In a significant breakthrough for nutrition and food security in Nigeria, the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University, Kano, has played a leading role in the development and release of two high-yielding, zinc-biofortified lowland rice varieties aimed at combating micronutrient deficiency, also known as “hidden hunger.”
The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, and HarvestPlus Nigeria, has resulted in the successful nomination and eventual release of FARO 71 and FARO 72—two rice varieties with elevated zinc content and excellent yield potential.
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Micronutrient deficiency remains a pressing public health concern in Nigeria, where zinc deficiency in particular affects millions, especially women and children. Recognizing the critical role of agriculture in addressing this challenge, the CDA and its partners embarked on a rigorous multi-year research effort to develop rice varieties that are both nutritionally superior and agronomically viable.
The project involved extensive on-station, multi-location, and on-farm trials across several rice-growing regions in the country. The two selected varieties, initially known as BRRI DHAN 74 and BRRI DHAN 100, stood out for their superior performance, adaptability to Nigerian agro-ecologies, and high levels of zinc—making them ideal candidates for biofortification interventions.
According to Dr. Abdulwahab S. Shaibu, a plant breeder at the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, the initiative represents a major stride in agricultural research and public health. “The Centre for Dryland Agriculture is proud to have contributed its expertise to this vital project,” he said. “These new rice varieties have the potential to significantly improve the nutritional status of Nigerians, particularly in the dryland regions where we focus our research.”
Farmers participating in the trials expressed a strong preference for the new varieties due to their resilience, grain quality, and market appeal, further validating their relevance for large-scale adoption.
The release of FARO 71 and FARO 72 is a testament to the power of collaborative research in addressing national development challenges. By integrating nutrition-sensitive agriculture into mainstream breeding programs, the CDA, NCRI, and HarvestPlus Nigeria have set a new benchmark for biofortification efforts in the country.
The new varieties are expected to play a critical role in improving the dietary intake of zinc among Nigerians, helping to combat stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and other health complications associated with zinc deficiency.
With this achievement, the Centre for Dryland Agriculture reinforces its position as a hub for innovation and research excellence in West Africa, contributing meaningfully to the global fight against hidden hunger and promoting sustainable food systems in Nigeria.
