Welcome to NIHORT – Nigeria’s Premier Horticultural Research Institute

The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), located in Ibadan, is Nigeria’s leading institution for horticultural research. Established in 1975 with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), NIHORT was originally created as a research and demonstration center focused on fruits and vegetables.

In June 1976, the institute was elevated to the status of a national research institution, further solidifying its role in advancing horticultural science in Nigeria. NIHORT’s headquarters is situated on a sprawling 350-hectare site in the Jericho Reservation Area, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, within the rainforest agro-ecological zone of southwestern Nigeria. To broaden its national impact, the institute operates two substations—one in Mbato-Okigwe, Imo State, in southeastern Nigeria, and another in Bagauda, Kano State, in the north.

NIHORT continues to lead research and innovation in horticulture, playing a vital role in the development of sustainable agricultural practices and the improvement of Nigeria’s fruit and vegetable production systems.

Brief History of NIHORT

The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Nigeria’s foremost institution for horticultural research, was established in 1975 with the primary aim of enhancing the country’s horticultural production. This initiative was backed by the collaboration of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which recognized the importance of developing a dedicated research center for fruits and vegetables to improve food security and support the agricultural sector.

Originally, NIHORT began as a research and demonstration center focused on horticultural crops, particularly fruits and vegetables. Its early mandate was to develop and improve the production techniques for these crops, ensuring that Nigerian farmers could increase yield and quality to meet both domestic and international demand. The institute served as a center for innovation, research, and the dissemination of advanced agricultural techniques to farmers across the country.

In June 1976, just one year after its establishment, NIHORT was elevated to the status of a national institute, reflecting the growing importance of its work. This upgrade was a significant milestone that allowed the institute to broaden its scope, increase its research capacity, and better serve the horticultural needs of Nigeria. It marked the beginning of NIHORT’s transformation into a key player in the national agricultural research system.

The institute’s headquarters is located in Ibadan, in the heart of southwestern Nigeria, within the Jericho Reservation Area, Idi-Ishin. This location, situated in the rainforest agro-ecological zone, provides a fertile environment for the research and cultivation of a wide range of horticultural crops. Spanning over 350 hectares of land, the Ibadan headquarters serves as the central hub for the institute’s research activities, field trials, and training programs for both researchers and farmers.

Recognizing the need for a broader national reach, NIHORT established two substations to extend its research capabilities and outreach. The first substation is located in Mbato-Okigwe, Imo State, in the southeastern region of Nigeria, an area with its own unique climatic and soil conditions suitable for various horticultural crops. The second substation is situated in Bagauda, Kano State, in northern Nigeria, allowing NIHORT to address the specific agricultural needs of this region and support farmers in arid and semi-arid environments.

Over the years, NIHORT has made significant contributions to the improvement of horticultural production in Nigeria. It has focused on developing and promoting improved varieties of fruits and vegetables, efficient farming techniques, and innovative post-harvest technologies. The institute also conducts extensive research on plant diseases, pest control, and soil management, all of which are crucial for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of horticultural farming in Nigeria.

Through its research programs and collaborations with national and international organizations, NIHORT has played a key role in improving Nigeria’s horticultural industry. The institute continues to be a vital resource for developing sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to food security, and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the country. Its work remains central to advancing the horticultural sector, ensuring that Nigeria remains a major player in the global agricultural market.

Our Vision

To develop horticultural produce and products for local and export markets with attendant health, industrial raw materials and employment generation benefits.

Our Mission

To develop sustainable production and utilization of horticultural crops in order to achieve excellence in fruits, vegetables, spices, ornamentals as well as aromatic plant research in Nigeria.

Our Mandate

The institute has the mandate to conduct research into genetic improvement, production, processing, storage, utilization and marketing of tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and ornamentals plants of both nutritional and economic importance.

Objectives of the Institute

  • To determine the most suitable environmental conditions in different ecological areas for the commercial production of various fruits, vegetables, spices and ornamental plants.
  • To collect and conserve available genetic resources of horticultural plants for improvement.
  • To select and breed the desired varieties of the best tropical horticultural plants vegetables for commercial production
  • To develop improved agro-techniques for horticultural crop production through investigations into such area as crop management, nutrition, irrigation, integrated crop management, weed control and mechanization.
  • To add value through processing and preservation of fruits, ornamental and vegetables, so as to curb wastage and sustain production throughout the year.
  • To study the present systems of distribution, handling, packing, preservation and marketing of fruits, vegetables and spices with a view to make recommendations for improvement.
  • To undertake socio-economic studies of rural societies through adopted villages and research outreach centers.
    On farm adaptive research through comparative trials of farmers compared with improved varieties of horticultural crops.
  • To provide knowledge and skills to farm managers, research support staffs, farmers, extension personnel and others interested in fruits, vegetables, spices and ornamental plants production through training (formal and informal) and information dissemination.

Conclusion

The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) has played a pivotal role in the development and advancement of horticultural practices in Nigeria since its establishment in 1975. Through its research, innovation, and commitment to improving the production and quality of fruits and vegetables, NIHORT has significantly contributed to the country’s agricultural growth and food security.

With its strategic headquarters in Ibadan and substations in Mbato-Okigwe and Bagauda, the institute continues to serve as a center of excellence, addressing the diverse horticultural needs across Nigeria’s varied agro-ecological zones. NIHORT’s work in developing improved crop varieties, enhancing farming techniques, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices has greatly benefited farmers and strengthened the horticultural industry.

As Nigeria’s leading horticultural research institution, NIHORT remains dedicated to supporting the nation’s agricultural sector, driving innovation, and contributing to global horticultural knowledge. Its ongoing efforts are crucial to ensuring that Nigeria remains a competitive force in the global agricultural market while fostering sustainable and inclusive growth for farmers and communities nationwide.