In its effort to tackle malnutrition, the Kano State government has partnered with TechnoServe TNS and the World Food Programme WFP to launch the Promoting Rice Fortification in Nigeria,(PRFIN).
The 2-day Rice Fortification inaugural meeting seeks renewed commitments from all participants to prioritize rice fortification as a key to reducing malnutrition in kano State.
Speaking at the event,Acting permanent secretary Kano state ministry of budget and planning Alhaji Ladan Ajumawa reiterated the state governments commitment in partnering with relevant stakeholders in providing nutrition intervention.
He urged relevant stakeholders to contribute their quota to the governments objective of coordinating nutrition intervention, and ensuring continuation and sustainability for the gains of the interventions.
Also speaking, representative of TechnoServe (TNS) Ahmad Seun Elere explained that, the project is supporting the production of rice fortified with iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B1, B3, and B6 and promote the consumption of same by all especially those most susceptible to malnutrition through the school feeding and other social intervention programmes in the State.
He maintained that, the PRIFN project is also supporting the realization of the Federal government of Nigeria’s ambitions on Rice Fortification as a national micronutrient deficiency control strategy to curb the increasing prevalence of micronutrient deficiency in Nigeria.
Relevant stakeholders in the state including the Kano state Ministry Agriculture pledged to strengthen the agricultural value chain, promote rice fortification in Kano State and ensure mutual collaboration with sister agency.
Media representatives reiterated commitment by allocating free airtime to discuss issues around rice fortification by creating awareness among the public in kano state.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
