The Pursuit Of Agricultural Excellence Through Science

Advancing agricultural excellence through innovative science, research, and technology to improve productivity, strengthen food security, and build a sustainable future.

Who We Are

Advancing Viable Agriculture Through Effective Programmes

The National Root Crops Research Institute, located in Umudike, Abia State, is the premier agricultural research institution in Nigeria. Its historical roots extend to an experimental farm inaugurated at Moor Plantation, Ibadan, on January 1, 1923, by the Nigerian Department of Agriculture. This initiative evolved with the establishment of the School of Agriculture in 1955. Subsequently, in 1956, these entities merged to form the Eastern Nigeria Agricultural Research and Training Station (ARTS), with its headquarters in Enugu.

Root Crops Research

Researching improved root and tuber crops for sustainable production, food security, and farmer productivity.

Research Exellence

Driving research through innovation, scientific rigor, collaboration, and practical agricultural solutions

Innovation & Technology

Advancing agriculture with innovative technologies, modern solutions, and modern scientific discoveries

Strategic Partnership

Building strong collaborations that accelerate agricultural research, innovation, impact, and development

Advancing Root Crop Processing Through Innovation and Sustainable Value Addition

Innovation and Value Addition

Transforming Root and Tuber Crops Through Value Addition

We advance value addition in root and tuber crops by developing innovative processing technologies that transform fresh produce into high-quality, market-ready products with greater nutritional, economic, and commercial value. Our research focuses on improving processing efficiency, product quality, shelf life, and nutritional value while reducing post-harvest losses.

Through research, technology development, and knowledge transfer, we support farmers, processors, and agribusinesses in creating greater value from crops such as cassava, yam, cocoyam, and sweet potato. These efforts strengthen food security, expand market opportunities, create employment, and contribute to sustainable agricultural and economic development in Nigeria.

Our Departments

Advancing Viable Agriculture Through Effective Departments

Through innovative processing, product development, training, and continuous research, our work transforms root and tuber crops into diverse, nutritious, and value-added food products. We focus on improving processing methods, preservation, storage, packaging, quality, and utilization while responding to consumer preferences and emerging market opportunities.

Our Specialty

Our Key Areas of Specialization in Agricultural Research and Development

Agricultural Extension & Consultancy

We provide extension and consultancy services that promote knowledge transfer, innovation, and improved farming practices.

Agronomy & Soil Management

We advance agronomic practices and soil management strategies to improve crop growth, soil health, and productivity.

Biotechnology & Genetic Improvement

We apply biotechnology and genetic improvement to develop resilient, productive, and high-quality root crop varieties.

Crop Protection & Disease Management

We develop effective crop protection strategies to manage diseases, pests, and emerging agricultural threats sustainably.

Post Harvest & Value Addition Research

We reduce post-harvest losses through innovative technologies and develop value-added agricultural products.

Seed Technology & Development

We develop improved seed technologies that enhance crop performance, quality, resilience, and agricultural productivity.

Our Mandate

Turning Our Mandate Into Meaningful Agricultural Impact

Our Mandate

Research into the genetic improvement, production, processing, storage utilization and socio-economies of root and tuber crops of economic importance.

Our Mission

To provide the necessary environment for the production, processing and marketing of value-added products of root and tuber crops

Our Vision

To reduce poverty and increase food security through the development of relevant and sustainable technologies for stake-holders in root and tuber crops.

100+

Years of Research

With over a century of advancing root crop research, food security, and livelihoods.

15k+

Journal Publications

Advancing agricultural knowledge through impactful publications and research.

250+

Communities Reached

Reaching farmers, students, women, and communities with agricultural innovations.

1000+

Hectares of Land

Dedicated farmland supporting crop trials, field research, innovation, and development.

Partner With Us at NRCRI Umudike

We partner with governments, researchers, donors, and businesses to scale innovation and advance sustainable agriculture across Africa.