The Traffic

FG Launches Super Grain to Save Millions from Malnutrition

By Achimi Muktar

In a groundbreaking effort to tackle Nigeria’s silent health crisis, the Federal Government has unveiled two revolutionary rice varieties—FARO 71 and FARO 72—engineered not just to fill stomachs, but to save lives.

Launched in Abuja by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, the new fortified grains are enriched with zinc, a crucial micronutrient missing from the diets of millions of Nigerians. Designed to supply up to 40 percent of the recommended daily intake of zinc, the rice targets the most vulnerable—women and children—who suffer disproportionately from malnutrition and hidden hunger.

“These rice varieties are more than food. They are nutrition-packed solutions,” Kyari declared at the unveiling ceremony, emphasizing the role of agriculture in building a healthier nation.

The initiative, developed in partnership with HarvestPlus and the National Cereals Research Institute, represents a fusion of science, nutrition, and agricultural innovation. But it’s not just about health—FARO 71 and FARO 72 were also bred with the Nigerian farmer in mind. High-yielding, pest-resistant, and drought-tolerant, these super grains promise to bolster food security and increase productivity nationwide.

Nigeria currently loses an estimated $1.5 billion annually to nutrient deficiencies. With these new rice varieties, the government is betting on food as a frontline weapon in the war against malnutrition—and aiming to turn the tide on a health crisis that often goes unnoticed.

The question now is: will this super grain spark a nationwide nutrition revolution?