NATIONAL HORTICULTURAL
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Location
P.M.B. 5432, Idi-Ishin, Jericho Reservation Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Website
www.nihort.gov.nginfo@nihort.gov.ng
Phone
08022255504
OVERVIEW
The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) is Nigeria's premier institute dedicated to the research, development, and promotion of horticultural crops. Established through the Federal Government's Agricultural Research Institute Establishment Degree Order No. 35 of June 1975, NIHORT has since been instrumental in advancing tropical horticulture. It serves as a hub for innovation in horticultural crop production, processing, storage, and utilization.
Our Vision
To foster the development of horticultural produce and products for both local consumption and export markets.
Our Mission
To achieve excellence in fruits, vegetables, spices, ornamentals, and aromatic plant research through sustainable production and utilization strategies.
Our Mandate
The institute is tasked with conducting research into genetic improvement, production techniques, processing, storage, and marketing of horticultural crops. NIHORT's mandate also includes knowledge dissemination and capacity building to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Biotechnology Laboratory
Gene Bank for long-term vegetable germplasm storage
Fruit juice processing plant
Mushroom research and production laboratory
Training center equipped for conferences and workshops
Greenhouses for indigenous and exotic horticultural crop
Key Objectives
Collect and conserve genetic resources of fruits, vegetables, and spices
Breed and develop improved crop varieties suitable for Nigeria's diverse agroecological zones.
Innovate postharvest processing and preservation techniques to reduce wastage.
Promote eco-friendly farming practices through biochar production and biopesticides.
Strengthen training and capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders in horticulture.
Research Focus
NIHORT is structured into six research departments, including Vegetables and Floriculture, Fruits and Spices, Citrus and Product Development, and Information and Documentation. The institute also boasts specialized units in Biotechnology, Genetic Resources, and Seed Technology.
National and International Collaborations
NIHORT actively collaborates with various universities, agricultural development programs, and non-governmental organizations to enhance its research outcomes. Partnerships include:
National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB)
Universities of Agriculture (Abeokuta, Makurdi, Umudike)
Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC)
Training and Consultancy
The institute offers training programs on diverse horticultural topics, including:
Juice processing and vegetable seed production
Fruit seedling production techniques
Ginger and turmeric processing for value addition
Amenity horticulture
Consultancy Expertise
Feasibility studies for horticultural crop value chains
Citrus orchard establishment and maintenance
Landscape beautification projects
Recent Achievements
Establishment of biopesticide production centers.
Development of postharvest processing innovations to reduce food losses.
Enhanced genetic resources for indigenous and exotic crops.
Impact Metrics
Increased horticultural crop production and exports.
Strengthened local economies through training and capacity building.
Improved agricultural sustainability through eco-friendly practices and advanced research.
NIHORT remains a cornerstone of Nigeria's agricultural research ecosystem, driving innovation and sustainability in horticulture to support food security and economic growth.
Leadership
Executive Director: Prof. Attanda Muhammed Lawal
Key Research Directors: Dr. O.A. Adetula, Dr. V.C. Umeh, Dr. H.A. Akintoye, among others.
Location
P.M.B. 5432, Idi-Ishin, Jericho Reservation Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Website
www.nihort.gov.nginfo@nihort.gov.ng
Phone
08022255504