The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) is a national research institute located in Ibadan, Nigeria. It is one of the largest and most important agricultural research institutes in the country, and its mandate is to conduct research on arable crops and other agricultural commodities, and to train agricultural scientists.
IAR&T was established in 1922 as the Department of Agriculture, and it was later renamed the Institute of Agricultural Research in 1964. In 2004, the institute was merged with the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) to form IAR&T.
IAR&T has a wide range of research programs, including:
* Crop improvement: IAR&T scientists are working to improve the yields, quality, and resistance to pests and diseases of a variety of crops, including maize, rice, wheat, soybeans, and cowpeas.
* Soil management: IAR&T scientists are studying the best ways to manage soils to improve crop yields and protect the environment.
* Water management: IAR&T scientists are researching the best ways to use water for irrigation and other agricultural purposes.
* Pest management: IAR&T scientists are developing new and improved methods to control pests and diseases that damage crops.
* Agricultural economics: IAR&T scientists are studying the economic aspects of agriculture, such as the cost of production, marketing, and trade.
IAR&T also has a strong training program, and it offers a variety of courses for agricultural scientists, farmers, and other agricultural stakeholders. The institute has a well-equipped library and laboratory facilities, and it also has a number of research stations across the country.
IAR&T is a key player in the agricultural sector in Nigeria, and its research has helped to improve crop yields and food production in the country. The institute is also committed to training the next generation of agricultural scientists, and it is playing an important role in ensuring the future of agriculture in Nigeria.