The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Samaru was establish 1922 as the research division of the Department of Agriculture for the defunct Northern region of Nigeria. IAR was formally transferred by law to the later established Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) on October 14,1962.

With the Federation of the University in 1975,the IAR was affiliated in accordance with statue 14 of the of the University. IAR has been the bedrock of crop research and improvement in the savanna region of Nigeria.The re-organization of the National Agricultural Research Institution in 1987 mandated IAR to conduct research and provide service.

The re-organization of the National Agricultural Research Institution in 1987 mandated IAR to conduct research and provide service as follows:

Genetic improvement of Cowpea, Cotton, Groundnut, Maize, Sorghum, castor, jatropha and sunflower.

  1. Problems of production of all agricultural food crops growth in the north-west agro-ecological zone covering Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and particular problems to be addressed include:.
  2. Crops agronomy including improved agronomic practices and harvesting methods.
  3. Adaption of introduced and improved cultivars.
  4. Development and testing of pests and disease control systems.
  5. Formatting systems including integrating of livestock, Agro-climatology, tree crops and agroforestry into production systems.
  6. Socioeconomic problems of agricultural production.
  7. Soil management including problems of soil structure, fertility and stabilization/restoration of degraded lands.
  8. Simple preservation, storage and processing in the rural settings.
  9. Design development and fabrication of simple agricultural implements and equipment.
  10. The institute shall also carry out agriculture extension research liaison with relevant Federal and state Ministries, primary agricultural producers; industries and any other users of research results.
  11. The institute shall also organize technical and vocational courses in agricultural crop production and related field.
  12. The institute shall also Provide laboratory and other technical services to farmers, agro-based industries and others in need of these service.

Institute For Agricultural Research,
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria-Nigeria.