The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on Monday, urged the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State, to leverage technology to enhance its research capabilities and drive growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Kyari, who was represented by Olayinka Akeredolu, the Zonal Director, South-West, of the ministry, delivered the message during CRIN’s 60th anniversary celebration, themed “Tree Crops Research for Sustainable Nigerian Economy,” held at the institute’s Idi-Ayunre premises in Oluyole Local Government Area.
While recognizing CRIN’s significant contributions over the years, the minister emphasized the need for continued innovation.
“As you are aware, CRIN has made remarkable progress in research, especially in improving cocoa production. However, with its expansion to research five key crops cocoa, kola, coffee, cashew, and tea.
There’s a need to harness the transformative power of technology to boost research outcomes,” Kyari said.
“This will enable the institute to further support the industries that rely on its research for growth and development, Kyari Continued.”
In his goodwill message, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his Special Adviser on Budget, Oyeleke Adegbola, commended CRIN for its outstanding work, urging the institute to expand its presence across local governments in the state.
“We want CRIN to engage with our local government chairmen and encourage farmers to boost food production and improve livelihoods,” Adegbola said.
In his welcome address, Patrick Adebola, Executive Director of CRIN, reiterated the institute’s mission to harness science and technology to enhance productivity, improve crop quality, and promote value addition for the five crops under its mandate.
Adebola also highlighted the success of the Cocoa Transformation Agenda, where CRIN distributed over 1.5 million hybrid cocoa pods to farmers between 2012 and 2015.
He pointed out challenges such as the lack of cocoa-specific fertilizers, noting that many cocoa farmers still face issues with improper fertilizer usage, which leads to nutrient imbalances and poor crop yields.
In his lecture on “Tree Crops Research for Development: Key to Nigeria’s Economic Diversification and Sustainability,” Odunayo Adebooye, Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, emphasized the economic potential of tree crops.
He said, “Tree crops, particularly cocoa, oil palm, and cashew nuts, are high-value commodities with growing global demand.
However, Nigeria’s cocoa production has lagged due to outdated farming practices, poor-quality seedlings, pests, and limited access to markets.”
The anniversary celebration also underscored the importance of advancing research and technology in agriculture to drive Nigeria’s economic diversification and sustainable growth.
