With the re-organization of the National Agricultural Research Institutes in 1987, IAR was mandated to conduct research into:
a: genetic improvement of cowpea, cotton, groundnut, maize, sorghum, castor and sunflower.
b. problems of production of all agricultural food crops grown in the north-west agricultural zone covering Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
Particular problems to be addressed include:
i) crops agronomy including cultivation, planting and harvesting methods.
ii) adaptation of introduced and improved cultivars
iii) development and testing of pests and disease control measures
iv) farming systems including integration of livestock, tree crops and agroforestry into production systems.
v) socio-economic problems of agricultural production
vi) soil management including problems of soil structure, soil fertility and soil stabilization.
vii) irrigated crops production
viii) simple preservation, storage and processing in the rural settings
ix) design and fabrication of simple agricultural implements and
equipment
The Institute shall also:
c) carry out agricultural extension research liaison with relevant Federal and State Ministries, primary agricultural producers, industries and any other users of research results.
d) organize technical and vocational courses in agricultural crop production and related fields.
e) provide laboratory and other technical services to farmers, agro-based industries and others in need of these services.
f) collaborate with other relevant Research Institutes and organizations in carrying out its mandate.
g) the staff shall partake teaching and students supervision in the Faculty of Agriculture at all levels