Zinc-biofortified rice ‘ll address malnutrition, others – Minister

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, has expressed optimism that the zinc-biofortified rice will address malnutrition and boost local production.

Abdullahi stated this at the Zinc Biofortified Rice Field Day in Sosa Community, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State, while commending the efforts of the National Cereals Research Institute, NCRI, in collaboration with HarvestPlus Nigeria and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa to contribute to the nation’s food security with the zinc biofortified rice.

He also said the institute’s efforts align with the Federal Government’s drive toward achieving food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the promotion of biofortified crops such as zinc rice represents a strategic intervention in addressing malnutrition while boosting local production.

In his remarks, the Executive Director, NCRI, Dr Mohammed Ishaq, emphasized the importance and unique value of zinc-biofortified rice, describing it as a transformative innovation capable of improving both the health and livelihoods of Nigerians.

Ishaq also highlighted the visual appeal, resilience, and nutritional superiority of the varieties, urging farmers and stakeholders to embrace the technology for sustainable agricultural growth.

Also speaking, the Niger State Commissioner for Agriculture, Isah Sidi Rijau, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance productivity and improve the welfare of farmers.

He said the promotion of biofortified crops such as zinc rice represents a strategic intervention in addressing malnutrition while boosting local production.

The event brought together key stakeholders across the agricultural sector, including government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, farmers and value chain actors, to witness the field performance of the improved rice varieties, FARO 71 and FARO 72.

The zinc-biofortified varieties, developed and released by NCRI in partnership with HarvestPlus Nigeria, are being demonstrated in rice-producing communities to raise awareness and accelerate adoption.

The initiative is being implemented through an out-grower scheme involving 30 farmers cultivating 30 hectares, with a projected yield of 100 metric tonnes of rice seed.
Participants were taken through on-field demonstrations of the rice varieties and sensitized on Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs) to ensure optimal productivity and quality seed production.

Zinc-biofortified rice is considered a critical tool in tackling micronutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc deficiency, which affects a significant proportion of the population.

Experts note that zinc plays a vital role in immune function, growth, and overall human development.

Meanwhile, stakeholders at the event stressed the need for sustained collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, and development partners to scale up the adoption of biofortified crops, improve nutrition outcomes, and strengthen Nigeria’s food system.