The Tuber Crops Department is one of the Institute’s principal research departments, dedicated to the improvement, sustainable production, conservation, and utilization of Nigeria’s economically important tuber crops. The Department conducts strategic and applied research aimed at developing improved crop varieties and innovative production technologies that enhance food security, increase farmers’ incomes, and support national agricultural development.

The Department undertakes multidisciplinary research covering crop improvement, agronomy, crop protection, seed systems, sustainable farming practices, and climate-smart agriculture. Its research activities are designed to address production constraints, improve crop productivity, reduce yield losses, and promote the adoption of modern technologies that meet the needs of farmers, processors, industries, and consumers.

Working in collaboration with national and international research institutions, universities, extension agencies, development partners, and the private sector, the Department facilitates the generation, validation, and dissemination of improved technologies that contribute to increased agricultural productivity and sustainable rural livelihoods.

Core Functions

The Department is responsible for:

• Conducting research on the genetic improvement of tuber crops for higher yield, improved nutritional quality, and resistance to pests and diseases.
• Developing sustainable agronomic practices that enhance productivity while conserving natural resources.
• Evaluating and recommending improved crop varieties suitable for different agro-ecological zones.
• Developing integrated pest and disease management strategies for tuber crops.
• Supporting the production and multiplication of quality planting materials.
• Promoting climate-resilient agricultural technologies that enhance adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
• Conducting on-farm adaptive research and field evaluations to validate research findings.
• Collaborating with extension services to facilitate technology transfer and adoption by farmers.
• Providing technical support and capacity building for farmers, researchers, students, and other stakeholders.
• Contributing to national policies and programmes on tuber crop development and food security.

Strategic Objectives

The Department is committed to:

• Increasing the productivity and profitability of tuber crop production.
• Enhancing food and nutritional security through improved crop varieties.
• Promoting sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Reducing production losses caused by pests, diseases, and environmental stresses.
• Supporting value chain development through improved production technologies.
• Strengthening partnerships that promote agricultural innovation and technology commercialization.

Impact

Through continuous research, innovation, and stakeholder engagement, the Tuber Crops Department contributes significantly to the Institute’s mandate of improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Its research outputs support farmers with improved technologies, strengthen national food systems, encourage value addition and agro-industrial development, and reinforce the Institute’s position as a leading centre for root and tuber crop research in Nigeria and across Africa.