The Kenaf and Jute Improvement Programme undertakes research focused on the genetic enhancement and variety development of kenaf and jute, alongside the advancement of sustainable, demand-driven production, protection, and processing technologies. These efforts are designed to support farmers and industrial stakeholders while contributing to national economic growth and development.

Kenaf is an industrially significant fibre crop with diverse applications and extensive utilization potential. It has been recognized as a strategic crop capable of repositioning Nigeria’s economy. Both its bast and core fibres have been identified as valuable raw materials for use in the paper, construction, automobile, pharmaceutical, food, and feed industries.

The programme is supported by highly seasoned and experienced scientists from various disciplines, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to research and development.

Kenaf and Jute Improvement Programme has the national mandate to conduct research into genetic improvement, generation and development of sustainable demand driven production, protection and processing technologies of kenaf and jute for farmers’ and industrial use for enhanced economic growth.

Research Focus

Identification of suitable and adaptable high yielding kenaf and jute varieties for agro-ecological zones in Nigeria.

Exploration of kenaf and jute improvement varieties as fibre source for industries.

Development of production technologies on kenaf and jute for small, medium and large-scale industrial uses in Nigeria

Development of cottage level industrial processing and utilization of kenaf and jute produce/products.

Back-stopping relevant organizations and establishment of linkages for exchange of information and genetic resources of kenaf and jute.

Current Activities

On-farm investigation of desirable agronomic traits in some kenaf accessions screened and selected.

Effect of mutation using varying doses of gamma irradiation on morphological traits in M1 generation of seeds of kenaf varieties.

Development and evaluation of green tea from improved kenaf leaves.

Production, evaluation, sensitization and popularisation of kenaf fibre for POP production.

Field evaluation and morphological characterisation of jute accessions for growth and yield performance.

Development of roselle and sunflower technologies for enhanced nutrition and income generation

External Grants

Tetfund IBR Research Grant on the Development of a Self-Propelled Kenaf
Harvester for Small Scale Farmers, 2024. (N 4,737,880.00)

Tetfund IBR Research Grant on “Accessing Interaction between Plant-parasitic Nematodes and Soil Microbes in Kenaf Cropping Systems, 2024. · (N 3,640,000.00)

Tetfund NRF Research Grant on the Development of POP Ceiling board Made from Kenaf as an alternative to Imported Fibre in the Building Industry, 2024. (N 20,000,000.00)

Our Collaborators

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB)

National Institute of Horticultural Research and Training (NIHORT)

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD)

Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN)

State Agricultural Development Programme (ADPs)

Past Achievements

Development and Release of new kenaf variety in 2022 (ARTKEN 211)

A high yielding variety of kenaf was developed and released by scientist in the program. The variety has the following feature:

1. High fibre yield and high fibre quality

2. Unique stem colour (Purple)