Kano: The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food and nutrition security through expanded adoption of biofortified crops across the country. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated this at a National Biofortification Workshop in Kano on Saturday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogunbiyi emphasized that ensuring food availability alone was no longer sufficient. He stressed the necessity of guaranteeing that food consumed by Nigerians is nutritious, safe, affordable, and accessible. Ogunbiyi expressed concern over the persistent issues of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, which continue to pose significant public health and economic challenges in the country.
Ogunbiyi highlighted that biofortification offers a cost-effective and sustainable approach to enhancing nutrition, especially for women, children, and vulnerable groups. The workshop aimed to review the mandate and operational framework of the National Biofortification Steering Committee, aligning it with national food and nutrition policies.
Nigeria currently boasts the largest portfolio of biofortified crops globally, with developments including iron-rich pearl millet, zinc-enriched rice, Vitamin A cassava, Vitamin A maize, and Vitamin A sweet potato. These advancements have been achieved through collaborations with research institutions. The initiative has been integrated into national agricultural and nutrition policies, with private sector involvement strengthening the value chain through seed multiplication, processing, and market development.