SOME ACHIEVEMENTS IN FARMING SYSTEM & EXTENSION

i. Suitable cropping system of CRIN mandate crops in combination with arable crops such as yam, cassava, cocoyam, maize, okra, cowpea and melon in different combinations has resulted in weed suppression.

ii. Cocoa has been intercropped with other CRIN mandate crops (except tea), in appropriate poly cultures which has resulted in low incidence of pests and diseases and maintenance of high soil fertility.

iii. Evolution of appropriate field management practices had resulted in the production of effective and suitable cropping system in cocoa, cashew and coffee.

iv. On-farm adaptive research on the intercropping of cashew with cassava, maize and melon has been carried out with some state Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs).

v. Appropriate research personnel of the Institute participated in the Monthly Technological Review Meetings (MTRMs) organised by the State ADPs all over the country to train the trainers on the various technologies that have been perfected on the mandate crops of the Institute.

vi. On invitation, many visits had been paid to farmers' farms all over the country to solve their problems.

vii. Many students from various secondary schools and tertiary institutions all over the country on excursions to the Institute and on industrial training were regularly received and properly educated on the Institute's research activities and findings.

All the aforestated achievements provide foundation for increased agricultural and industrial production if they are taken up by entrepreneurs in agriculture and manufacturing sector leading to increased employment, arrest of rural-urban drift of manpower, increased availability of agro-industrial raw materials, elimination of poverty, increased foreign exchange earnings and enhancement of prosperity among all Nigerians.