The issue presented describes the measures taken by an international development organization to tackle the vitamin deficiency in the people of the impoverished nation of Tagus by engineering a new type of millet breed and promoting this millet to ensure its consumption increases and restores the vitamin A levels to normal. While the thought behind the initiative seems salubrious for the health of the people, the implementation strategy needs to be revised to get the desired outcome.
Firstly, if the people are lacking in essential nutrients as projected, what are the factors contributing to this deficiency? There is not enough evidence to suggest that a conclusive survey has been conducted to understand the root cause of this issue. While it is possible that the average meal plan of the Tagus national lacks in vitamin A, strong research and studies should be conducted to analyze the average diet and come up with a suggestion based on it.
Secondly, the organization aims at engineering a new millet variety to ensure it is adopted in the diets of the people. This process is not only expensive but it is assumed that this variety will definitely improve the Vitamin A levels without any sufficient evidence. Studies have shown that genetically modified seeds and vegetables, have higher probability of causing unwanted side effects. Effective research must be conducted to ensure that vitamin levels are maintained without causing any untoward effects in the people consuming this variety. It is proven that higher levels of vitamin A can cause liver damage, Hence the engineered studies should take into account that the vitamin levels are at appropriate levels as well as their effect when combined with an entire average diet of a Tagus national is verified. Care should also be taken of how other natural sources of vitamin A can be added to offset some of the costs associated with engineering a new millet type.
While it is stated that the nation of Tagus is impoverished and the organisation is planning to fund the engineering costs as well as provide subsidies to the farmer to cultivate this crop. This would definitely add more pressure on the already poor nation. There needs to be a cost feasibility analysis to understand of such a strategy is effective in the long run, proper budget planning by the government and how the government can generate revenue to offset the costs or loan that the international development organisation offers them. This is key in ensuring that the plan would work without sudden withdrawal of funds that would act as an impediment to cultivating the crops.
Lastly the organisaton aims to promote this type of millet but there should be on the ground analysis done to understand how receptive the people are to these changes. If the people of Tagus, refuse to co-operate or are unwelcoming to external forces trying to meddle in their daily life, it would be difficult to implement this plan. People should be made aware of the benefits, should be given subsidies and offers in comparison to their usual millet type to ensure it is adapted in their diets. The costs associated with this marketing plan should be considered to get the desired results. In conclusion , the international organisation and the government of Tagus should work in tandem, revise their strategy to ensure all grounds are covered at an effective cost so that the people are provided with a rich diet that can boost their vitamin A levels and make them healthy individuals.