IAR begins 2025 annual research review and planning meeting
The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has begun its 2025 annual research review and planning meeting and zonal refils workshop.
The meeting, which began today (Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025), took place today at the Balarabe Tanimu Conference Hall, Samaru, Zaria.
Declaring the two-day open, the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Kabiru Bala, stressed that agriculture remained the backbone of the nation’s economy and a vital component of food security and rural livelihoods.
Prof. Bala noted that in this ever-evolving world, marked by climate challenges, population growth and technological shifts, the role of research in agriculture had never been more critical.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that technological breakthroughs and global advancements had consistently hinged on research aimed at solving human problems.
According to him, most, if not all of the improved maize, groundnut, cowpea and sorghum varieties grown in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, originated from IAR.
He stressed that the noble achievement was worth emulating by other institutions in the country.
He called on the Federal and States Governments as well as the private sector to continue funding researches, particularly agricultural research in research institutes and universities, as the springboard for any meaningful national development.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Executive Director IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, stated that over the past year, IAR had made significant strides in agricultural research and innovation.
Prof. Ado said that this year’s annual review was aptly themed: “Advancing Agricultural Innovation for Food Security and Economic Prosperity: Aligning Research with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
According to the Executive Director, over the past 103 years, the institute had grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost national research institute, mandated to conduct cutting-edge research on the core mandate crops of the institute, namely: maize, sorghum, cowpea, groundnut, cotton, castor, Jatropha, sunflower and artemisia.
Prof. Ado explained that this year, they were undertaking over 180 research projects and introducing 32 prioritized activities, all aimed at improving the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
He said while the institute was making progress, including major canals repairs and the installation of a new water pumping machine, they had also set an ambitious goal to expand the dam at the IAR Samaru research farm from its current 8.6 ha to 25 ha at a depth of 2m.
Ado also explained that it would enable it to store approximately 500,000 cubic meters of water and support 50 ha of irrigable land.
Prof. Ado reiterated that agricultural research thrived on collaboration, and that the partnerships they built with governments, international agencies, private sector stakeholders and farming communities were key to transforming scientific discoveries into practical solutions.
He thanked the Vice-Chancellor, the University Management, the Local Organizing Committee, Management and Staff of IAR for their tireless efforts in making the event a success.
In a keynote speech, the General Manager, Majestik Farms, Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, Samuel Adegayi Musa, explained that agricultural innovation encompasses the introduction and application of new ideas, technologies and practices aimed enhancing productivity, efficiency and sustainability.
Musa said food security is a state where all individuals have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.
The General Manager identified precision using GPS, satellite imaging and sensors, automation and robotics, urban farming innovations like vertical farming and hydroponics use LED lights, as technological advancement and innovation in food production.
Musa thanked the Executive Director and the Management of the Institute for the opportunity given to him to serve as the keynote speaker.
In a goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency, Umar Namadi, congratulated IAR for the recent achievements in seed production.
Represented by the Director, Jigawa State Research Institute, Dr. Suleiman Rufai Babura, the Executive Governor said that funding for research institutes was increased since the coming of his administration in order to further expand agricultural research.
In another goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, appreciated IAR and the University for the good works they were doing in terms of agricultural research.
Represented by Commodore M.S Danjuma, the Chief of Defence Staff said that the military were also partakers in agricultural business.
General Musa affirmed that the military were also major beneficiaries of the good works of IAR.
He congratulated the institute for the significant milestone so far and wished them well in all endeavors.
The event was attended by researchers, farmers, stakeholders and development partners of the institute.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. (AHW).
Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025
