The National Root Crops Research Institute has unveiled new strategies to scale productivity and commercialization across the root and tuber value chain.
Speaking at the Institute’s Annual Review and Research Planning Meeting in Umudike, the Executive Director, Chiedozie Egesi, described the gathering as a critical platform to align research with national priorities, noting that root and tuber crops remain central to addressing food insecurity, climate challenges and economic diversification in Nigeria.
He highlighted major gains recorded in the past year, including the training of thousands of farmers and processors, the release of improved yam and potato varieties, and advances in climate-smart technologies and seed systems.
According to him, these innovations are already improving productivity, reducing losses and expanding opportunities for value addition, while new commercialization efforts are helping to translate research outputs into market-ready products.
Egesi stressed that the Institute is now shifting focus from research outputs to measurable impact, with greater emphasis on adoption, market linkages and digital extension systems to reach farmers at scale.
He added that ongoing investments in climate data systems and infrastructure upgrades are strengthening resilience and securing agricultural assets.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the Federal Government is prioritising the transformation of the root and tuber sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that the proposed Root and Tuber Industry and Export Development programme is designed to reposition the sector into a globally competitive, commercially driven sub-sector by strengthening production systems, improving value addition, and expanding market opportunities.
He explained that the initiative builds on past interventions that established Nigeria as a leading cassava producer, but seeks to address gaps in processing, product development and export potential.
The minister emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among researchers, farmers, private sector players and development partners to drive innovation, improve seed systems, and enhance market access. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting research institutions through the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria to ensure the delivery of impactful, farmer-oriented solutions.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that sustained investment in research, innovation and partnerships will unlock the full potential of root and tuber crops, boost rural livelihoods and accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards food security and economic growth.
