President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia State, a Certificate of Patents for the production of three tea varieties derived from turmeric rhizomes and leaves.
The patent followed a recent technological breakthrough by the institute in the formulation and production of turmeric-based tea products. The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NRCRI, Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, confirmed the development to journalists in Umuahia on Monday.
He said the patent certificate was presented to the institute by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, in line with the provisions of the Patent and Designs Act, Cap 344, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.
Describing the approval as a landmark achievement, Egesi said the patent underscored NRCRI’s commitment to scientific innovation, agricultural value addition, commercialisation of indigenous crops and the expansion of Nigeria’s herbal wellness and nutraceutical industry.
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He explained that turmeric, widely known for its medicinal, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties, had been transformed into novel tea variants through the efforts of the institute’s research team, led by Dr. Rachel Majekodunmi Omodamiro.
According to him, the innovation holds promise for improved health outcomes, new enterprise opportunities and increased contribution to the national economy, while strengthening Nigeria’s drive to become a leader in bio-innovation, natural products research and high-value root and tuber crop utilisation.
Egesi congratulated the research team, noting that the federal government’s recognition of the breakthrough reflected the growing strength of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and the potential of indigenous crops to drive sustainable development.
The NRCRI is statutorily mandated to conduct research on the genetic improvement, production, processing, storage and utilisation of root and tuber crops, including yam, cassava, sweet potato, cocoyam, ginger, taro, sugar beet and rizga. The institute also undertakes national and international research collaborations, training programmes and agricultural extension services in partnership with relevant federal and state agencies across the Southeast agro-ecological zone.
