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Cantilan Adopts High-Zinc Rice to Boost Nutrition

Jun 09, 2026 1,339

In a move to improve both nutrition and food security, the municipality of Cantilan in Surigao del Sur is introducing high-zinc rice to local farms and households, offering residents access to a healthier staple food while creating new opportunities for farmers.

The initiative was formalized through a memorandum of agreement between the local government of Cantilan and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) during the municipality’s Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration. The partnership supports the cultivation, consumption, and integration of high-zinc rice as part of the town’s broader agricultural and nutrition development efforts.

Under the agreement, 34 farmer-partners will cultivate the high-zinc rice variety on 34 hectares of farmland. The project is expected to establish an initial production base that will help strengthen local food security while addressing nutritional concerns in the community.

The rice variety, known as NSIC Rc 460, was developed through conventional breeding methods and contains approximately 19.6 to 20.4 milligrams of zinc per kilogram of rice. Despite its enhanced nutritional value, the variety maintains a taste and texture similar to ordinary white rice, making it easier for consumers to adopt without major changes in eating habits.

Zinc is an essential mineral that supports immune function, growth, and overall health. Health experts have identified zinc deficiency as a concern in many developing countries, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. Biofortified crops such as high-zinc rice are increasingly being promoted as a practical way to improve nutrition through everyday diets.

The initiative also supports the Be RICEponsible campaign, which encourages Filipinos to reduce rice wastage, purchase rice produced by local farmers, and choose healthier rice varieties. By combining nutrition goals with agricultural development, the program seeks to benefit both consumers and producers.

Beyond seed distribution, the partnership includes capacity-building activities for farmers, health and nutrition awareness campaigns, and technical support to ensure successful cultivation of the new variety. These measures aim to maximize productivity while promoting the benefits of nutrient-rich rice among local households.

According to PhilRice Agusan Center Director Dr. Gerardo F. Estoy Jr., the institute is committed to ensuring that NSIC Rc 460 will be available after the next cropping season. He also expressed hope that more nutrient-enriched rice varieties will eventually be cultivated in Cantilan and across the Caraga Region.

The initiative was led by Cantilan Mayor Philip A. Pichay and supported by the Sangguniang Bayan through a resolution approved during its March session. The resolution promotes the cultivation, consumption, and integration of high-zinc rice as part of the municipality’s long-term strategy for improving nutrition and food security.

As the Philippines continues to address malnutrition and strengthen agricultural resilience, programs that combine science, nutrition, and farmer participation are becoming increasingly important. Cantilan’s adoption of high-zinc rice demonstrates how local governments can help create healthier communities while supporting sustainable agricultural growth.

The success of the program could serve as a model for other municipalities seeking innovative solutions to improve public health and food security. By investing in nutritious crops today, communities can help build a healthier and more food-secure future for generations to come.

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