Zinc deficiency compromises the immune system, stunts growth in children, and increases the risk of diarrheal disease and respiratory infections. In Bangladeshi, where 41 percent of children aged under five are zinc deficient, a new variety of rice—the country’s most popular staple food—is bringing hope to families.
Zinc-rich rice is now available in the country, thanks to the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), HarvestPlus, and other partners promoting this biofortified nutritious crop. Women are leading the adoption of the crop. Khairul Bashar, the HarvestPlus Country Manager for Bangladesh, has a story of one particular woman’s determination to improve her son’s health through zinc rice.