Root Crops Department

The Root Crops Department is responsible for the research administration of three major Research Programmes: the Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Programme, the Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) Programme, and the Minor Root Crops Programme.

Research Focus and Objectives

The overall objective of these Commodity Programmes is to improve the genetic characteristics of the respective crops and develop appropriate agronomic and plant protection packages that promote sustainable and high productivity.

The Cassava Programme focuses on research aimed at improving cassava production and productivity. Nigeria is currently the world’s largest producer of cassava, with an annual production level of 52 million metric tonnes.

The Sweetpotato Programme undertakes research aimed at improving sweetpotato production and utilization. The national annual production figure for sweetpotato is 3.9 million metric tonnes. The Programme has also developed sweetpotato varieties with high levels of beta-carotene and produces value-added food products from them to support improved nutrition among children in the country.

The Minor Root Crops Programme conducts research on Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Rizga/Livingstone Potato (Plectranthus esculentus), Hausa Potato (Solestemon rotundifolius), and Amora/Polynesian Arrowroot. Significant efforts have been made by the Programme to promote these crops and enhance their utilization for food and industrial purposes in Nigeria.

Achievements

The Cassava and Sweetpotato Programmes undertake collaborative research with numerous national and international institutions actively involved in agricultural research. These collaborative efforts have produced beneficial results and contributed to giving NRCRI global prominence in root crops research.

A total of forty-six (46) improved cassava varieties have been released to farmers, including six (6) beta-carotene (Pro-vitamin A) varieties.

The Sweetpotato Programme has also developed varieties with high beta-carotene content, alongside the production of value-added food products from these varieties for improved nutrition of children in the country.

Through its three Commodity Programmes, the Root Crops Department continues to support the genetic improvement, sustainable production, utilization, and development of cassava, sweetpotato, and minor root crops.