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.

98% Quality Assurance Rate

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Who We Are

Advancing Agriculture Through Research and Innovation

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.

Transforming Root Crops Through Value Addition

Innovation and Value Addition

Transforming Root and Tuber Crops Through Value Addition

The NRCRI researches, develops and promotes value-added products from root and tuber crops. Through processing, preservation, storage, packaging and product innovation, this helps unlock new uses and opportunities for crops such as cassava, sweetpotato, cocoyam, yam and other mandate crops.

Our Core Values

Innovative Food Products

Developing diverse, nutritious, value-added products from root and tuber crops.

Processing & Preservation

Improved processing and storage for longer-lasting root and tuber crops.

Consumer and Market Validation

Assessing consumer preferences, product quality, acceptability, and market potential.

Our Programmes

Advancing Viable Agriculture Through Effective Programmes

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.

We remain committed to promoting sustainable value addition by strengthening food quality, reducing post-harvest losses, and expanding the utilization of root and tuber crops. Through research, capacity building, and knowledge transfer, we support improved livelihoods, enhanced food security, and greater opportunities across the agricultural value chain, while fostering innovation, enterprise development, economic growth, and sustainable agricultural transformation nationwide.

Research Excellence

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 Partnerships

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

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.