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Achievements As an emerging programme, the following are the achievements of the programme in the last one decade of which only the last six years have witnessed active research due to fund and logistic constraints. ü Exploration and Collection of local germplasm of minor root and tuber crops in Nigeria; and acquisition of some sugar beet accessions from USA and Germany resulting in collection of over 29 accessions of Sugar Beet, 74 accessions of turmeric, 19 accessions of Hausa potato, 13 accessions of Livingstone potato and 19 accessions of Polynesian arrowroot. ü Building of information data base on endangered root and tuber crops through indigenous knowledge from the local farmers on production, processing, marketing, and utilization to assist in the development of technological interventions. ü Mapping of the production areas of minor root crops in Nigeria. ü Identification of 10 potential turmeric varieties for release to farmers. ü Domestication of Polynesian arrowroot through true seed technique. ü Development of cost effective, environmental friendly and socio-culturally acceptable agronomic packages for improved crop production across the main agro-ecological zones. ü Assessment of the various endangered root crops for their biochemical and food values for the development of value added products. Future Research Thrusts The following shall constitute the research thrust of the programme in the years ahead: · Varietal development for good quality produce and products through germplasm collection, characterization, conservation through conventional and improve breeding techniques. · Modification and development of cost effective and socio-culturally acceptable agronomic interventions to boost production. · Development of seed the supply system and marketing structure. · Further studies on post harvest storage, processing and value chain development. · Promotion of the crops through effective policy advocacy on the part of the government, private enterprises and NGOs. Collaborators IITA, Ibadan, USDA, Plant Genetic Resources Center (IPK), Germany. The programme solicits for more collaboration from national and international organizations with research focus in the promotion of underutilized species with emphasis on root and tuber crops. For further details contact: The Executive Director, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike Email: nrcriumudike@nrcri.org Office: +234 (0) 8062890630 or The Coordinator, Minor Root Crops Research Programme National Root Crops Research Programme PMB 7006, Umuahia. Abia State, Nigeria 440001. Email: a.olojede@nrcri.org; yemiolojede@yahoo.com Tel: +234 (0) 806 4227803; (0)805 2801741 STAFF LIST & AREA OF SPECIALIZATION
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