The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has inaugurated new irrigation systems and research farm equipment at its headquarters in Ibadan, accelerating the development and delivery of improved crop varieties on a larger scale.
The project, funded by the Crops to End Hunger (CtEH) initiative, was officially launched on Thursday, marking a significant upgrade in IITA’s capacity to serve Nigerian farmers and the wider African continent.
IITA Director-General, Dr Simeon Ehui, said the new infrastructure will enhance farm research, enabling more efficient breeding trials, year-round operations, and better adaptation to climate variability.
“In practical terms, we will be able to develop and deliver improved varieties to farmers faster and at greater scale,” Ehui said.
“This is not just about new equipment; it is about building a more resilient, productive, and sustainable system for Africa. These facilities will serve as platforms for innovation, training, and partnerships with national resource systems and other stakeholders.”
The inauguration included GPS-enabled tractors, planters, manure spreaders, and combine harvesters, alongside the irrigation systems.
These mechanised tools are expected to reduce manual labour and improve operational efficiency significantly.
Dr Roel Merckx, Chairman of the IITA Board of Trustees, highlighted that mechanisation has long been a challenge in Africa.
He said the new irrigation facilities will ease water access issues and allow researchers to focus on breeding additional crop varieties.
IITA’s Head of Farm Management and Breeding Operations, Mr Alick Mulenga, explained that mechanisation will enable faster, more reliable planting, weeding, and harvesting.
Previously, operations were manual and inefficient, limiting the institute’s ability to cultivate multiple crops per season.
“Having this equipment will allow us to execute operations quicker, more efficiently, and reliably,” Mulenga said.
He added that the infrastructure will benefit breeders, the general public, and smallholder farmers across Nigeria and the African continent.
Mr Richard Ofei, IITA Project Management Officer for Root, Tuber, and Banana, noted that the new facilities would reduce human input and enhance profitability, creating a more sustainable and productive farming system.
The Director-General commended IITA staff for their dedication and expressed gratitude to the German Government and other partners for making the project possible, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and supporting African farmers.
Source: NAN
