National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI)

The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) is a public-sector research organization operating under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Nigeria. Established with a mandate to support food security and agricultural innovation, NRCRI is nationally responsible for the genetic improvement, production, processing, storage, and utilization of root and tuber crops vital to Nigeria’s economy and nutrition.

Crops under its purview include cassava, yam, sweet potato, Irish potato, cocoyam, ginger, Hausa potato, sugar beet, radish, livingstone potato, and arrowroot.

In addition to its national scope, NRCRI holds a zonal mandate for Nigeria’s South-East agro-ecological zone, covering Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, where it develops integrated farming systems adapted to local conditions.

NRCRI works in partnership with federal and state agricultural agencies—such as the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and State Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs)—and delivers extension services, training programs, and collaborative research with national and international institutions.

Through its efforts, NRCRI plays a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural resilience, improving farmer livelihoods, and advancing sustainable development.