The Federal Government, in collaboration with HarvestPlus, has introduced two new biofortified rice varieties aimed at addressing widespread zinc deficiency and related malnutrition challenges in Nigeria.

The variety release follows national nutrition surveys and global health reports showing that anaemia affects about 68% of children under five in Nigeria. This condition is largely caused by deficiencies in zinc and iron, which weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections, stunted growth, and delayed development in children.

As a response, Faro 71 and Faro 72, the first biofortified, zinc-enriched rice varieties, have been released for both Nigeria and the African market.

This milestone is the result of a strategic collaboration between HarvestPlus, HarvestPlus Solutions, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, and the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI).

Country Manager of HarvestPlus, Dr. Yusuf Dollar Fouad, while speaking during the launch of the variety in Abuja, stated that the introduction of affordable and accessible solutions will improve dietary zinc intake and strengthen food and nutrition security in the country.

He stressed that zinc is a vital micronutrient essential for immune function, growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, a large proportion of the Nigerian population does not meet their daily zinc requirements due to diets predominantly low in bioavailable micronutrients.

Dr. Fouad acknowledged the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the British Government, the Propcom+ Project, and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) in achieving this milestone.

“This breakthrough builds on successful scaling efforts in Bangladesh and India, where farming households growing zinc-enriched rice have recorded measurable improvements in nutrition outcomes through increased production and consumption,” he said.

He added that Faro 71 and Faro 72 address key challenges in rice production and significantly contribute to food and nutrition security for Nigeria’s smallholder farmers, who rely on rice for both sustenance and income.

“These varieties not only offer higher zinc content and yield but also climate resilience—adaptability to savanna and rainforest ecologies, drought tolerance, and resistance to pests and diseases,” he noted.

Dr. Fouad also highlighted that these qualities make the varieties valuable tools for enhancing both the productivity and resilience of rice farming systems in vulnerable communities.

He cited World Bank statistics revealing that Nigeria loses over US$1.5 billion in GDP annually due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. He noted that when consumed regularly, these enriched rice varieties can meet up to 40% of daily zinc requirements, making them a practical and proven solution to combat zinc deficiency and improve cognitive health, particularly among adolescents.

“Beyond their nutritional benefits, zinc-enriched rice varieties offer sustainable, innovative market opportunities for smallholder farmers—helping improve their livelihoods while supplying healthier, nutrient-dense food to Nigerian and African consumers,” he added.