The World Food Program (WFP) is keen to take initiative to provide multi-mineral enriched kernel grains to 25 thousand beneficiaries under a pilot project in Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT).

The WFP delegation expressed this eagerness as they paid a courtesy call on CHT Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma at his secretariat office on Sunday.

Welcoming the initiative of WFP in CHT region, Adviser Supradip Chakma said people of different communities live in Chattogram Hill Tracts and it is not possible to implement any programme without enjoying the beauty of CHT and understanding the needs of the people there, said a release of the Ministry of Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs this evening.

The adviser told the delegation that prior to implementing the project “there is a need to observe the activities of pregnant women, teenagers and children, students, and how the people there are coping with poverty.”

Such projects of WFP should be implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and Ministry of Disaster and Relief of Bangladesh, he suggested.

Noting that the kernel enriches the food quality, containing a lot of multi-mineral energy, the delegation said, “If 100 grams of rice are mixed with 10 grains of kernels and khichuri (Hotchpotch) is made, this food will become a multi-mineral energy rich food, where a lot of iron, iodine and other elements will be available as well.” 

The WFP delegation sought the assistance of the CHT advisor in this connection.

Secretary of CHT Affairs Ministry AKM Shamimul Haque Siddique and Joint Secretaries Kangkan Chakma and Sajol Kanti Bonik were present there.

WFP Bangladesh Country Director Domenico Scalpelli led the delegation.  Senior Partnerships Advisor of WFP Bangladesh Md. Mohsin, Head of Field Operations Ms Hafiza Khan, Programme Policy Officer Ms Masing Newar and representative of Rangamati sub-office of WFP Elora Chakma were present on the occasion.