Explore BNARI’s pioneering research in biotechnology and nuclear agriculture, addressing critical challenges in food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Our work delivers practical, science-driven solutions that support farmers, industry, policymakers, and communities.
Insect Pest and Vector Management
We develop integrated strategies to manage insect pests and disease vectors affecting agriculture and public health. Our work includes fruit fly and mosquito control using sterile insect technique (SIT), protein baits, and integrated management approaches, as well as fall armyworm control through chemical and biological methods. We also investigate veterinary diseases such as parvovirus, canine brucellosis, and ehrlichiosis, and promote Black Soldier Fly (BSF) for sustainable animal feed and organic fertiliser production.
Food Science, Safety, and Processing
We apply innovative approaches to enhance food quality, safety, and value addition. Our methods include radiation processing for preservation and shelf-life extension, analysis of food composition and nutritional properties, and ensuring safety through contaminant detection and standards compliance. We assess sensory attributes to support consumer acceptance, provide training in food processing, such as tomato and yoghurt production, and develop post-harvest technologies to reduce losses and improve storage and handling.
Soil, Water, and Environmental Management
Bnari develops strategies to improve soil health, water management, and environmental sustainability. Our research covers nutrient cycling and soil fertility using organic amendments and precision agriculture, erosion control and efficient irrigation practices, and monitoring contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. We study soil carbon dynamics and climate change mitigation, including carbon sequestration and biochar applications, while advancing digital soil mapping, land use assessment, and soil–plant–water interactions to support ecosystem services and water quality management.
Plant Biotechnology and Crop Improvement
We enhance crop productivity and diversity through advanced biotechnology and breeding approaches, including large-scale tissue culture and micropropagation of clean planting materials for crops like cassava, yam, banana, pineapple, and sugarcane, as well as mutation breeding to improve crop traits. We support medicinal plant conservation, apply molecular tools such as marker-assisted selection and clonal fidelity testing, and maintain clean seed systems and germplasm collections. The Institute also builds capacity through training in biotechnology and tissue culture techniques.
Plant Pathology and Molecular Breeding
We strengthen crop resilience through advanced plant disease management and molecular breeding. It includes early disease detection, pathogen identification, and diversity analysis, as well as the use of molecular breeding and gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 to develop climate-resilient crops such as rice, yam, soybean, and tomato. We also integrate molecular diagnostics into breeding programs to accelerate crop improvement.
Livestock Production, Health and Value Addition
We enhance livestock productivity, health, and profitability through integrated production and value-added strategies. Our approach includes pig housing, breeding, health management, and waste management, as well as processing pork into high-value products such as sausages and smoked meats. We innovate in animal nutrition by using alternative feeds such as palm kernel cake and phytase supplementation, and also promote sustainable practices, including composting and biogas production, strengthen biosecurity through disease prevention and vaccination research, and implement climate-smart strategies to build resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Agro-Enterprise Development and Capacity Building
We empower farmers, youth, and agribusiness stakeholders through training in modern crop and livestock production, record-keeping, and using digital data collection tools such as Kobo Toolbox. We also focus on agribusiness and value chain development to strengthen market opportunities and improve livelihoods.