nutrition outcome”.

“The steering committee will serve as advisory, advocacy and lobby group made up of policy makers, experts and stakeholders that will provide guidance on issues relating to enabling policies for biofortification in Nigeria,” Dollah said.

“The committee will also deepen the inclusion of biofortification and climate smart agriculture into government policies and programs; and use it as strategic tool to reducing negative health outcomes associated with micronutrient deficiencies in Nigeria and this will lead to improved access to nutritious foods.”

The country director added that the committee would work to implement policies at the national and sub-national levels.