Institute for Agricultural Research,
Ahmadu Bello University,
P.M.B 1044
Zaria.
The
Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) continues to expand its global
footprint as our Executive Director, Prof. Ado Yusuf, proudly represented the
Institute at the 2015 China–Africa Innovation Cooperation and Development
Forum, held from 17th to 21st November 2025. His participation marked a
significant milestone in IAR’s quest for international collaboration,
technology transfer, and agricultural innovation.
During
the high-profile forum, Prof. Yusuf participated in key presentations and a
grand ceremony where several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed.
These agreements focused on collaborative research and development in hybrid
rice, sesame, maize, and sorghum—crops that remain central to food security and
livelihoods across Nigeria and the African continent. The MoUs signal a new era
of strengthened partnerships aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity
through advanced breeding and innovative technologies.
Prof.
Yusuf also embarked on strategic visits to leading agricultural institutions
and companies across China. At China Farm (Wuhan) Good-Seed Technology Co.,
Ltd, he engaged with specialists in hybrid seed development, exploring avenues
for joint breeding programmes. His engagements with institutions under the
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) opened dialogue with
world-class researchers committed to pushing the boundaries of agricultural
science. A visit to the Wuhan National Agricultural Innovation Center provided
insights into state-of-the-art innovation systems, while discussions held at
Hubei University laid the groundwork for future academic collaborations,
including staff and student exchanges in agricultural sciences. At the Hubei
Innovation and Technology Center, Prof. Yusuf explored models for technology
transfer and commercialisation—an area key to achieving national agricultural
transformation.
One
of the most tangible outcomes of this mission was the acquisition of a valuable
collection of 38 seed varieties spanning vegetables and cereals. This germplasm
collection includes pepper, eggplant, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, gourd,
zucchini, cucumber, pumpkin, carrot, tomato, as well as sorghum and maize.
These seeds will undergo preliminary testing and adaptation at IAR, opening new
possibilities for crop improvement, resilience breeding, and future varietal
development efforts.
Prof.
Yusuf’s participation at the forum has not only elevated the international
profile of IAR but has also created strong foundations for sustainable,
long-term collaborations that will directly benefit Nigerian agriculture. With
these new partnerships and resources, IAR is better positioned than ever to
deliver innovative solutions that support farmers, boost productivity, and
strengthen food security.
#IARZaria #ChinaAfricaForum
#AgriculturalInnovation
#GlobalPartnerships
#SeedTechnology #CropImprovement
#FoodSecurity #ABUZaria #ResearchForDevelopment
#Sorghum #Maize #VegetableBreeding
Share This News