NRCRI Performs its Annual review workshop,vows to embrace advanced scientific research methods to improve root and tuber crops production
National Root Crop Research Institute Umudike today had her 2025 annual review and research workshop which is geared towards improving food security and enhancing productivity in the agricultural sector.
The Executive Director/CEO National Root Crop Research Umudike Prof Chiedozie Egesi during his welcome address at the main auditorium of the institute’s complex at Umuahia with the theme of this year’s exercise titled “A Sustainable Future for Nigeria’s :Focus on Root and Tuber crops”
Boasted of the remarkable strides made by the institute in advancing agricultural research and development across Nigeria and Africa particularly in the root and tuber crops sector.
“our collaboration with diverse partners aligned with Mr.President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Food and Nutrition Security, poverty alleviatioon and wealth creation in Nigeria has yielded significant milestones.
He described root and tuber crops such as Cassava,yam and sweet potatoes which is their major areas of concern as not just a source of food security but also an invaluable source of farm and value chain income as they include some of the most valuable staple crops in Africa.
He enumerated some of the achievement recorded by the research institute which includes an impressive 5.5% increase in national cassava production which was specifically achieved as a result of the institute’s commited application of innovative agricultural practices such as improved varieties and agronomic solutions.
Furthermore ,the Executive Director also expressed satisfaction on the rapid growth in the ginger and yam production which have contributed massively in food security in the country.
The potato and sweet potato and cocoyam were not also left out as they all recorded massive improvement according to institute’s CEO.
He however maintained that they aren’t going to rest on their laurels but rather re-emphasized the need for targeted research and adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies to address their shortcomings.
He also noted that through the support from the African Agricultural Technology (AATF) and partnership with the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) the research institute initiated training programs for 6000 cassava farmers and processors and equally empowered farmers in the soutth east Nigeria through the National program on food security.
on the part of staff development he reiterated the commitment of the institute in training its staff to ensure everyone is equipped to excel in their roles.
“We sponsored over 20 scientists to Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire for the 15th ISTRC conference in 2024 in addition to other National conferences.
Some of the training initiatives include Molecular profiling for white yam to investigate tuber dormancy, sustainable farming practices training for women and youth and a programme for seed entrepreneurs focusing on production techniques.
“On the area of staff welfare we also promoted qualified staff to their new levels which will go a long way in boosting morale and productivity in their work.
He further stated that the vision of the current leadership of NRCRI remains to develop a leading reference centre for root and tuber crop research in Africa.
“We are committed to fostering Strong partnerships, strategic planning and ensuring active shareholder engagement to fully realize this vision.
“By leveraging these key elements ,we aim to elevate the significance of these crops in global food and nutrition security and economic development.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security sen Abubakar Kyari ably represented by the Abia state coordinator federal ministry of Agriculture Mr Aloysius Mba during his speech stressed that the importance of root and tuber crops such as yam,Cassava and sweet potato cannot be over emphasized due to the pivotal role they play in providing food and income for millions of Nigerians.
He added that developing drought resistant varieties of root and tuber crops and teaching farmers modern farm practices has been the core aim of the President’s renewed hope initiative to end hunger and starvation in Nigeria.
“These advancements are not only commendable but also crucial for maintaining food security in Nigeria as they align with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda
He commended the exceptional research outputs that have emerged from NRCRI Umudike which has culminated in the increased yield of root crops, enhancing their nutritional profile through biofortification as a means of fighting hunger and malnutrition and improving their resistance to pests and diseases.
He however expressed worry that persistent challenges of climate change,emerging pests and diseases, population growth and changing dietary patterns pose a serious threat to their good work and therefore advised the Research Institute Umudike to provide innovative solutions to them.
The executive Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Otti who was represented by the commissioner for Agriculture Dr Cliff Agbaeze praised the institute for their efforts in promoting research which has led to increased Agricultural productivity, improved income distribution, reduction in poverty and sustainability.
Dr Agbaeze also noted that Abia has upped its game in the area of agricultural development by investing in training farmers to enhance their capacity to absorb and retain innovations .
He also thanked NRCRI for their immense contribution through their research initiatives which are of great benefit to the state and therefore appealed for more collaborations between them as this will help to promote food security and also provide employment opportunities to both youths and women in the agricultual sector.
Dr Christian Dimkpa head and chief scientist and Labory Director of Analytical chemistry Connecticut Agricultural Experiment station USA ,the keynote speaker at the event during his lectures emphasized the need for Nigeria to increase its agricultural productivity by investing in advanced research which will in turn translate to higher and improved yields of root and tuber crops that are disease and pest resistant .
He also encouraged farmers to also embark on recycling some of the products they get in the farm due to the benefits it can have in their crop productivity.
Goodwill messages also poured in from Dr Mercy Ojo a researcher at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Ibadan, Dr Nwaubani Jonah the Provost of Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu Ebonyi state who was represented by Dr Mike Okechukwu, they testified of the monumental strides recorded by NRCRI Umudike in the areas of research and food security most especialy as it concerns root and tuber crops.
A host of dignitaries present at the event includes academic scholars ,Former directors and executive directors of NRCRI ,traditional rulers etc
Highlight of the occasion includes an exhibition show where different varieties of root and tuber crops such as cassava ,yam,ginger,sweet potatoes were displayed to the amazement of all and sundry present.
