Bangladesh has become self-sufficient in food production under the leadership and directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder said yesterday.

“As we’ve attained sufficiency in food production, we’re now looking for ways to provide people with more nutritious food,” he said.

The minister made the remarks at “National Level Discussion Meeting on Promoting Nutrition among the Adolescents”, organised jointly by World Food Programme (WFP) and Shornokishoree Network Foundation (SKNF) with support from the government. The event was held at Cirdap auditorium.

The discussion focused on promoting nutrition project for adolescents and demonstrating benefits of fortified rice (pushti chal), a modification of regular rice with added micronutrients.

The minister said the government is concerned about food safety and ensuring nutritious food supply to all, as it is necessary for a sustainable development.

“The government is taking measures to introduce fortified rice in local markets soon,” he added.

WFP Deputy Country Director Alpha Bah said two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiency across the world. “Lots of development has been made in Bangladesh. But more needs to be done,” he said.

He further said infrastructural development is needed for effective implementation of projects to deliver fortified rice to the poor and schoolgoing adolescents. Director of Directorate of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Prof Prabir Kumar Bhattacharjee said fortified rice will be supplied to over two million people within this year.