The Federal Government has taken a proactive step to introduce zinc rice varieties, Faro 71 and 72, to enhance food and nutrition safety.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar, Kati, in Abuja, while briefing on the official release of Biofortified Zinc Rice Varieties in Nigeria
The Minister revealed that the Zint Rice Varieties, Faro 71 and Faro 72 would address key challenges in rice production and significantly contribute to food and nutrition security for Nigeria’s smallholder farmers, who depend on rice for both sustenance and income.
“These varieties offer not only higher zinc content and yield but also climate resilience such as adaptability to Savanna and Rainforest ecologies, Drought tolerance, and Pest and disease resistance, which make them a valuable tool for enhancing both the productivity and resilience of rice farming systems in vulnerable communities.”
The Minister pointed out that Zinc deficiency is a significant public health issue in Nigeria, contributing to poor nutrition outcomes, especially among women and children, adding that Zinc is a vital micronutrient required for immune function, growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being
“Yet, a large proportion of the Nigerian population does not meet their daily zinc requirements due to diets that are predominantly low in bioavailable micronutrients.
Nutrition surveys and global health reports have it that anagmją affects about 68% of children under five in Nigeria, with zinc and iron deficiencies being major underlying causes. The national stunting prevalence among children under five in Nigeria is 37%, “the Minister noted.
He further stated that proper nutrition was essential for the survival of the human race, as the future of our generation is dependent upon our children.
Sen. Kyati re-emphasized that Zinc deficiency weakens immune systems, increasing the risk of infections, stunted growth, and delayed development in children, pointing out that inadequate dietary intake of zinc contributes to maternal health issues, poor birth outcomes, and reduced work capacity in adults.
He said that to address this, Nigeria is taking proactive steps by introducing big fortified, zinc-enriched staple crops, such as zinc rice, offering affordable, accessible solutions to improve dietary zinc intake and strengthen food and nutrition security.
The Minister noted that through a strategic collaboration between the Ministry and HarvestPlus, Harvest Plus Solutions, and the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Nigeria has achieved a historic milestone with the release of Faro 71 and Faro 72-the first biofortified, zinc-enriched rice varieties in both Nigeria and Africa.
In his remarks, Harvestplus, Country Director, Dr. Yusuf Dollah, said that the organization was working with the National Cereals Research Institute at the moment, and is producing early generational seeds, adding that the Institute would be ready to integrate the commercial seed components into the seeds system for free to enable farmers multiply into the certified seeds that will be required for planting.(NAN)
