NIHORT reaffirms commitment to improve quality of research in 2021

The Executive Director, National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Dr Abayomi Olaniyan, says the institute has put in place necessary facilities that will improve the quality of research and training of farmers in 2021.

Olaniyan said on Monday in Ibadan.

He said the institute had tractors and implements, rehabilitated its fruit juice processing plant, and constructed screen houses, all from the federal budget and through grants.

Olaniyan said the institute had embarked on rehabilitation of its old Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Unit through multi-disciplinary approach while plans were on to strengthen the unit.

“The institute shall bring up the results of demand driven and on-shelf research and conduct new research based on identified challenges among our numerous stakeholders along the value chain of our mandate crops.

“Training schedule covering our mandate crops will be developed, sensitization will be done using appropriate media, especially print and electronic emphasizing the economic, health and nutritional benefits of horticulture,” he said.

Olaniyan said more focus would be placed on training of vulnerable groups, such as women and the youth, to reduce unemployment and ensure economic growth.

He urged the government to mainstream issues of post-harvest losses, value addition and strategic storage.

Olaniyan said this was necessary to ensure availability during the lean season of production.