New zinc-rich rice varieties unveiled in Negros Occidental vs malnutrition

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Officials unveiled two new zinc-rich rice varieties that scientists and agriculture leaders said could help rewrite the nutrition narrative in a country where about three of 10 children under five is stunted, and millions live with hidden hunger.

At a ceremonial harvest in Murcia, Negros Occidental, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) launched the NSIC Rc 460 and NSIC Rc 648 rice varieties, both biofortified to contain higher levels of zinc, an essential nutrient long missing in the diets of many Filipino children.

“These are the first zinc-rich rice varieties in the Philippines,” said Ommal Abdulkadil, director of PhilRice-Negros Occidental, during the event at the agency’s experimental field in Barangay Cansilayan.

The Department of Health (DOH) has flagged zinc deficiency as a contributing factor to stunting, which affects approximately 29.5% of Filipino children under five years old, based on the latest national nutrition data.

In Negros Occidental, the Provincial Health Office recorded in January 2024 a stunting and wasting rate of 20% among children across the province.

Dr. Mallikarjuna Swamy, lead breeder for high-zinc rice at the IRRI, said consuming one cup or 150 grams of cooked NSIC Rc 460 or Rc 648 rice daily can meet up to 25% of the recommended zinc intake for preschool children.

Swamy said a 2016 study confirmed that NSIC Rc 460 contains 19.6 milligrams of zinc per kilogram, while NSIC Rc 648, approved in 2021, contains 20.4 mg/kg, which is higher than most conventional rice varieties.

“These are not just high-yielding varieties, but they also deliver nutritional benefits that could significantly reduce stunting rates,” Swamy said.

DA-Negros Island Region Director Albert Barrogo said the most commonly planted rice varieties in the region are NSIC Rc 222 and NSIC Rc 216. The newly launched high-zinc varieties are expected to complement these by adding nutritional benefits without sacrificing yield.

Those behind the Healthier Rice Program said the two zinc-rich rice types are now part of the government’s nationwide seed multiplication strategy. They are being propagated in priority areas including Bual Norte in Midsayap, Cotabato, and the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija.

Distribution will extend to provinces identified under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, including Maguindanao, Surigao del Sur, Pangasinan, Quezon, Sorsogon, and Iloilo.

Abdulkadil called the introduction a big step in addressing malnutrition, particularly stunting among children.

“We highlight the vital role of high-zinc rice in promoting better nutrition,” he said, noting that the launch coincides with Nutrition Month in July.

“Our high-zinc rice shows that the solution to hidden hunger can begin right at our dining table,” Abdulkadil added.

Abdulkadil expressed optimism that the rollout of zinc-rich rice would have long-term effects on child nutrition across the country.

He said PhilRice’s initiative “will surely thrive in the country not just meant to feed Filipinos, but also to solve the stunting problem on children, one of the prolonged problems the country is facing right now.” – Rappler.com