Finding more nutritious foods for Nigerians will be the subject of a three-day Food Fair (NFF) in Lagos next month. In the NFF, government, business, and civil society leaders will discuss ways to begin a nationwide implementation of bio-fortifications. DANIEL ESSIET looks at the impact the event will have on the food industry.
African Development Bank (AfBR) President Akinwumi Adezina wants Nigeria and other African countries to become producers of bio-fortified products. More than two billion people worldwide suffer from hidden hunger, which is the consumption of a sufficient number of calories, which lack the necessary nutrients, such as vitamin A, iron or zinc. It can cause serious damage to health, blindness, or even death.
Adezina suggested that nutrition should be considered from the point of view of the economy and low-income people, which leads to poorly functioning economies.
To this end, it supports crop variety development programs to combat micronutrient malnutrition.
Among other proposals, the AfDB President spoke of the need to increase the demand for bio-fortified crops in the framework of national nutrition programs.
Adesine’s efforts supported HarvestPlus Nigeria, a non-profit global agricultural research organization that introduced cassava and vitamin A corn.
His country manager, Dr. Paul Ilona, said that farmers using varieties harvest more per hectare and earn more income by selling surplus.
According to Ilona, hidden hunger and stunted growth or worsening development are usually associated with poverty and diets high in major crops. Thus, the bioinformation of essential nutrients to major crops has the potential to reduce the level of undernourishment and micronutrient deficiencies.
Consequently, HarvestPlus and partners plan to develop more crop varieties that will provide people with adequate vitamin A, zinc, or iron.
The varieties will be presented during the three-day food and food fair (NFF)), which will be held in Lagos from November 7 to 9 at the Landmark Event Center.
He added that the innovative HarvestPlus solution for malnutrition of micronutrients will be demonstrated during the event.
Presentations highlighting the efforts of HarvestPlus and bio-strengthening partners are strategically and continuously evaluated.
The fair includes plenary sessions, discussion forums and presentations, during which participants will discuss how best to increase the delivery of nutrient crops and basic bioinformation.
The conference will attract high-level keynote speakers, including world-renowned agrarian reformers.
Attracted by the government, business, and civil society, organizations are vital stakeholders in an effort to increase nutrient crops for more people.
Ilona said that the private sector plays a role in increasing the availability, accessibility and attractiveness of healthier foods for the population.
He said that small businesses and entrepreneurs can help tilt food systems to better diets and can respond innovatively to the goals and rules of nutrition.
He stressed that HarvestPlus improves nutrition and public health by developing and promoting bio-fortified food crops rich in vitamins and minerals.
Ilona said that the benefits of bio-fortification in crops are obvious, adding that it has the potential to improve agriculture and promote nutrition.
He stressed that bioinformatics provides a way to ensure food safety in the food system of Nigeria, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to increasing production of bio-fortified crops.
