By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries has granted approval to the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State, to release eight improved crop varieties.
The approval was granted at the 35th meeting of the committee that was held at Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The eight new crop varieties are, four rice varieties (FARO 71, FARO 72, ADV 8200, and Swarna 2), two beniseed (sesame) varieties (NCRIBEN 06E and NCRIBEN 07E), and two soybean varieties (NCRISOY 5M and NCRISOY 6M).
The institute said each of the new varieties has unique qualities to satisfy the needs of Nigerian farmers and agro-industries.
FARO 71
A high-yielding, zinc-biofortified, pure-line rice variety originating from Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and adapted for Nigeria’s lowland ecologies. It features high tillering (500–550/m²), fully exerted panicles, semi-erect flag leaf, and yields up to 9.6t/ha.
It is moderately resistant to gall midge, stem borer, RYMV, and leaf blast, with notable nutritional content including 11.98% protein and 24.18 mg/kg zinc—a powerful tool against hidden hunger.
The breeders responsible for this remarkable variety are Alangir Hossain, Partha S.B., Abdul Kader, Muhammad L., Isong A. E., Bashir M., and Shaib A. S., while the collaborating scientists include Yusuf D.F., Mohammed I. G., Audu S. D., Salihu A., Gbadeyan S. T., Ajaye O. F., and Muhammad A.
FARO 72
Another zinc-rich, pure-line rice variety with high grain yield potential (9.8t/ha) and excellent agronomic traits. It has long slender grains, good tillering, and is moderately resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses, including iron toxicity. Nutritionally dense with 9.76% protein and 25.24 mg/kg zinc, it’s ideal for combating malnutrition while enhancing farmer profit.
The breeders Alangir Hossain, Partha S.B., Abdul Kader, Muhammad M. L., Bashir M., Isong A. E., and Shaib A. S.—were supported by collaborating scientists Yusuf D.F., Mohammed I. G., Gbadeyan S. T., Apuyor B., and Audu S. D.
Both FARO 71 and FARO 72 were developed through a joint initiative by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), HarvestPlus Solutions Ltd., and NCRI Badeggi. evaluated in collaboration with the National Rice and Maize Centre, Ibadan; Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) in Niger, Oyo, and FCT; and the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano.
ADV 8200
A three-way hybrid rice variety with a maturity window of 114–120 days and a yield potential of 13.8 t/ha, it features erect flag leaves, good tillering (17–26 tillers per plant), and strong resistance to major rice pests.
It contains 11.26% protein and 3.05% fat, making it both agronomically and nutritionally valuable.
The breeders— Ibrahim Shindu, Bashir M., Muhammad M. L., Isong A. E., Ajaye O. F., and Salihu A.—worked closely with collaborating scientists Orolakin O. G., Mohammed I. G., Gbadeyan S. T., and Apuyor B.
Swarna 2
Offers the highest yield among the released rice varieties at 13.9t/ha. It matures in 118–126 days, has excellent grain quality, and strong tillering (18–23 tillers per plant), and performs well under lowland conditions.
The variety contains 7.03% protein, 3.45% fat, and delivers 380.82 kcal of energy.
It was bred by Ibrahim Shindu, Bashir M., Muhammad M. L., Isong A. E., and Ajaye O. F., in collaboration with Orolakin O. G., Mohammed I. G., Gbadeyan S. T., and Apuyor B.
Both ADV 800 and Swarna 2 were developed by Advanta Enterprise Ltd, RICECO International Ltd, and NCRI Badeggi
NCRIBEN 06E
A pure-line benniseed variety developed by NCRI in partnership with the Federal University of Technology Minna and ADPs in Niger, Nasarawa, Jigawa and Gombe states, is a tall, multi-carpellate variety that matures in 89–93 days and yields 2.0 t/ha.
It is tolerant to bacterial blight and Cercospora leaf spot and boasts a remarkable 56.53% oil content.
The breeders—Muhammad M. Liman, Ismaila Abubakar, Falusi O. A., Kabir A., Audu M. A., and Gado A. A. were supported by scientists Usman Aliyu, Mohammed K. Musa, Shehu H., Salihu S. and Yusuf I.
NCRIBEN 07E
Offers a higher yield potential at 2.3 t/ha and matures within 93–97 days. This bi-carpellate, erect sesame variety has a fat content of 51.90%, 15.24% protein and smooth, white grains make it a preferred choice for both commercial oil production and food processing industries.
It is moderately resistant to pests and diseases, and is highly suitable for savannah ecologies.
It was bred by Muhammad M. Liman, Ismaila Abubakar, Falusi O. A., Kabir A., Audu M. A., and Daudu O. A. Y., and supported by collaborating scientists Usman Aliyu, Mohammed K. Musa, Mumeem Yusuf, Shehu H., Salihu S., Gado A. A., and Yusuf I.
NCRISOY 5M
A robust pure-line soybean variety developed in partnership with IITA Ibadan, offering high promiscuous nodulation, non-shattering pods, and resistance to bacterial pustule and Cercospora leaf spot. With a yield potential of 4.4t/ha, it contains 39.2% protein, 20.71% oil, and is ideally adapted to Nigeria’s entire savannah belt.
It was bred by Godfree Chigeza, Abush T. Abebe, Adeyinka Adewumi, and SHAAHU Aondove and supported by collaborating scientists Umar A. B., Moses Adebayo, Vange T., Nwosu D., Nnamani G. C. and Ochigbo E. A.
NCRISOY6M
Also developed with IITA, this variety matures in 110 days, yields up to 3.3 t/ha, and features strong resistance to diseases and non-lodging, non-shattering traits. It is protein-rich (43.97%), with 20.96% oil, making it a strategic addition to Nigeria’s protein and oilseed economy.
It was bred by Godfree Chigeza, Abush T. Abebe, and SHAAHU Aondover, supported by collaborating scientists Umar A. B., Moses Adebayo, Vange T., Nwosu D., Nnamani G. C. and Ochigbo E. A. It is well-suited to the savannah belt.
The Executive Director/CEO of NCRI Badeggi, Dr. Mohammed Ndagi Ishaq thanked partners institutions—BRRI, IITA, Advanta Enterprise Ltd, RICECO International Ltd, HarvestPlus Solutions Ltd and the Federal University of Technology, Minna for their technical support and commitment to the innovation.
He also commends the contributions of collaborating organisations, including the National Rice and Maize Centre, Bayero University Kano and the ADPs across Niger, Oyo, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Gombe and the FCT, for their role in varietal evaluation and farmer participatory trials.
Dr. Ishaq thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, for their commitment to agricultural research, food system transformation and farmer empowerment.
The institute’s Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Tukur Mohammed, told Daily Trust that the varieties would soon be available for farmers, adding that they can approach the institute for access.