Bio-fortified zinc lentil variety being promoted in Rajshahi. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 5, 2025 (BSS) - A high-yielding, bio-fortified zinc and iron-enriched lentil variety 'BARI Masur- 8' is being promoted in the region, including its vast Barind tract, to meet up the gradually mounting demand of pulse.
 
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a Swiss-based foundation, are working to promote the lentil variety through financial and technical support of Smallholder Agricultural Competitiveness Project (SACP).
 
BARI and Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) are also working to expedite the field level activities related to expanding this lentil variety.
 
These were revealed in a daylong farmers training and workshop on the issue held at the office conference hall of the Deputy Director of DAE here today.
DAE Director Obayedur Rahman Mondal addressed the workshop as chief guest, while Additional
Director Dr Azizur Rahman and Deputy Director Dr Zafar Al Monsur spoke as special guests with Deputy Director Umme Shalma in the chair.

During his PowerPoint presentation, Dr Monir Uddin, Consultant of GAIN Bangladesh, illustrated the activities of the project along with its aims, objectives and implementation strategy.

Obayedur Rahman Mondal said the variety is a biofortified one enriched in zinc and iron and its production and consumption will eradicate the deficiency of zinc and iron, which is a very essential micronutrient for the human body.
 
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) developed the variety that contains 27.8 percent protein, he added.
 
Sharing his field level experience Dr Azizur Rahman said there is no need of applying chemical nitrogen fertilizers. Excess stored nitrogen is supplied to the next crop, he added.
 
In his remarks, Dr Monir Uddin said zinc is one of the most important micronutrients, essential to maintain physical health because the body has no special zinc storage system.
 
If there is zinc deficiency in the mother's body, the baby's development is disrupted and the baby is born with various complications, he said.
 
Dr Monir said zinc deficiency causes stunted or stunted growth in humans, especially children. Lack of zinc impairs or hinders the child's intellectual development.
 
He, however, said lentils are rich in protein and it helps build and maintain muscles, bones, and skin together with maintaining brain health, improving cholesterol levels, regulating blood sugar levels, fiber and helps digestion.
 
Dr Monir said GAIN's mission is to advance nutrition outcomes by improving consumption of nutritious and safe food for all, especially the most vulnerable group.
 
Apart from this, he said the country produces 2.06 lakh metric tons of lentils against the demand of 6.4 lakh tons at present.

Later, the experts and farmers visited a projection plot of 'BARI Masur- 8' at Pakuria village under Paba Upazila in the district. In the field-day meeting, the farmers were given ideas on how to cultivate 'BARI Masur- 8' properly.