CDA Develops High-Zinc Rice Varieties to Boost Food Security, Fight Malnutrition

The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University Kano has contributed to the development and release of two zinc-biofortified rice varieties aimed at addressing micronutrient deficiency and strengthening food security in Nigeria.

The breakthrough was achieved through a collaborative effort involving CDA, National Cereals Research Institute and HarvestPlus Nigeria. The initiative led to the release of two high-yielding rice varieties, FARO 71 and FARO 72, designed to combat zinc deficiency, a major nutritional challenge affecting millions of Nigerians, particularly women and children.

The varieties, identified as BRRI DHAN 74 and BRRI DHAN 100, emerged from extensive research, multi-location trials and on-farm evaluations. Researchers say the rice types demonstrated high yield potential, improved zinc content and adaptability to different agro-ecological zones across the country.

The development is expected to support national efforts aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, reducing malnutrition and improving the livelihoods of farming households across Nigeria.