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GM-Maize
10/112021

FG approves cultivation of genetically modified maize

News , , , , ,

The Federal Government has granted environmental approval for the evaluation and open cultivation of TELA Maize, a new variety of genetically modified maize developed by researchers at the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Approval for the cultivation of the crop was announced in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, jointly signed by the Communications Officer, West and Central Africa for African Agricultural Technology Foundation; and the Information Officer, IAR/ABU, Yakubu Dodo.

According to the statement, the genetically modified maize would resist fall armyworm, stem borers, and tolerate moderate drought.

The government decision was contained in a certificate issued to IAR by the National Biosafety Management Agency, the agency mandated to regulate genetically modified products across the country.

The certificate dated October 8, 2021, with permit code no. NBMA/CM/003, was issued to IAR for general/commercial release of TELA maize genetically modified for drought tolerance, resistance to stem borer and fall armyworm.

“It comes into effect from October 8, 2021, to October 5, 2024,” the statement read in part.

A decision document accompanying the certificate from NBMA stated that in arriving at the decision to grant the permit, the agency took into consideration the advice of the National Biosafety Committee, the National Biosafety Technical Sub-Committee, and the risk management report provided by the applicant.

The statement added, “The agency was convinced that there are no known adverse impacts to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, taking into account risk to human health.

“The permit, pursuant to this decision, is without prejudice to other extant legal requirements.”

It stated that this approval would authorise the permit holder and persons covered by the permit to commercialise the TELA maize genetically modified for drought tolerance and insect resistance.

Reacting to the decision, the Executive Director, IAR, Prof. Ishiyaku Mohammed, said it was inspiring for the institute to secure NBMA approval for the commercial release of the drought-tolerant and insect-resistant maize.

Copyright PUNCH.

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Buhari
10/082021

President Buhari Signs Agricultural Research Council Of Nigeria Bill Into Law

News , , , ,

A statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) on Friday said this is in consonance with the commitment of his administration to diversify the economy with agriculture playing a critical role, President Muhammadu Buhari.

The statement explained that with the amendment, the Council is expected to play a crucial part in coordinating research efforts in the agricultural

The President also approved the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Kirikasamma and the Federal College of Education (Special) Birnin Kudu.

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NCRI
05/232021

National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI)

NARIs , , ,

The National Cereals Research Institute is the oldest Research Institute in the Country. It was originally founded by the Lagos Colonial Protectorate Administration of Governor Alfred Moloney in 1898. It was named the Federal Agricultural Station by the Lugard Administration in 1915. It later metamorphosed to Federal Department of Agricultural Research in 1945 with a mandate to carry out research on all agricultural crops and farming systems throughout the Country. By decree 13 of 1975, it assumed its present name National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) and was given the mandate to conduct research into the genetic improvement and production of the major stable grains like rice, maize, cowpea and sugarcane. The re-organization of the agricultural research system in 1987 gave NCRI new mandate crops which were Rice, Soybean, Beniseed, Sugarcane, and the farming system in the Middle belt Zone
comprising of Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Research is conducted in ten (10) outstations located in different parts of the country: Ibadan, (Oyo State), Amakama-olokoro (Abia State), Uyo Ubo-ukuku (Akwa-Ibom State), Warri (Delta State), Bacita (Kwara State), Mokwa (Niger State), Birnin – Kebbi (Kebbi State), Numan (Adamawa State), Yandev (Benue State) and Riyom (Plateau State). On-farm adaptive trials are conducted multilocationally, particularly in the central zone. This ensures that our results are applicable in the different ecologies in the country.

Key Mandates of the Institute

The Institute has the mandate to conduct research into the genetic improvement of rice, soybean, beniseed, acha, castor and sugarcane as well as overall farming systems and resource management research and extension in the Middle Belt Zone of Nigeria comprising of 8 states (Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja)

Lists of Mandate Crops and Others

List of mandates
1. Research into improvement of Rice
2. Acha
3. Research into improvement of sugarcane and Brown sugar Production Techniques
4. Research into Improvement of soybean
5. Beniseed
6. Castor
7. Research into Improvement of Farming Systems and Extension
8. Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
9. Breeder and Foundation seeds/sets production
10. Dissemination of Research Results and Special projects

Key Achievement

  • Six (6) industrial cane varieties have been developed and released to sugar industries and local sugar processors by NCRI.
  • NCRI has also developed a brown sugar processing technology which is now being used by brown sugar processors at Kona-Mada in FCT, Sara in Jigawa State and Gbajigi in Niger state.
  • NCRI has so far released 57 improved rice varieties which most farmers are using in Nigeria. This has enabled the farmers increase their yields and income.
  • Improved rice processing technology has been developed by the institute. This technology is presently being used by multinationals like AGIP, Obasanjo farms and local entrepreneurs, thus improving the quality of processed rice.
  • NCRI has developed eight (8) improved soybean varieties which are now being used by farmers across the country. This has led to increased farmers’ yield and income
  • Development of low input sustainable production systems for the Resource-poor farmers
  • Crop utilization through the development of recipes.
  • Production and distribution of farmer’s guides and technical bulletins
  • Production of breeder seeds of our mandate crops for NSS.
  • Trained 950 subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) from the ADPs in the use of technologies developed by NCRI in the past 5 years.

Lists of Prioritized Research Agenda

  • Breeding and varietal maintenance of our mandate Crops
  • Agronomic Practices for the cultivation of our mandate crops
  • Soil improvement practices.
  • Crop Protection practices.
  • Adding values to our mandate crops through processing and utilizations
  • Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation of our research activities
  • Diagnostic and thematic surveys
  • Socio-Economic studies
  • Dissemination of Research Results.
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NSPRI
05/232021

Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI)

NARIs , , ,

Nigerian Stored Products Research Institutes (NSPRI) was established in 1954 to conduct research in all aspects of post harvest handling of agricultural crops and their products, pesticide development, residue analysis and mycotoxin surveys on food items in Nigeria as stated in Decree 5 of 1977. NSPRI was also established to produce low and medium level technical manpower in produce inspection, post harvest handling of food and pest control. Although, her focus before independence was on export crops but her mandate was expanded to include research into local food crops, extension and training. To perform these activities the Institute, apart from its headquarters that is located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, has the following outstations established on ecological zone basis.

South-South Zone:
NSPRI Port Harcourt, Rivers State
NSPRI Sapele, Delta State

South-West Zone:
NSPRI Ibadan, Oyo State
NSPRI Lagos, Lagos State

Central Zone:
NSPRI Headquarters, Ilorin, Kwara State

Northern Zone:
NSPRI Kano, Kano State
The College of Produce Inspection and Pest Control offers Certificate and Diploma courses and it is located in Kano, Hadeja Road, Kano State.

Vision Statement
To provide adequate management facilities for the handling of Nigeria’s agricultural produce for achieving self-reliance in post harvest loss prevention.

 

Key Achivements

List of mandate Achievements
1. Improvement and maintenance of quality of perishable crops including all roots and tuber crops, fruits and vegetables and other such crops. (a) The development of the use of ventilated yam barn for the storage of fresh yam tubers.
(b) Techniques for preserving cassava roots in most saw dust, trenches to preserve and retard deterioration during storage.
(c) Development of techniques for preserving the viability of fresh cassava stems.
(d) Development of waxes for treatment of fruits and vegetables.
(e) Various technologies for the production of stable forms of tomato, onion, mango, vegetables etc.
(f) Development of technique for the production of dried mango, pineapple, okra, etc.
(g) Seed yam barn development.
2. Improvement and maintenance of the quality of durable crops including cereal grain, pulses, oil seeds from the farm level to commercial level including export. (a) The development of system for storing grains with the introduction of cribs for storing grains on cob and protocol for storing grains in bulk in stores.
(b) The development of the technique for storing grains in Inert atmosphere silos.
(c) The development of the technique and protocol for the maintenance of grain quality during storage in the warehouse.
(d) Improvement of the “rhumbu” for the storage of dry grains in the dry areas of the country to make them fumigatable.
(e) Pesticidal wax
(f) Bio Insecticides for food storage
(g) Production of “Post harvest Research Journal” and advisory books on various aspects of Post harvest handling of crops.
3. Improvement and maintenance of the quality of tree crops including cocoa, kola, palm produce, coffee, cashew. (a) Techniques for pest control in cocoa, cashew and groundnuts.
(b) Techniques for arresting aflatoxin and mycotoxin contamination of produce.
(c) Techniques for producing dried kolanuts.
4. Designing, fabricating and developing post harvest equipment to the pilot plant stage specifically conduct studies in the improvement of food storage structures, primary processing equipment and food packaging. (a) The design fabrication and development of various dryers – solar tray, multipurpose dryer, hybrid dryers.
(b) Production of various coolers for the preservation of fruits and vegetables.
(c) Development of techniques for harvesting, handling and packaging of fruits and vegetables.
(d) The development of technique for storing and extending the shelf-life of seed potato and ware potato by the use of the “Diffuse” light store for potato.
(e) Development of hybrid dryers for primary processing.
(f) Collapsible crates.
(g) Solar tray and multipurpose dryers.
(h) Hermetic packaging of dried products.
(i) Cassavas stem storage.
(j) Development of a system (centre) for primary processing of perishable crops.
5. Improvement in the primary processing methods of meat, fish and related products. a) Dryers for fish, meat and products.
6. Methods to improve the skill and capacity building in post harvest technology through formal training of farmers, industrialists food handlers and inspectors. (a) Establishment of College of Produce Inspection and Post Harvest Technology.
(b) Developed capacity of Agricultural Teachers and Leventis Senior staff.
(c) Developed capacity of Artisans in the fabrication of packaging and storage structures.
(d) Developed capacity of Industrial Training of Students.
7. Developing food standards to improve the quality of food commodities after harvest, which will aid in the marketing of produce. Also conduct studies on the impact assessment of technologies and processes developed by the Institute. (a) Developed standards for cassava and products (gari, flour, pando yam etc).
(b) Standard developed for cocoa, cashew, ground nuts etc.
8. Provision of advice on problems associated with stored products and materials used in storage, pest control, including storage structures, new insecticides new items of equipment and new techniques. (a) Extension of post harvest techniques to NGO’s, CBO’s e.g food handlers.
(b) Trained artisans in dryer construction and utilization.
(c) Trained NGO’s in food preservation.
9. Special studies such as stored products pests, pesticide formulation and residues and mycotoxin survey; and (a) Produced a data base on Nigerian Scientist in post harvest technology.
10. Creating a database for published research findings and human resources directory in post harvest science. (a) Bibliography and abstracts on Nigerian work in post harvest technology.
(b) Developed a data base on external users of NSPRI library.

 

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NIFFR
05/232021

Nat. Inst. for Fresh-Water Fisheries Research(NIFFR)

NARIs , , ,

The National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research, New Bussa, formerly known as Kainji Lake Research Project, was set up in 1968 by the Federal Government of Nigeria with assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was the executing agency, while the then Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources represented the Federal Government. By 1975, FAO experts formally withdrew their participation and qualified Nigerians had to take over the management and responsibility of what came to be known as Kainji Lake Research Institute, through a decree promulgated by the then Military regime.

The Institute was one of the twenty-five Agricultural Research Institutes then under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. As a result of the re-organization of some of the Research Institutes within the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in 1987, the mandate of the Institute changed from the multi-commodity institution, namely:- Fisheries, Limnology, Public Health, Socio-Economics and Wildlife Ecology/Range Management, to mono-commodity research Institute based on Freshwater Fisheries and Aquatic Resources generally, with emphasis on Hydrology, Fish Biology, Fisheries Management, Limnology, Environment, Fisheries Technology, Hatchery Management, Aquaculture, Socio-economics, Extension liaison services and training.

The name of the Institute in 1988 was changed to National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research to reflect the new mandate. Presently, the Institutes outstations are located in the following places Tiga in Kano State; Maiduguri and Baga in Borno State, and Dadin-kowa in Gombe State. But with varied levels of activities in Yauri, Kebbi State, and Oguta in Imo State. More outstations have been planned for locations in the other agro-ecological zones of the country. The activities of the Institute are funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria while the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is still the supervising Ministry.

Key Mandates

List of mandates Linkages with other organizations
1. Genetic improvement of freshwater fishes and other aquatic resources in rivers and lakes (natural and man-made Universities including UI, OAU; FUTM
2. Ensure the abundance and distribution of freshwater fishes and other aquatic resources FDF, ADP, State Govt/ LG, FAO, ABU, UniIlorin, IITA, GTZ, Private Orgn.
3. Ascertain the hydrological behaviour of natural and man-made lakes. PHC (NEPA) Water Resources Institute Kaduna , State Govt/LG
4. Limnology of surface and ground water around natural and man-made lakes UI, UniBen, FUTM
5. Rational exploitation and utilization of freshwater aquatic resources State Govt/LG, IITA Private Organisation
6. Ecological and socio-economic effects of the development of man-made lakes UI, NISER, LG, Central Bank, National Planning Commission
7. Improvement in aquacultural activities among fishing communities and fish farmers UI, FUTM, UniJos, Michael Okpara University, FDF, FISON, NUFS, FBA, NAFFA, AOFFEN, Private Fish Farms
8. Carry out extension research liaison services with the Federal as well as State Ministries, primary producers, industries and other users of research results on matters of freshwater fisheries and other aquatic resources in collaboration with NAERLS State Govt, ADP, NAERLs Private Fish Farmers
9. Provide technical and vocational training in freshwater fisheries and related fields leading to the award of National Diploma FCFFT New Bussa. FCFFT Baga, Universities of Agriculture, FDF, Private Fish Farms
10. Provide laboratory and other technical services to fish farmers, industries and others concerned with freshwater fisheries problems. UI, IITA, FPB, NAPRI, NVRI, OAU, UniJos, FCFFT New Bussa, Baga, Private Fish Farms
11. Collaborate with all relevant Research Institutes, Universities and other organizations including agencies in both public and private sectors. Dept of Fisheries in Nigeria Universities, Universities of Agriculture, DELSU, SHELL/SPDC, WINROCK, GTZ/BMZ, EU, USAID, FMAWR, DIFID/FAO.
12. Library, Information and Documentation of freshwater aquatic resources in Nigeria. FAO/ASFA, FDF, FISON, ISNAR, NIOMR-+

Key Achievements With Measurable Impacts

3.1 Developed Technologies and Ready for Transfer
Hybrid fish development, male Heterobranchus longifilis and female Clarias anguillaris that attained over 2kg within 10 months in concrete and earthen ponds were developed.

Impact on agriculture and overall economic development
Increase fish supply from fish farming due to high fish yield and provision of employment opportunities

3.2 Production of Zooplankton (Moina) as natural fish feed for fish larvae and fry.

Impact on agriculture and overall economic development
Replaces imported Artemia thereby conserving foreign exchange
More fry develop and survival into fingerlings as seed for fish farmers towards increasing supply of fish to the market.
Crust of Moina dormant cell distributed to hatchery operators in Nigeria. Request for this technology is on the increase from neighbouring countries.

3.3 Kainji Solar Tent: Dries1 ton of fish in less than 18 hours.

Impact on agriculture and overall economic development
Dried fish comparable to stock fish. Highly flavoured and could be stored for long periods. Affordable for household use by both artisanal and fish farmers.
Reduces post-harvest losses.

3.4 Smoking Kilns: Improved local traditional (Banda) kiln

Impact on agriculture and overall economic development
Efficient with 3½ – 6½ hours production time.
Conserves 42% – 65% fuel wood thereby discouraging aforestation

3.5 Fish Feed production
Developed several high quality categories of artificial feeds of various protein and energy levels for fingerling, juvenile, growers, and broodstock at cost efficient and value added.

Impact on agriculture and overall economic development
Reduce importation of imported artificial fish feed thereby saving foreign exchange and lowering cost of input on feeds in aquaculture

3.6 Fish farming practices
Developed several hand on skill practices in pond construction, hatchery management, broodstock selection, water quality management, fish feed formulation, and fish disease control and hygiene

Impact on agriculture and overall economic development
Increase in number of fish farms in Nigeria, enhanced overall fish farming business, employment opportunities and livelihood activities of both city and rural dwellers.

3.7 Mechanical Boom for control of water hyacinth
The institute has developed the technology for mechanical boom construction with integration of community-based approach to aquatic weed control. The technology has reduced the menace of water hyacinth of Lake Kainji and prevented the spread of water hyacinth downstream the River Niger.

Impact on agriculture and overall economic development
Prevented the almost collapse of fisheries of Lake Kainji and River Niger due to water hyacinth infestation control.

3.8 Training of Middle level manpower
As part of institute mandate the two colleges for the training of middle level man power has successfully promoted food security and human health through improving competency and capacity of the fishery sub-sector of the economy. Annually the schools trained over 50 fisheries officers in both short and long term courses.

Impact on agriculture and overall economic development
Enhanced capacity in middle level manpower of the fisheries sub-sector.

3.9 Student industrial attachment
The institute hosts over 120 students annually for 2 to 12 weeks industrial attachment for undergraduates, from Universities of Agriculture, and Universities of Technology, Colleges of Agriculture, and graduate students for M.Sc and Ph.D practical field experiences

Impact on agriculture and overall economic development
Enhanced professionalism of undergraduate and graduate training programme of the fisheries sub-sector.+

 

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LCRI
05/232021

Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI)

NARIs , , ,

Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI) was established by the Research Institutes (establishment Act) Order, 1975. However, the Institutes actual physical existence began with the location of its headquarters at Maiduguri in 1976.

At its inception, the Institute established stations at Baga, Malamfatori and Ngala in Borno State. As it activities expanded, the Institute established experimental sites at Biu, Damboa and New-Marte in Borno state; Dadinkowa and Deba in Gombe state; Gembu in Taraba state; Uba in Adamawa State, Gashua in Yobe State; Jos in Plateau State and Obudu in Cross River State, over the years.

The Institute had multidisciplinary mandate of conducting research in crops, fisheries, livestock, Agro-forestry, wildlife and public health. However, following a re-appraisal of the mandates and functions of National Research Institutes in 1987, the Lake Chad Research Institute became a crop based research Institute and was charged with a new research mandate.

Key Mandates

The mandates of Lake Chad Research Institute are:

  1. Genetic improvement of wheat, barley and millet.
  2. Investigation of the problems of production of all agricultural food crops grown in the broad ecological zone covered by Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe States, with emphasis on farming systems including integration of livestock, tree crops and agro-forestry into production systems.
  3. Conduct Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services with the relevant Federal and State Ministries, Primary Agricultural Producers, Industries and other users of Research.
  4. Provide laboratory and other technical services to farmers, agro-based industries and others needing these services.
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NIHORT
05/232021

National Horticultural Research Institute(NIHORT)

NARIs , , ,

The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan started as The National Fruit and vegetable Research and Development Centre (NFVRDC) with the assistance of UNDP/FAO Project NIR/72/007. By the Federal Government Agricultural Research Institutes Establishment Decree Order No. 35 of June 1975, the Centre metamorphosed into the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) along with other Agricultural Research Institutes. The Institute is under the coordination of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).

The Institute has 1,671ha of land with the headquarters on 350ha of land at Ibadan, Oyo State; a substation on an 810ha of land in the humid forest zone of Okigwe in Imo State and a second substation on a 310ha of land at Bagauda in the Guinea Savannah zone of Kano, Kano State. NIHORT has an experimental station on a 126ha of land in the Sudan Savannah zone of Dadinkowa in Gombe State also another on a 75ha of land at Riyom in the mid altitude zone of Jos in Plateau State.

NIHORT is the only Horticultural Research Institute in Nigeria and West African with a mandate to carry out research on fruits, vegetables, spices and ornamental plants. These four categories of plants are made of more than one hundred different plants species.

Vision
To develop horticultural produce and products for local and export markets with attendant health, industrial raw materials and employment generation benefits.

Mission Statement
To develop sustainable production and utilization of horticultural crops in order to achieve excellence in fruits, vegetables, spices, ornamentals as well as aromatic plants in Nigeria.

Mandates
The institute has the mandate to conduct research into genetic improvement, production, processing, storage, utilization and marketing of tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and ornamentals plants of both nutritional and economic importance.

Organizational Structure
National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) has at the apex, the Executive Director, who is the research and administrative head as well as the Chief Accounting Officer of the Institute. The Executive Director also has direct responsibility for overall policy and direction of the institute.

The Research activities of the institutes are carried out under the following programmes:

  1. Citrus Improvement Programme
  2. Fruits Improvement Programme
  3. Vegetable Improvement Programme
  4. Spices Improvement Programme
  5. Floriculture Improvement Programme
  6. Farming Systems Research and Extension Programme
  7. Product Development Programme

Other Support Departments includes:

  • Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation department
  • Human Resources Department
  • Information and Documentation Department
  • Finance and Account Department
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NIOMR
05/232021

Nigerian Institute for Oceanography & Marine Research (NIOMR)

NARIs , ,

Brief History

The Nigerian institute for oceanography & marine research (NIOMR) was established in November 1975 by the research institutes establishment order of 1975. The institute is presently located on Wilmot point road bar beach, Victoria Island, Lagos

Mandate

NIOMR is charged with responsibilities to conduct research into the resources and physical characteristics of the Nigerian territorial waters and the high seas beyond.

Specific Mandate

  1. Abundance, distribution, biological and other characteristics of species of fish and other marine forms of life and management measures for their rational exploitation and conservation
  2. Improvement of brackish / marine waters aquaculture
  3. Genetic characterization of marine and brackish water culturable fish species including the development of improved strains of fish species culture;
  4. Effective and sustainable management of fisheries resources through improved post-harvest preservation, utilization and storage using profitable technological processes
  5. Physical characteristics of the Nigerian territorial waters, the high seas beyond, topography of the sea beds and deposits on / or under the sea beds
  6. Effect of pollution on the health of Nigerian coastal waters and its prevention
  7. The socio-economic challenges of exploitation of the resources of the sea and brackish water
  8. Global climate change and sea level rise
  9. The improvement of coastal and brackish water fishing and fish culture through the design and fabrication of ecosystem friendly fishing gear types and fisheries implements
  10. The nature of the coastal and marine environment including coastal erosion, monitoring marine hazards, forecasting/prediction and the topography of the sea beds and deposits on or under it
  11. Extension research and liaison services
  12. Provision of technical training in areas of mandate

Key Achievements

Marine Geology/Geophysics

  • Identification and evaluation of the heavy minerals potential in Nigerian coastal waters;
  • Bathymetric charting of near shore Victoria Island, Lagos lagoon and hydrographic and geological survey of Benin and Escravos rivers;
  • Production of digitized maps of the Nigerian coastal zone;
  • Identification of suitable burrow pits for present and future sand replenishment activities;
  • Identification and constant monitoring of erosion – prone sites along the country’s entire coastline; and,
  • Mapping of dead coral banks on the western Nigeria continental shelf and documentation of sediment types and distribution.

Marine Biology

  • Provision of the scientific basis for the sea fisheries decree of 1971;
  • Identification of shrimp resources, execution of a tuna survey in Nigeria’s EPZ which confirmed sufficient abundance in commercial quantities.
  • Identification of key species of demersal resources (0-50m)
  • Identification of ‘deeper water (0-300m) resources;
  • Documentation of various aspects of the biology of identified resources; and,
  • Successful use of electrophoretic techniques as confirmatory taxonomic tools.

Aquaculture

  • Genetic improvement of catfish through acquisition of germ plasm of promising strains from different ecological zones in Nigeria;
  • Development of mass production techniques for the fingerlings of clarias gariepinus and the hybrid of clarias sp. and heterobranchus sp.;
  • Successful culture of the commercially important oyster, crassotrea gasar;
  • Development of fish feed for the fish farm industry;
  • Enterprise combination of fish with vegetables/livestock;
  • Development of pond construction techniques in different ecological zones for profitable farming

Fishing Technology

  • Small scale artisanal fishing gear for increases in fish production – monofilament, shark drift net, coastal beach seine and refined “acadja” brush park;
  • Fabrication of turtle excluder device (TED) to facilitate the recertification of Nigeria for shrimp export to the USA and Europe;
  • Fabrication of by-catch reduction device (BRD) for the reduction in catch of juvenile fish species;
  • NIOMR in collaboration with FAO designed and produced multipurpose shallow draft mechanized fishing vessel;

Fish Technology

  • Design, fabrication and patented fish smoking kiln with a capacity of 250kg of fish for 6hours;
  • Pioneered the canning of tuna, Bonga, Sardinella, and drift fish (arioma spp) in Nigeria;
  • Utilization of small-sized fish species;
  • Production of fish meal – a high protein concentrate for fish and poultry feed;
  • Production of shark liver oil as a possible replacement for imported cod liver oil;
  • Production of value –added products from by-catch
    • spice-minced fish cakes,
    • salted fish cake, fish burger,
    • fish crackers, etc.
  • Domestication using locally fabricated pepper grinder (n20,000) to replace the imported flesh bone separator (us$20,000);
  • NIOMR complementary instant food; and,
  • Post-harvest fisheries loss assessment research through identification of appropriate interventions to improve the livelihoods of artisanal fishing communities

Physical & Chemical Oceanography

  • Identification of the sources, distribution and biological effects of some inorganic and organic pollutant and industrial effluents;
  • Establishment of the spatio-temporal variability in the standing stock of marine debris;
  • Establishment of a toxicity ranking for common heavy metals in the Nigerian environment and susceptibility ranking of some estuarine animals to intoxication by the identified metals;
  • The spatio-temporal variability in oceanographic data around the Lagos harbour and vertical profiles of oceanographic parameters of some offshore locations within Nigerian territorial waters established; and,
  • Evaluation of the impact of anthropogenic activities on benthic community structure of the Lagos lagoon

Economics and Statictics

  • Establishment of a fisheries data bank;
  • Socio-economic studies of artisanal fisheries; and,
  • Establishment of a statistical quality control chart for size monitoring of commercial fish species.

Extension Research & Liaison Services

  • Training workshops – farmers, fishermen, trainers, trawlers, fish processors
  • On-farm adaptive research of technologies;
  • Production of TV documentaries in fish farming;
  • Production of various extension guides/manuals;
  • Carried out adoption & impact assessment of some technologies;
  • Conducted baseline studies of some coastal states.

Measureable Impact

  • Beach seine net with high hanging ratio for effective mesh opening and appropriate twine diameter resulted in unprecedented large catch (about 2.2 tonnes) of croackers and 3.5 tonnes of catfish per day;
  • Increased fish yield from 1.0 -4.0mt/ha/yr to 5-10mt/ha/yr” as a result of the genetic improvement and mass production techniques for fingerlings.
  • Increased national aquaculture production from 25,000t – 80,000t following the use of WRS;
  • Increased fingerlings production from less than one million to over three millions annually;
  • Facilitate shrimp export to USA to the tune of us$50m annually with the introduction of TED;
  • Enhance the recruitment of juvenile and elimination of by-catch with the introduction of BRD;
  • Reduction of smoke drying period from 6-8hrs to 3-4 hrs per batch. The product is neater than the traditionally smoked product; and,
  • Capacity building of fishermen, fish farmers, trawlers, fish processors and trainers
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NVRI
05/232021

National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI)

NARIs , , ,

The first panzootic of Rinderpest in West Africa which occurred between 1885 and 1890, led to the deaths of over 90% of the cattle population. The second wave of the panzootic occurred between 1913 and 1914 and culminated in a further drastic reduction of the cattle population from 9.01million to 2.7 million. The devastating effects of these outbreaks were responsible for the establishment of Veterinary services by the colonial powers in the protectorate colonies in Africa.

A Veterinary Department was established in Zaria in the West African protectorate in 1913, to conduct livestock census, disease surveys, and disease control by isolation and quarantine, with the help of village heads and the Native Authority Administration. In 1924, the Department was moved to Vom, as a Veterinary Laboratory. In the same year, the first biological (anti-rinderpest serum) was produced to control the rinderpest outbreaks. Vom thus became the Pioneer Institute in West Africa in the production of anti Rinderpest Serum and Animal Vaccines.

The Institute is endowed with highly trained manpower with experienced research Scientist in varied fields of Veterinary Sciences and other fields of Applied Sciences and a number of Medical Laboratory and Animal Husbandry Scientists. Research for the development of new vaccines or other methods of disease control to combat emerging diseases of livestock and poultry and improving the vaccines in production is the Institute’s primary area of focus.

MANDATE
By virtue of the Agricultural Research Institute Decree 35 of 1975, the name Federal Department of Veterinary Research was changed to National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) and has its Mandate as follows: To conduct Research into all aspects of animal diseases, their Treatment and Control. To Develop and Produce animal Vaccines, Sera and Biological to meet the National demand To provide Surveillance and Diagnosis of animal diseases To introduce Exotic Stock for improved egg, meat and milk production To provide Extension Services to poultry and livestock farmers To Train intermediate Manpower in Veterinary Laboratory Technology and Animal Health and Production Technology. OUR VISION A Veterinary Institute committed to research excellence and the production of standard quality vaccines for the livestock industry.

MISSION
To be the foremost veterinary research institute in Africa, producing international quality vaccines and offering services for the identification, control, and eradication of economically important livestock diseases, through best practices, research excellence, and applying modern technology, with highly trained, experienced and motivated personnel.

VISION
To be a pioneer Veterinary Institution committed to research excellence and the production of quality vaccines for the livestock Industry.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Institute’s organizational structure is based on 5 Technical Divisions and 2 non-Technical Divisions. Technical Divisions include:

  • Research
  • Production
  • Diagnostic Services and Extension
  • Livestock Investigation
  • Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Quality Control
  • Non technical Divisions include Administration and Finance and Supplies Divisions

ACHIEVMENTS
I.  Research
Development of animal vaccines
Development of diagnostic reagents
Development of ethnoveterinary products
Establishment of well-equipped laboratories
Scientific publications

II.  Vaccine Production
Production of 19 different vaccines
100 million doses of vaccines produced annually
A potential for the production of 400 million doses by 2015

III.  Disease Diagnosis and Surveillance
Provision of vaccines
Sustained rapid disease diagnosis and surveillance services
Capacity building in laboratory diagnosis, animal health and production technology
Provision of livestock extension services
Production and airing of radio programmes
Vocational training programmes

IV.  Other Achievements include
FAO collaboration and recognition of NVRI as a regional centre for Emergency Preparedness for transboundary animal disease
First African laboratory to diagnose Highly pathogenic avian influenza
Selection of NVRI as a regional laboratory for avian influenza and other transboundary animal diseases

VACCINES UNDER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

  • Mareks disease vaccine
  • Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine
  • Combined Newcastle Disease and Gumboro vaccine
  • Inactivated Cell Culture Rabies Vaccine
  • Freeze dried Anthrax Vaccine
  • Egg drop syndrome Vaccine
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Nanono
05/172021

Investigative Panel to Probe Activities of FCAPT- Nanono

News , , ,

Investigative Panel to Probe Activities of FCAPT- Nanono

The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alh. Mohammed Sabo Nanono has stated that activities of the Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology, Kano are to be investigated. The Minister made this known during an impromptu visit to the College in Kano.

According to a statement signed and made available by the Minister’s Technical Adviser on Media, Ahmed Aminu, Minister Nanono expressed displeasure at the unsavoury occurrences at the College, which continue to factionalise every arm of the institution thus negating the smooth running of its academic and administrative functions.

Minister Sabo Nanono is angered by the unsavoury happenings at the College which give rise to rancor, bitterness and discord among staff, management and even members of the Board of Directors, the statement reads.

Recall that the Chairman and Members of the Governing Board, Provost and Registrar were all suspended on 30th April over rising crisis within the management staff as stated by Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu while speaking to the press.

The Minister added that the mandate of the College in the areas of Extension Services, Laboratory and Horticultural Technology are unattainable with the kind of discord rearing its ugly head at the institution which will impact negatively on the nation’s agricultural productivity.

He said, as a Minister from Kano State he would not allow the ugly drift to continue unabated at the College.

Minister Nanono there fire emphatically, stated that an Administrative Investigative panel would be instituted within the week to probe activities at the College with a view to decisively dealing with those thwarting the smooth running of the College no matter how highly placed they are.

The Minister said if, at the end of the day findings of the probe panel deem that the College needs to be closed down, so be it.

The Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology Kano runs courses in Pest Management Technology, Agricultural Extension and Management, Agricultural Technology, Animal Health and Production, Science Laboratory Technology and Food Technology.

Other courses offered include Computer and Statistics, Food Storage Technology and Produce Inspection. Certificates are awarded at HND and OND levels to graduants of the College.

The Minister was in company of his entourage and Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria. Present during the visit were Acting Provost of the college Dr. Halima Moudupeore Alimi, Management Staff, Heads of Departments and Leaders of Staff unions.

Abdu Saidu
17/05/2021

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