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RETA 5945: Fifth Agriculture and Natural Research at the Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research (CGIAR)
Financed by Poverty Reduction Cooperation Fund

Type: Study; Institutional Strengthening; Training
Duration: January 2001 to December 2004
Executing Agency: ADB
Person Responsible: L. Studdert of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Social Sectors Division, Regional and sustainable Development Department
Amount: $905,000
Project Summary

This TA aims to increase the iron and other micronutrients in rice germplasm. This involves the use of a process called “Rice Biofortification” and may prove to be the most cost-effective way to eliminate micronutrient malnutrition in Asia among the poor over the next decade.

The main objectives are:

  • Carry out agronomic research and human nutrition efficacy trials to increase the iron content of rice seed and iron bioavailability from rice consumption
  • Develop capacity at selected national agricultural research systems (NARS) in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines and Viet Nam, to adapt iron-dense varieties to local growing conditions for eventual dissemination to farmers
  • Support economic research to demonstrate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the plantbreeding strategy
  • Prepare a regional investment plan for rapid dissemination of the seed technology to national production systems through traditional back-crossing methods.