Nigeria has introduced two new standards for the release of biofortified crops as part of efforts to combat micronutrient deficiencies, particularly Vitamin A deficiency, which affects about 30% of children under five.
Iron deficiency anaemia also remains a significant public health concern, impacting a large segment of women and children.
These deficiencies contribute to weakened immune systems, poor cognitive development, and increased maternal mortality.
The new standards, spearheaded by HarvestPlus in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), the National Varietal Release Committee (NVRC), and other key stakeholders, aim to ensure that biofortified crops meet rigorous nutritional and agronomic requirements.
The guidelines include minimum requirements for the registration and release of biofortified Provitamin A and Non-Provitamin A maize varieties.
Additionally, they establish a structured framework for approving and distributing pearl millet varieties. These standards will serve as key reference materials for breeders, crop developers, seed companies, the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), academia, and policymakers.
At the launch event, Dr. Yusuf Dollah Fouad, Country Manager of HarvestPlus Nigeria, emphasized that the guidelines will ensure biofortified crops maintain essential micronutrient levels to deliver meaningful health benefits.
Dr. Jonathan Alegbe, Deputy Director of the Maize Value Chain at FMAFS, highlighted the importance of Provitamin A maize in advancing food and nutrition security.
He noted that the establishment of these standards reflects the government’s commitment to both agricultural productivity and nutritional enhancement.
Professor Olusoji Olufajo, National Chairman of the NVRC, stated that the new standards provide clarity and uniformity in biofortified maize production.
He added that they would prevent the mislabeling of maize varieties with varying beta-carotene levels as Provitamin A maize.
