National research institutes have played a crucial role in increasing the application of science to the development of agriculture in many countries. These institutes are typically established by the government and are responsible for conducting research on various aspects of agriculture, including crop breeding, pest management, soil health, and post-harvest processing. Some of the key national research institutes in Nigeria include:

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1. National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI)
2. Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR)
3. Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T)
4. Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN)
5. Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR)
6. Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN)
7. Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRI)
8. National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI)
9. National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT)
10. Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI)

These institutes have made significant contributions to the development of agriculture in Nigeria by developing improved crop varieties, developing sustainable farming practices, and improving post-harvest processing techniques.

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International Research Institutes: Increasing the application of science to the advancement of agriculture has been made possible in large part by international research institutes. These institutions, which are in charge of doing research on many facets of agriculture, are often founded by international organizations like the United Nations or other donor agencies. The following are some of the major worldwide research institutions:

1. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
2. International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
3. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
4. West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA)

By creating superior crop types, enhancing soil health, creating sustainable farming methods, and creating better post-harvest processing processes, these institutes have significantly influenced the advancement of agriculture. Additionally, they offer training and technical support to farmers, researchers, and decision-makers in developing nations, which promotes the use of science to the advancement of agriculture.

History of some of the major national research institutes in Nigeria:

1. National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI): The National Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research and the Institute for Agricultural Research and Training, both founded in the 1970s, were combined to become the NCRI in 1993. The institute, which has its headquarters in Badeggi, Niger State, specializes in studying cereal crops like millet, sorghum, and maize.
2. Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR): The IAR was first known as the Samaru Research Station in Zaria when it was founded in 1922 by the British colonial authority. It is presently a part of Ahmadu Bello University and was renamed the Institute for Agricultural Research in the past. The institute is mostly focused on studying various crops, such as cowpea, groundnut, and soybean.
3. Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN): The CRIN is in charge of conducting research on cocoa production. It was founded in Ibadan, Oyo State, in 1964. The institute has significantly influenced the growth of Nigeria’s cocoa sector, including the creation of enhanced cocoa varieties.
4. Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR): The NIFOR was established in 1939 in Benin City, Edo State. The institute is responsible for research on oil palm production, including the development of improved oil palm varieties.
5. Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN): The FRIN was established in 1954 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The institute is responsible for research on forestry and wildlife management, including the development of improved tree varieties and sustainable forestry practices.
6. Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRI): The RRI was established in 1952 in Benin City, Edo State. The institute is responsible for research on rubber production, including the development of improved rubber varieties.
7. National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI): The NRCRI was established in 1976 in Umudike, Abia State. The institute is responsible for research on root crops such as cassava, yam, and sweet potato, including the development of improved varieties and sustainable farming practices.
8. National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT): The NIHORT was established in 1975 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The institute is responsible for research on horticultural crops such as fruits and vegetables, including the development of improved varieties and sustainable farming practices.
9. Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI): The LCRI was established in 1975 in Maiduguri, Borno State. The institute is responsible for research on crops and livestock in the Lake Chad Basin, including the development of improved varieties and sustainable farming practices.

These institutions have significantly enhanced post-harvest processing methods, improved crop varieties, and developed sustainable farming practices, all of which have benefited Nigerian agriculture.