KENAF AND JUTE IMPROVEMENT

Research Objectives

Research Focus

Current Activities

Institution Collaboration

External Grants

Past Achievements

Future Plans

Services Rendered

Kenaf is a fibre crop of industrial importance. Its uses extends to production of biodegradable produce (jute) bag and other bags from bast fibre, POP ceiling, hand bags, shoes and other handicrafts. The core fibre is used in bioremediation of oil-polluted soil. The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, has the national mandate to conduct research into the Kenaf and Jute genetic improvement, adaptation to different agro-ecological zones, improved production and processing techniques and utilization for industrial growth and economic development. Research activities in the Kenaf and Jute Improvement Programme (K&JIP) have focused extensively on the development of varieties that are high yielding and resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. The Programme also focus on the application of biotechnology in the development of cost effective and environment friendly processing and utilization techniques. These activities are basically targeted at contributing the country’s quest of sustainable economic growth through diversification of the economy through agriculture and import substitution by promoting domestic production of produce bag not only to limit import but also explore opportunities in regional markets through export of biodegradable produce bags from kenaf fibre.