Nigeria has recorded a new milestone in agricultural research and innovation as the National Root Crops Research Institute NRCRI Umudike Abia State has secured a federal patent for three newly developed tea products derived from turmeric leaves and rhizomes.
The patent approval was formally granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in line with existing intellectual property laws.
The certificate was presented to the institute by the Minister of Innovation Science and Technology Mr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh SAN during an official engagement.
Speaking with journalists in Umuahia the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NRCRI Professor Chiedozie Egesi described the approval as a major boost for agricultural value addition and indigenous product development.
He said the recognition confirms that the institute’s work meets the requirements of the Patent and Design Acts CAP 344 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.
According to him the patented teas are the outcome of extensive research by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Rachel Majekodunmi Omodamiro.
He explained that turmeric which is widely known for its health enhancing properties has now been successfully processed into distinct tea variants with added commercial and wellness value.
Professor Egesi noted that the breakthrough opens doors for small and medium scale enterprises, strengthens the herbal and nutraceutical sector and creates new income opportunities for farmers and processors.
He added that the development aligns with national efforts to diversify the economy through science driven agriculture and local innovation.
He further stated that the federal government’s endorsement reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s research institutions and their ability to transform indigenous crops into globally competitive products.
The achievement he said positions the country more strongly in natural products research and bio innovation.
NRCRI is mandated to conduct research on the improvement of production, processing, storage and utilization of root and tuber crops such as yam cassava sweet potato cocoyam ginger taro sugar beet and rizga.
The institute also carries out extension services training programs and collaborative research with local and international partners across the Southeast agro ecological zone.
