Potato Industry Set For Major Transformation In W’Africa
The NRCRI Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Professor Chiedozie Egesi, has highlighted the major research breakthroughs recorded by the National Root Crops Research Institute, NRCRI, Umudike, Abia State, South-Eastern, Nigeria, on the genetic improvement of root and tuber crops (RTC) – cassava, yam, potato, and sweet potato.
The potato industry in West Africa has been positioned for a major positive change that will lead to increased productivity of the crop in Nigeria.
Prof Egesi said this during his interaction with journalists to mark his first year in office, added that the Institute had, in addition, carried out successful research into the entire farming system of the Southeast agro ecological zone
He said the successful research has improved the standard of living of the smallholder farmers, adding, “together with our partners, we developed and released three new varieties of Yam and four new varieties of Potato that have excellent eating qualities, climate-resilient and very high in productivity for production by farmers.”
Prof Egesi said the institute was able to play a leading role in attracting about 10 new externally funded grants, describing this as a feat his administration achieved within the first six months in office.
According to him, the institute within his one year in office was able to ensure prompt release of funds for research to scientists, whose research proposals were duly evaluated and approved, broke the jinx of recruitment of research scientists from different agricultural discipline, and currently working towards replacing junior staff that left or retired and enjoys conflict-free working environment.
On the Federal Government declaration of state emergency on food security, the NRCRI Executive Director, said it is a huge opportunity to all stakeholders in the field of agriculture, noting that the FG made it clear that it is prioritising an agricultural revolution that is based on science, technology and innovation, which NRCRI has poised to bear the torchlight as trailblazers.
According to him, the institute, which turns 100 years this year, having been established in 1923, as a Provincial Research Station, is challenged by inadequate funds and resources, aged/decaying infrastructures etc, saying that some old buildings were retrofitted, while a new office block for the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation was built and commissioned in addition to building a new Biotechnology Laboratory Complex at its outstation in Kuru, Plateau State.
“We also laid a foundation stone and design for a 1,000 capacity, multipurpose, ultra-modern conference centre that would stand as a reference point for hosting international conferences and make NRCRI the location choice in Nigeria when it comes to agricultural research conferences and symposium.”
He called on well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, and development partners to join in NRCRI quest to deliver prosperity to Nigerians using root and tuber crops.
Guardian/Shakirat Sadiq
