The Bioresources Development Centre (BIODEC), Odi, under the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), has announced a series of innovative bioresource projects to boost food security, create jobs, and promote sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
Located in Bayelsa State, the Centre is one of the 39 Bioresources Development Centres established nationwide by NBRDA to advance biotechnology research and bio-entrepreneurship.
Under the leadership of Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA, BIODEC Odi has become a hub for scientific innovation, agribusiness incubation, and youth empowerment in the region.
The Centre’s Coordinator, Dr Timi Wood, said the Centre has launched a Lowland Rice Project to evaluate the performance of improved rice varieties adapted to Bayelsa’s flood-prone ecosystem.
“The initiative includes seed multiplication, demonstration farms, and training for farmers and youths on best agronomic practices such as land preparation, seed treatment, nutrient management, and pest control,” Dr Wood said.
By linking farmers to local rice milling and processing markets, the project is expected to increase rice yields, create jobs, and reduce dependence on imported rice, supporting Nigeria’s broader food security agenda.
In addition, the Centre has initiated several agricultural programmes, including distributing free cassava stems to farmers and entrepreneurs to boost industrial cassava production and improve rural livelihoods.
To strengthen aquaculture, the Centre has also made fingerlings available for sale to fish farmers and introduced Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggot production.
This sustainable and protein-rich feed alternative cuts production costs while promoting eco-friendly aquaculture.
Beyond research, BIODEC Odi is nurturing the next generation of bio-entrepreneurs through its Bio-Entrepreneurship Training Services (BETS), which offers hands-on aquaculture, cassava processing, and animal breeding training.
The programme targets youths, women, and rural entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, start-up linkages, and post-training support to help participants establish profitable, science-based ventures.
