BIOTECHNOLOGY & GENETIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

Biotechnology provides modern tools for improving agricultural productivity for millions of resource-poor farmers, consumers, and the entire agricultural product value chains. Biotechnology research and utilization of genetic resources offer innovative ways of providing solutions to some of the most crucial agricultural challenges that would result in the development of improved crops, foods, livestock, and vaccines/drugs, increased efficiency, better returns, and improved environment among others. 

The Biotechnology and Genetic Resource Management thematic area of research contributes to the attainment of the overall institutional purpose through the attainment of its purpose of generating and promoting biotechnology and genetic resource management knowledge, information, and technologies that respond to clients ‘demands and opportunities. 

This purpose is delivered through the attainment of the following five results: 

• Technologies and innovations for demand-driven biotechnology and genetic resource product value chains generated and promoted; 

  • Markets and marketing strategies for biotechnology and genetic resource product value chains developed and promoted; 

  • Policy options for enhancing demand-driven biotechnology and genetic resource product value chains facilitated and advocated; 

  • Capacity for implementing integrated biotechnology and genetic resource product value chains research strengthened; 

  • Availability of knowledge, information, and technologies on biotechnology and genetic resource product value chains research enhanced. 

• The Biotechnology and Laboratory Services Department is a pivotal department within the Research's Agricultural landscape, devoted to the precision multiplication of crops and the supply of disease-resistant planting materials. 

• The Biotechnology Unit significantly enhances agriculture by employing strategies that address crop resilience, sustainability, food safety, and overall production.

• Nestled within this department, the Genetic Resource Unit plays a central role in the systematic examination and conservation of seeds. It assumes the critical responsibility of safeguarding and maintaining the quality of seeds, ensuring their extended preservation until they are distributed to end users /farmers. This meticulous process not only forms the bedrock of agricultural sustainability but also fortifies the robustness and efficacy of our agricultural activities, thereby improving the productivity of our farming.