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Wacot Rice Mill in Kebbi State has started producing fortified Big Bull rice brand to combat malnutrition.
The company's COO, Mr Jayant Chantrastekar Jagtop, announced that they aim to produce 10,000 bags of fortified rice in various sizes over three weeks.
He urged other rice mills to follow their lead in producing fortified rice rich in essential nutrients.
The initial batch of fortified rice will be sold to institutional buyers for social safety net programs, starting with school feeding programs in Kebbi State.
The fortified rice will be priced the same as the unfortified brand, as the cost of fortification will not be passed on to consumers.
Chantrastekar emphasized the company's commitment to social responsibility and noted the increasing cases of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency in Nigeria.
He expressed gratitude for the support of GAIN, WFP, and the Kebbi State Government, as well as regulatory bodies such as SON, NAFDAC, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
