Farmers urged to grow zinc rice on large scale

GAIBANDHA, Jan 13 (BSS): Agri experts in a function here Monday urged the farmers to farm zinc enriched rice BRRI Dhan 64 on large scale to meet the necessary requirement of micronutrient for a human body and increase disease resistant capacity of children.
"Zinc is one of the most vital micronutrients. Deficiency of zinc hampers normal growth of children and it also decreases the disease prevention capacity of the poor and the vulnerable people including the pregnant women", they said.
The agri-experts made the comments while addressing a day-long training for the farmers on Seeds production, processing and storing of zinc enriched BRRI dhan 64 at the training center of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Khamarbari area of the town.
RDRS Bangladesh, a non-governmental organization, which is expanding the technology for farming the variety in cooperation with DAE here as a local implementing partner of the Harvest Plus organized the training to inspire the farmers to farm it during the current boro season successfully.
Deputy Director of DAE Mir Abdur Razzak, district training officer M. Aminul Islam, Sadar upazila agriculture officer Sadiqul Islam conducted the training sessions as the resource persons.
The function was also addressed, among others, by programme manager of RDRS Bangladesh Porsia Rahman, agriculture of the organization Sharifa Begum and representative of The Harvest Plus Ruhul Amin.