FG introduces zinc rice varieties to improve food, nutrition safety

Abubakar Kyari, Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS)

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced a significant breakthrough in the quest to improve food and nutrition safety in Nigeria.

Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, revealed that the federal government is set to introduce zinc rice varieties, specifically Faro 71 and Faro 72, to address key challenges in rice production and enhance nutrition security.

Speaking to the media in Abuja on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Minister said the zinc rice varieties will significantly contribute to food and nutrition security for Nigeria’s smallholder farmers, who depend on rice for both sustenance and income”

“The introduction of these varieties is a proactive step towards addressing the nutritional challenges faced by our people,” Sen. Kyari said during a briefing on the official release of Biofortified Zinc Rice Varieties in Nigeria he said

Kyari highlighted the benefits of the new zinc rice varieties, stating that they “not only offer higher zinc content and yield but also climate resilience such as adaptability to Savanna and Rainforest ecologies.”

This, he noted, will enable farmers to increase their productivity and income while also improving the nutritional quality of their produce.

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The Minister emphasised that the introduction of these varieties is part of the government’s efforts to enhance food and nutrition security, particularly for vulnerable populations.

“We are committed to ensuring that our people have access to nutritious food, and this initiative is a significant step in that direction,” he said.

The introduction of zinc rice varieties is expected to have a significant impact on smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. By increasing their productivity and income, these farmers will be able to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country’s food security.

As the country continues to face challenges in food production and nutrition, the introduction of zinc rice varieties is a proactive step towards addressing these challenges and ensuring a brighter future for Nigerian farmers and citizens alike.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (C), Abubakar Kyari, Directors in the Ministry and Officials of the HarvestPlus Group, during the press briefing in Abuja.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.