From the Field Biofortified Rice: A Transformative Opportunity for Entrepreneurs in Bolívar, Colombia, with AgriLAC Resiliente
The AgriLAC Resiliente initiative celebrates eight years of social impact linked to biofortified rice in the agricultural communities of Bolívar in Colombia, promoting new consumption habits, marketing strategies, and partnerships with key regional partners.
On August 9, 2024, the city of Cartagena witnessed an event that could mark a turning point in the Bolívar region in Colombia: the Experience Sharing and Food Products Event on biofortified rice. Organized by the Alliance, Canal del Dique – Compas Foundation, and SENA Bolívar, within the framework of the CGIAR's AgriLAC Resilient Initiative, the event took place at SENA's Casa del Marqués. The initiative aims to transform the local economy by strengthening the rice value chain and improving the well-being of rice producers in the region.
Biofortified Rice: A Nutritional Treasure and Unmatched Economic Opportunity
Biofortified rice is a group of new rice varieties with higher levels of essential nutrients such as zinc - a crucial mineral for combating nutritional deficiencies in vulnerable populations. In a region such as Bolívar, where nutritional deficiencies can be a significant challenge, biofortified rice offers a practical and accessible solution to improve the population's health.
Beyond its nutritional benefits, biofortified rice represents a significant economic opportunity. By adopting its cultivation and promoting its consumption, new business opportunities for local entrepreneurs can be generated, stimulating the regional economy and creating jobs based on this crop. Ultimately, it is an opportunity to diversify and strengthen the value chain of this high-consumption agricultural product in the region.
At the event, several key achievements were presented, collectively proposing a comprehensive and sustainable value chain strategy to continue generating positive impacts. Experts from the leading organizations shared experiences with biofortified rice: its quality, value, market and commercialization strategies, as well as various transformation and value-adding options for this product with potential to become business ideas.
Furthermore, the agro-industrial and commercial exhibition featured innovative products made from biofortified rice, allowing attendees to taste biofortified rice flour, and some derived products such as cookies, bread, and desserts. The event aimed to foster entrepreneurship by encouraging the creation of productive units based on biofortified rice, which can be supported by the Rural Young Entrepreneurs Program or the Entrepreneurship Fund, designed to support the formation of supplier networks and productive chains. These efforts aim to empower local entrepreneurs to seize these opportunities and contribute to Bolívar's economic development.
The event was attended by farmers from local communities such as Leticia, Puerto Badel, and Zapatero; SENA apprentices and instructors; and representatives from key institutions such as the District of Cartagena, the Bolívar Governor’s Office, and other public-private institutions in the region. This event is an invitation to discover how biofortified rice can be the catalyst for positive change in Bolívar, exploring new opportunities, strengthening our community, and building a healthier and more prosperous future with key regional stakeholders.
