On April 29, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with HarvestPlus and the National Cereals Research Institute, launched the country’s first zinc-biofortified rice varieties, FARO 71 and FARO 72, in a bold move to combat widespread malnutrition. The event took place in Abuja, where Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the launch as a pivotal step toward improving nutrition for millions. The new rice varieties, developed to address zinc deficiency—a major health issue affecting 68% of children under five, according to national surveys—are designed to deliver higher zinc content while maintaining yield and resilience to pests and drought.The launch aligns with the government’s broader Nutrition 774 Initiative, endorsed by the National Economic Council, which prioritizes grassroots interventions to tackle malnutrition. Kyari emphasized that zinc-enriched rice offers an affordable way to boost dietary zinc intake, crucial for child development and overall well-being. The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, noted Nigeria’s pioneering role as the first African nation to release such varieties, a milestone in agricultural innovation. This comes amid a drop in rice prices, with a 50kg bag now selling for N22,000 less, making the new varieties more accessible.
What This Means for Nigerians
This new rice could be a game-changer for families, especially kids and moms who need more zinc to stay healthy—it helps fight sickness and grow strong. With rice being a daily meal for most Nigerians, adding zinc to it means better health without changing eating habits. But the big challenge is getting this rice to every table, especially in remote villages where malnutrition hits hardest. It’s a step forward, but the fight against hunger needs more than just new crops—it needs real action to reach everyone.
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