IPB University and France Develop Fortified Rice to Strengthen the National Nutrition Program

The International Research Institute for Food, Nutrition, Health, and Halal (LRI PGKH) at IPB University signed an Indonesia–France scientific collaboration titled FORTRIZ (Fortified Rice for Nutrition), which focuses on developing fortified rice innovations to support various national nutrition programs in Indonesia.

The agreement was signed by the Chief of LRI PGKH IPB University, Prof Erika Budiarti Laconi, alongside the French Ambassador to Indonesia and President and CEO of the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Valerie Verdier, in Jakarta (6/4).

“This collaboration aims to develop and test rice enriched with vitamins and minerals to improve the intake of essential nutrients for school age children. This initiative is part of a research based effort to support improved nutrition for Indonesian children through the provision of more nutritious food,” said Prof Erika.

The launch of FORTRIZ was held as part of the Indonesia–France Year of Innovation 2026 and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of IRD’s presence in Indonesia. This program also reflects the strengthening of scientific partnerships between Indonesia and France in addressing public nutrition challenges.

Meanwhile, Valerie Verdier noted that this collaboration is highly relevant to Indonesia’s current needs.

“This program is highly relevant because micronutrient deficiencies remain a significant public health issue among Indonesian children,” she said.

FORTRIZ is a collaboration between France’s IRD, the South-East Asia Food and Agricultural Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center at IPB University, Savica, and the World Food Programme (WFP). This partnership combines research capacity, food technology, experience in implementing school feeding programs, and policy support.

In its implementation, FORTRIZ will develop fortified rice kernels, optimize local production processes, test vitamin and mineral retention, assess blending quality, and evaluate the acceptance rate of fortified rice among schoolchildren.

In addition to supporting nutritional improvement, this program is also aimed at strengthening human resource development and women’s empowerment. FORTRIZ will enhance the capacity of school kitchen staff and food managers through training on nutrition, food safety, and food fortification.

The findings of this study are expected to serve as a scientific basis for expanding the use of fortified rice in various national nutrition programs, including food and nutrition programs targeting school-age children and other vulnerable groups. In the long term, this collaboration is projected to benefit millions of children and families in Indonesia by improving access to nutritious food and supporting the development of a healthier, more productive, and more competitive generation of Indonesians.

“FORTRIZ is more than just a nutrition program. It is a shared commitment between Indonesia and France to transform scientific cooperation into tangible impacts for society, from improving children’s health, strengthening local capacity, and empowering communities, to building a healthier future for Indonesia,” was stated during the closing remarks of the program’s launch. (dh) (IAAS/KQA)