A Milestone in African Agricultural Innovation
The National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) in Badeggi, Niger State, has made a significant contribution to the agricultural and nutritional landscape of Africa by handing over the first phase of early-generation seeds of Zinc biofortified FARO 71 and FARO 72 rice varieties to HarvestPlus. This move marks a major step forward in the effort to enhance food security and address micronutrient deficiencies across the continent.
HarvestPlus, an organization under the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), is dedicated to scaling up the production and promotion of biofortified crops that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. The initiative aims to improve public health through better nutrition, particularly in regions where dietary deficiencies are prevalent.
The newly developed zinc biofortified rice varieties, FARO 71 and FARO 72, are expected to play a crucial role in this mission. HarvestPlus plans to produce 15 metric tonnes of breeder and foundation seeds of these varieties, which are considered the first of their kind on the continent. This achievement highlights the growing commitment to developing crops that not only increase yields but also provide essential nutrients for healthier communities.
The handover followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier this year between NCRI and HarvestPlus, aimed at the production and promotion of these new rice varieties. The event took place at the NCRI headquarters in Badeggi and brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, and agricultural experts, all committed to advancing agricultural innovation and transforming food systems.
Dr. Mohammed Ndagi Ishaq, the Executive Director of NCRI, led the event and described it as a “giant leap” for Nigeria and the broader African region. He emphasized that FARO 71 and FARO 72 are the first zinc biofortified rice varieties to be developed and released in Africa, a milestone that underscores the importance of local research and development in addressing global challenges.
Dr. Ishaq commended the breeders at NCRI for their dedication and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to delivering research-driven solutions that support national priorities in food and nutrition security. He highlighted the critical role that such innovations play in improving the lives of millions of people who suffer from malnutrition.
Dr. Yusuf Fu’ad, Country Manager of HarvestPlus, expressed his appreciation for NCRI’s scientific leadership and stressed the importance of integrating these new rice varieties into national seed systems. He pointed out that zinc, an essential micronutrient, plays a vital role in boosting immunity and supporting child development. By mainstreaming these biofortified crops, HarvestPlus aims to achieve long-term public health benefits for Nigerian communities.
The development of Zinc biofortified FARO 71 and FARO 72 rice varieties is the result of cutting-edge agricultural research focused on addressing micronutrient deficiencies through biofortification. This initiative represents a bold response to the increasing demand for crops that not only yield more but also provide better nutrition. It reflects a shift in agricultural practices towards sustainable and health-focused solutions.
This successful handover signals a new era in African agriculture, where research, innovation, and strategic partnerships come together to deliver crops that feed and heal. NCRI continues to play a pivotal role in this mission, demonstrating its commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria and beyond. Through continued collaboration with organizations like HarvestPlus, the institute is helping to shape a future where nutritious food is accessible to all.
