Insights from Puwakarta, West Java Nutri Zinc Rice: A Promising Intervention for Micronutrient Deficiency

Micronutrient deficiency, commonly known as hidden hunger, presents a significant nutritional challenge that often goes undetected yet profoundly impacts public health, particularly among children and women of reproductive age. Zinc, an essential nutrient vital for growth, immune function, and infection prevention, is one of the most prevalent deficiencies observed. In response to this urgent issue, the Indonesian government, in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has developed Nutri Zinc rice through biofortification. This innovative method enhances the zinc content of crops using advanced plant breeding techniques. Nutri Zinc rice presents a viable solution for improving zinc intake while preserving existing rice consumption patterns.

In Indonesia, Purwakarta is one of the regions that has embraced this innovation. The local government has allocated 1,000 hectares of land in the Wanayasa Sub-District for Nutri Zinc rice cultivation, collaborating with the Purwakarta Office of Food and Agriculture, agricultural extension workers, and farmer groups, including the Female Farmers Group (KWT). In 2023, the production of nutritious rice reached five tons per hectare, highlighting its potential to enhance agricultural productivity and improve community nutrition.

Nutritious rice cultivation benefits farmers economically, as it commands higher prices than regular rice. The Sumber Rezeki Women Farmers Group in Wanayasa Sub-District produces various Nutri Zinc-based products, including rice (IDR 90,000 per 5 kg), rice flour (IDR 15,000 per 500 g), traditional cakes (IDR 15,000 per pack), and peanut brittle (IDR 10,000 per pack). Due to its superior nutritional value, nutrient rice has strong potential in international markets.

Beyond economic advantages, nutritious rice plays a significant role in public health, especially in efforts to reduce stunting. As rice is the primary staple food, enhancing its zinc content directly helps alleviate micronutrient deficiencies. This initiative transformed Wanayasa, which previously faced stunting challenges, into a region that offers nutritional solutions.

Nutritious rice provides benefits but encounters obstacles in processing and expanding market reach. To satisfy the demand for healthier options, there should be developments in low-sodium, low-sugar, and low-fat varieties. Effective branding and marketing strategies are vital for connecting with consumers. It’s important to offer farmers better training in processing, packaging, and marketing to enhance product competitiveness. Involving young people is key to leveraging digital platforms for brand promotion and market access. Nutri-zinc rice can significantly enhance farmers’ livelihoods and public nutrition. In accordance with the Government of Indonesia’s 2025-2045 National Development Plan, reducing stunting is a priority. Young people can act as change agents through educational and healthy food campaigns. The success in Purwakarta can serve as a model for other regions, supporting Golden Indonesia 2045, where quality human resources will drive sustainable food innovation. (AA)