Zinc deficiency poses a significant health challenge in Bangladesh, particularly among pre-school-aged children and non-pregnant, non-lactating women. To address this issue, the government of Bangladesh has made efforts to promote the cultivation and consumption of zinc-biofortified rice and wheat, considering rice’s significant role as a staple food in the country. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of rice farmers about zinc-biofortified rice in Bangladesh. By understanding the perceptions of farmers, the research sought to identify potential pathways for the successful adoption and integration of this critical agricultural innovation. Data was collected from 1301 rice farmers across seven districts from January to March 2022. The data collection process involved surveys and interviews to evaluate farmers’ familiarity with and understanding of zinc-biofortified rice, as well as their experiences and practices related to its cultivation. The study revealed that a significant portion of the surveyed farmers, approximately 56.2%, had heard about zinc-biofortified rice and wheat. However, only less than 30% of these farmers demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the substantial benefits associated with the consumption of zinc-biofortified rice. Additionally, although a considerable percentage (48%) of the sampled farmers cultivated zinc-biofortified rice during the 2021–22 dry season, a majority (77%) of them relied on free seeds provided by research organizations and NGOs. The study highlights the need for comprehensive information dissemination on zinc deficiency and the benefits of zinc-biofortified crops among farmers. The study recommends the implementation of targeted awareness programs and initiatives to facilitate the widespread adoption and consumption of zinc-biofortified rice and wheat, thereby potentially addressing the pervasive zinc deficiency issue in the country. By financing research and awareness programs, international donor agencies can play an important role in fighting zinc deficiency in Bangladesh.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Current Status of Zinc-Biofortified Rice Cultivation in Bangladesh

  • Khondoker Abdul Mottaleb,
  • Alvaro Durand-Morat,
  • Fazleen Abdul Fatah,
  • Md. Abdur Rouf Sarkar

摘要

Zinc deficiency poses a significant health challenge in Bangladesh, particularly among pre-school-aged children and non-pregnant, non-lactating women. To address this issue, the government of Bangladesh has made efforts to promote the cultivation and consumption of zinc-biofortified rice and wheat, considering rice’s significant role as a staple food in the country. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of rice farmers about zinc-biofortified rice in Bangladesh. By understanding the perceptions of farmers, the research sought to identify potential pathways for the successful adoption and integration of this critical agricultural innovation. Data was collected from 1301 rice farmers across seven districts from January to March 2022. The data collection process involved surveys and interviews to evaluate farmers’ familiarity with and understanding of zinc-biofortified rice, as well as their experiences and practices related to its cultivation. The study revealed that a significant portion of the surveyed farmers, approximately 56.2%, had heard about zinc-biofortified rice and wheat. However, only less than 30% of these farmers demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the substantial benefits associated with the consumption of zinc-biofortified rice. Additionally, although a considerable percentage (48%) of the sampled farmers cultivated zinc-biofortified rice during the 2021–22 dry season, a majority (77%) of them relied on free seeds provided by research organizations and NGOs. The study highlights the need for comprehensive information dissemination on zinc deficiency and the benefits of zinc-biofortified crops among farmers. The study recommends the implementation of targeted awareness programs and initiatives to facilitate the widespread adoption and consumption of zinc-biofortified rice and wheat, thereby potentially addressing the pervasive zinc deficiency issue in the country. By financing research and awareness programs, international donor agencies can play an important role in fighting zinc deficiency in Bangladesh.