The Nigerian Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has officially released two new zinc-enriched rice varieties, Faro 71 and Faro 72, in a bid to tackle malnutrition and improve public health across the country.
Zinc is an essential micronutrient necessary for immune function, growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being. However, many Nigerians are unable to meet their daily zinc requirements due to diets low in bioavailable micronutrients. Zinc deficiency contributes to weakened immunity, higher susceptibility to infections, stunted growth, and developmental delays in children.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, stated that the introduction of these biofortified rice varieties forms part of the government’s proactive approach to improving the nation’s nutritional security.
“To address zinc deficiency, Nigeria is taking deliberate steps by introducing biofortified staple crops like zinc rice, which provide affordable and accessible means to enhance dietary zinc intake and promote food and nutrition security,” the minister said.
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Senator Kyari explained that the development and release of Faro 71 and 72 were achieved through a strategic partnership involving HarvestPlus, HarvestPlus Solutions, and the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), with support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Propcom+ Project, and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
“These two varieties represent a historic milestone as the first zinc-biofortified rice in both Nigeria and Africa. They are not only rich in zinc and high-yielding but are also climate-resilient, with adaptability to both savannah and rainforest regions, drought tolerance, and resistance to pests and diseases,” he noted.
Senator Kyari affirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to work with relevant partners to scale up the distribution and cultivation of the new varieties.
HarvestPlus Commits to Scaling Up
Dr Yusuf Fou’ad, Country Director of HarvestPlus, stated that Nigeria can address malnutrition by focusing on its root causes, nutrient deficiencies. He highlighted the availability of other biofortified crops such as vitamin A maize, iron-rich pearl millet, vitamin A cassava, and orange-fleshed sweet potato.
According to him, HarvestPlus is collaborating with NCRI to ensure the early generation seeds of the zinc rice are made available to seed companies for multiplication and distribution to farmers within three to four months.
Seed Multiplication Underway
Dr Mohammed Ishaq, Executive Director of NCRI, confirmed that preparations are already in motion to make the seeds widely available to Nigerian farmers.
“NCRI has begun multiplying the seed in our fields. We recognise that farmers and industrialists will soon demand access, and we’re working to ensure a sufficient supply by the end of the year,” he said.
The introduction of Faro 71 and Faro 72 is expected to enhance both the nutritional value and resilience of rice production systems in Nigeria, particularly in vulnerable communities.
