National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi

11/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

NCRI, Partners Hold Zinc Biofortified Rice Field Day in Niger State

The National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, in collaboration with HarvestPlus Nigeria and AGRA, held a Zinc Biofortified Rice Field Day in Sosa Community, Lavun LGA, Niger State, to promote improved nutrition and food security.

The event showcased FARO 71 and FARO 72—zinc-biofortified rice varieties developed by NCRI and HarvestPlus—to drive awareness and adoption among farmers.

The Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, commended NCRI’s efforts in supporting the Federal Government’s food security agenda, noting that biofortified crops can help tackle malnutrition and boost production.

The NCRI Executive Director described zinc rice as a game-changer, highlighting its nutritional value, resilience and potential to combat hidden hunger.

The demonstration covered 30 hectares with 30 out-grower farmers and a projected yield of 100 metric tonnes. Farmers were also trained on Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs).

Zinc rice offers a sustainable solution to zinc deficiency, improving health and livelihoods, especially among vulnerable populations.

NCRI and partners reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up adoption for national food and nutrition security.

Public Relations Unit
Directorate
NCRI Badeggi
April 10, 2026
NCRI Research Outreach Dept Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria HarvestPlus Africa Rice Center OCP AFRICA JICA - Japan International Cooperation Agency

28/03/2026

13/02/2026

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

01/01/2026

Advancing Innovation for Food and Nutritional Security

As we step into the New Year, I warmly greet our farmers, research partners, stakeholders and staff of the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi. This New Year offers renewed opportunities to strengthen our collective efforts toward a resilient and food-secure Nigeria.

Cereal crops remain central to national food security and rural livelihoods. In the year ahead, NCRI Badeggi will intensify research, innovation and dissemination of improved cereal technologies that enhance productivity, resilience and sustainability for our farming communities.

In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we remain committed to supporting farmers with cutting-edge research outputs, strong partnerships and responsive extension services that translate science into impact.

Together, let us cultivate renewed hope and build a more prosperous agricultural sector for our nation.

Happy New Year.

Dr. Mohammed Ndagi Ishaq
Executive Director
National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi
1st January 2026

25/12/2025

25/12/2025

Season’s Greetings from the Executive Director, NCRI Badeggi

On behalf of the Management, I extend warm Christmas greetings to our staff, the NCRI community, partners, stakeholders and Nigerians at large.

The Christmas season reminds us of the values of love, peace, unity and service. I commend our staff for their dedication and resilience in advancing the Institute’s mandate and appreciate our partners for their continued support and collaboration.

As we celebrate, let us renew our commitment to excellence, harmony and national development. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.

God bless you all.

ED NCRI
25th December 2025

22/12/2025

NCRI Expands Rice Seed Production in Niger State

The National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, has expanded its Outgrowers Scheme for Early Generation Seed (EGS) rice production to Sosa Community, Niger State, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s rice value chain.

On Saturday, 20th December 2025, the Executive Director of NCRI, Dr. Mohammed Ndagi Ishaq, alongside a technical team led by Dr. Muhammad Liman Muhammad, visited the Sosa production site to assess field readiness ahead of transplanting scheduled for 27th December 2025.

Sosa Community has been allocated 50 hectares, with an expected output of about 100 metric tonnes of early generation rice seed. Other participating locations include Wuya and Fokpo.

The initiative supports off-season rice production, improves access to quality seeds, boosts farmer income, and aligns with national efforts on food security and reduced rice importation.

NCRI remains committed to delivering research-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture and national food security.

Public Relations Office
22nd December 2025

16/11/2025

NCRI Badeggi Hands Over 15 Metric Tonnes of Zinc Biofortified Rice to HarvestPlus