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The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, turned 50 on Monday, April 1, 2019, and the institution is putting up a number of activities to celebrate the milestone.
At a press conference on Monday, the Exexutive Director of the institution, Professor James Adediran stated that the organisation has lived up to its expectations in agricultural research.
According to Adediran, IAR&T has recorded great achievements in the areas of soil, crop and livestock research, improved farming systems among others.
His words: “We then ask ourselves, have we done enough to showcase thus reasons for our establishment? And even celebrate at 50? I can confidently say yes, in that our breakthroughs in agricultural research are based on the level of resources available for our use. I am convinced that despite the above challenges, IAR&T has lived up to expectation as a centre of excellence in agricultural research.
“The environment in which the research is carried out has made the institution stronger ams resilient to forge ahead looking forward to a vibrant future with greater achievements. The institute turns 50 years (the golden age) today, April 1st 2019. Looking back to memory lane, the institute has experienced various stages of growth and gone through different sets of reforms and transformation that require proper attention for celebration.
“The institute has developed some proven technologies that have benefited millions of farm families in Nigeria targeting resource poor farmers growing a wide range of agricultural commodities. The landmark achievements attainted by the institute are noteworthy. Some of them ate the following.
“Soil research: Production of soil and nutrient maps for farmer’s use. Provision of guidelines for soil management techniques; development of fortified organic fertilizer and enriched composts through partiality aerated technique and within a highly reduced period of preparation.
“Crop research. Over 70 new varieties of maize, cowpea, soyabean and kenaf have been developed for high yielding and quality; improved cultural and processing techniques have been developed for our mandate crops including value addition.
“Livestock research. Provision of improved formtulated feeds ams housing for macro and micro livestock production. Improved animal reproduction through Artificial Insemination technique.
“Improved farming systems techniques developed; REFILS coordination facilitated; numerous new and improved technologies promoted and disseminated. Over 1,200 trainings have been conducted for farmers and trainees while new technologies have been disseminated to millions of farm families through electronic and print media.
“Low cost efficient sprinkler and self-propelled single row weeder fabricated”.