In response to challenges facing Nigerian farmers, such as climate stress, low productivity, and poor disease resistance, the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, has pioneered the development and release of over 50 improved cassava varieties, 30 yam varieties, 10 potato varieties, 4 sweet potato varieties, and 2 ginger varieties, each bred for higher yield, resilience, and adaptability.
The Executive Director and CEO of NRCRI, Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, stated this in his welcome address at the 37th International Conference of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), held from August 18 to 22, 2025, reaffirming NRCRI’s role in agricultural biotechnology development.
The conference, themed; ‘Innovative Biotechnology for National Growth: Pathways to Food Security, Health and Environmental Sustainability’ took place at the NRCRI Library Complex in Umudike, in collaboration with the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).
Speaking, Prof. Egesi highlighted the institute’s major achievements in crop development, emphasizing its contributions to food security and agricultural resilience across Nigeria.
According to him, biotechnology has played a central role in breeding crops that are better suited to both farmer needs and market demands.
He explained that for the past century, NRCRI has remained at the forefront of research by applying modern biotechnology tools to improve crop resistance to diseases, enhance nutritional content, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. According to him, tools such as molecular markers, tissue culture, and gene editing are now routine in the institute’s research processes.
Prof Egesi noted that the institute has revolutionized propagation techniques, citing examples such as vine cuttings for sweet potato, aeroponics for rapid seed yam multiplication, and semi-autotrophic and autotrophic systems for cassava, potato, and sweet potato. These methods, he added, ensure faster and cleaner multiplication of planting materials.
Prof. Egesi also highlighted NRCRI’s efforts in ensuring that research outcomes are accessible to farmers. He explained that through rural empowerment programmes and training initiatives, the institute is helping farmers adopt new technologies across the entire root and tuber value chain.
“We have created vibrant communities of seed entrepreneurs across the country, ensuring sustainable access to quality planting materials, thereby strengthening seed systems.”.
He further said that the institute’s technical and vocational training has reached thousands of farmers, students, and agro-industrialists. “Training has focused on specialized areas such as advanced multiplication techniques and value-added product development.”
“Through dedicated technical and vocational training for thousands of farmers, students, and agro-industrialists, we have empowered stakeholders and built capacity in specialized areas like advanced multiplication techniques and the production of high-value products like starch, baby formula, instant fufu, bread, biscuits, flakes, chips, etc.
“Our market-driven research has directly enhanced the development of value-added products. A prime example is our technology that significantly extends the shelf life of gari for over one year, boosting its potential for storage and export. These innovations cater to both local consumption needs and create lucrative export opportunities, enhancing value addition and market reach.”
Prof. Egesi emphasized that NRCRI’s work contributes directly to the goals of national development. “Our work on resilient, high-yielding varieties directly combats food insecurity, poverty alleviation and wealth creation and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,” he said.
The ED added that NRCRI’s focus on climate-smart agriculture promotes environmental sustainability. “This is vital for addressing the long-term impacts of climate change on food systems,” he maintained.
