The National Cereals Research Institute NCRI, in collaboration with HarvestPlus and Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, has organized a Zinc Biofortified Rice Field Day in Sosa Community, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.
The event aimed to promote improved nutrition and food security through the adoption of biofortified rice varieties among farmers.
Two improved rice varieties—FARO 71 and FARO 72—developed by NCRI in partnership with HarvestPlus, were showcased to demonstrate their nutritional and agronomic benefits.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, commended NCRI’s contributions to the Federal Government’s food security agenda. He noted that biofortified crops play a critical role in addressing malnutrition while enhancing agricultural productivity.
The Executive Director of NCRI Dr Mohamed Ndagi, described zinc-biofortified rice as a “game-changer,” highlighting its high nutritional value, resilience, and capacity to combat hidden hunger.
The field demonstration covered 30 hectares and involved 30 out-grower farmers, with a projected yield of 100 metric tonnes. Participating farmers were also trained on Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs) to improve productivity and sustainability.
Experts at the event emphasized that zinc-biofortified rice provides a sustainable solution to zinc deficiency, particularly among vulnerable populations, while also improving farmers’ livelihoods.
The institute and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up the adoption of biofortified crops as part of efforts to achieve national food and nutrition security.
