The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art irrigation system and modern research farm equipment at its headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State. The upgrade is aimed at enhancing the institute’s capacity to develop and deliver improved crop varieties more efficiently.

Funded by the Crops to End Hunger (CtEH) initiative, the new facilities include GPS-equipped tractors, planters, combine harvesters, manure spreaders, and a comprehensive irrigation infrastructure designed to enable year-round agricultural research.

Speaking at the inauguration, IITA Director-General, Dr. Simeon Ehui, emphasized that the modernization of farm facilities will “strengthen our ability to conduct advanced breeding trials and accelerate the delivery of resilient, high-yielding crop varieties to farmers.”

The mechanization and irrigation upgrades are expected to reduce manual labor, shorten research cycles, and increase the throughput of breeding programs, ensuring that improved seeds reach farmers faster. This initiative aligns with IITA’s mission to promote food security and climate-resilient agriculture across Nigeria and the wider African region.

Agricultural experts note that the upgraded facilities will allow IITA to sustain research even during off-seasons, respond effectively to climate variability, and support the development of crop varieties suited for diverse environmental conditions.

With over 200 improved crop varieties already released in 2025, the institute continues to play a crucial role in providing smallholder farmers with access to better-yielding and more resilient seeds, contributing to stable food supply and enhanced agricultural productivity. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.