Durable Crops Research Department

Durable Crops Research Department (DCRD) is a department in the Institute with the main responsibility of conducting basic and applied research in Postharvest handling and storage of durable agricultural produce and products. Durable agricultural commodities include crops that are harvested dried on the field (cereals and pulses; Oil seeds and beverage crops) and those harvested fresh and later dried into products that can be stored for an extended period (dried products from root and tuber crops).

In addition, DCRD is charged with the responsibility of formulation and development of non-chemical protectant from naturally occurring materials into products such as plant-based-pesticides and inert dust amongst others. In line with the responsibility charged the department, reduced-risk grain protectant have been developed and registered as NSPRIDUST® (NAFDAC No: A10-100337L). Furthermore, bio-pesticide that can be used as a fumigant and contact insecticides are being evaluated for effectiveness against stored products pests.

Research Programme under Durable Crops Research Department

For effective functioning of the department, DCRD is structured into programme based on crop type and research focus: i. Cereals and Pulses, ii. Oilseed and, iii. Beverage Crop and Food Quality and Standard.

1. Cereals and Pulses Programme: The programme is responsible for conducting research into postharvest handling and storage of all non-oil crops regarded as grains and demonstrate appropriate application procedure for the technologies developed to mitigate losses. The programme is expected to come up with techniques/ technologies for effective postharvest management of the activities of stored product pests (insects, spoilage micro-organisms, rodents etc).
   
   
2. Oilseed and Beverage Crops Programme: The programme is responsible for conducting research into postharvest handling and storage of all oilseed crops (soybean, melon, groundnuts etc.) and beverage crops (cocoa, kolanut etc). Research activities under this programme is focused on developing technologies that can adequately control activities of storage pests to reduce losses in these crops and maintain quality.
   
   
3. Research into Bio-insecticides formulation, Nigerian-derived diatomaceous earth (DE) and residue analyses
   
   
4. Food Quality and Standard Programme: The programme has the goal for the development of food quality standards for regulation and control with the view to improving the quality of food commodities after harvest to promote local markets and enhance access into the international markets.
   
   

Activities of Durable Crops Research Department

1. Conduct research into improvement and maintenance of the quality of durable crops including cereal, pulses, oilseeds and other dried products from farm to commercial level as well as export.
   
   
2. Research into improvement and maintenance of the quality of produce from tree crops including cocoa, kola, palm produce, coffee, cashew and shea nut.