Nutritional compositions of rice varieties from different agro ecological zones of Nigeria

In Nigeria, rice is among the major staple food in so many households which serves as an important staple food for over 50% of the people globally. This study aims to evaluate the proximate and mineral compositions of rice varieties from three agro ecological zones of Nigeria. Three rice varieties: Faros 44, 52 and 60 were purchased directly from the Agricultural development centers of these ecological zones and subjected to proximate and mineral analysis. The research findings shows that moisture contents ranged from 10.80 to 13.33% from (Faros 44, 52 and 60 from Ebonyi). Low fat content was observed in Faro 44 from Niger (0.28%) while Faros 52 from Ebonyi recorded the highest fat content of 0.65%. Protein content ranged from 10.4% (Faro 44 from Ebonyi) to 15.9% (Faro 44 from Kano); ash content ranged from 0.66% (Faro 52 from Ebonyi) to 2.04% (faro 44 and 60 from Ebonyi and faro 60 from Niger); fiber from 0.7% (Faro 44 from Kano) to 5.5% (Faro 60 from Ebonyi); carbohydrate from 64.12 (Faro 60 from Ebonyi) to 73.07% (Faro 52 from Niger). Calcium ranged from 1.04 to 1.87 mg/100 g. Faro 60 from Ebonyi recorded the highest while Faro 52 from Niger recorded the lowest. Zinc ranged from 1.24 to 3.88 mg/100 g. Faro 44 from Ebonyi recorded the highest while Faro 44 from Kano recorded the lowest. Magnesium ranged from 0.008 to 0.26 mg/100 g. Faro 44 from Niger recorded the highest while Faro 60 from Ebonyi recorded the lowest. Findings from this research revealed that zone, variety and interactive effect of zone and variety had an effect on proximate and mineral properties of these varieties. Considering the nutritional values of these rice varieties recorded in this study, farmers and consumers are being encouraged to go into production and consumption of these varieties.