For over a decade, Dr. Wage Ratna Rohaeni has been at the forefront of Indonesia’s fight against hidden hunger as a pioneering rice breeder with the Ministry of Agriculture. Her groundbreaking work has redefined rice’s role, shifting its perception from a mere energy source to a powerful vehicle for improving health and nutrition.

In collaboration with HarvestPlus Solutions, Dr. Wage and her team at Indonesia’s Rice Research Center spearheaded the research that led to the release of Inpari IR Nutri Zinc in 2019, Indonesia’s first biofortified zinc rice variety. Through conventional breeding and innovative tools like X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)—micro-nutrient testing equipment, her team created a high-yielding, nutrient-dense rice that supports immunity, growth, and the prevention of childhood stunting. The results were remarkable: Nutri Zinc rice now grows on over 200,000 hectares nationwide and has been integrated into the country’s strategy to reduce stunting.

“People often see rice only as a source of carbohydrates. But with biofortified rice, we offer energy and essential nutrients that support immunity and growth,” — said Dr. Wage

Dr. Wage’s impact extends beyond breeding. She serves as the vital link between HarvestPlus Solutions and Indonesia’s Rice Research Center, ensuring that innovation in the lab translates into real-world impact. She also led the research team in testing Zinatra fertilizer, a collaboration between HarvestPlus Solutions and FMC, to further enhance the productivity and nutrient quality of biofortified rice.

Her commitment is deeply personal. She cooks Nutri Zinc rice daily for her family and actively engages farmers and communities to embrace biofortified crops. Looking ahead, Dr. Wage is developing new high-zinc aromatic and japonica varieties, with adaptation trials underway across Indonesia.

In 2025, the Indonesian Agency of Agricultural Development and Modernization (BRMP) released new superior varieties of zinc-rich crops for Indonesia. These include Nutrizinc AR 1, with its improved early maturity, Nutrizinc AR 2, known for its enhanced aromatic taste, and Nutrizinc AR 3, which boasts not only an aromatic taste but also larger grain size and resistance to three strains of blast disease. These modern varieties are designed to meet the evolving needs of Indonesian agriculture.

Through her science and leadership, Dr. Wage is proving that rice can nourish a nation. “Innovation is not only about launching new varieties. It’s about ensuring people benefit from them. That’s a breeder’s true responsibility,” she says.