Banana flour processing & food science
Developing and testing banana processing techniques for flour, powder, bakery, and institutional food uses.
Research, processing, and training
Banana Research and Processing
BIRDC works on banana flour processing, food science, quality assurance, agronomic research, farmer extension, and practical product development.
Technical focus areas
R&D focus areas
Quality assurance testing
Laboratory protocols and product checks for Tooke flour, powder, bakery, and snack products.
Banana product development
New banana-derived products, including green banana flour, banana fibre, and fibre paper.
Agronomic research
Studying optimal cultivation practices for improved banana yields and disease resistance.
Circular economy
Using banana stems, leaves, and processing by-products for additional materials and value chains.
Technology transfer
Moving practical knowledge from laboratory and factory work into farmer training and partner support.
Quality documentation Research partnerships
Quality assurance for Tooke products
BIRDC references laboratory work for banana flour quality testing and resistant starch analysis. The organisation also references UNBS, ISO, and Halaal approvals for Tooke products.
Buyers, distributors, and institutional procurement teams should request current certificates, product specifications, and batch documentation before placing formal orders.
Nyaruzinga Training Centre
Farmer extension programme
At the 24-acre Nyaruzinga facility in Bushenyi, BIRDC provides hands-on training for smallholder farmers. Extension work covers practical agronomy, pest and disease management, post-harvest handling, value addition, and market readiness.
Training programme includes
- Modern banana cultivation techniques
- Pest and disease management
- Post-harvest handling and storage
- Value addition at the farm level
- Access to BIRDC as a guaranteed buyer
Our impact
BIRDC in action
Tooke at the Uganda-Kenya Conference
TOOKE products impress at the Uganda-Kenya Tourism Conference in Malindi, Mombasa.
Gayaza student experience
Students at Gayaza share their experience with TOOKE products and banana value addition.
Research pipeline
From better farming to new products
BIRDC invests in banana and matooke research that spans the entire banana value chain. Agronomists work with farming communities to trial improved matooke cultivars, develop disease-resistant varieties, and refine sustainable farming methods that raise yields while protecting Uganda's soils.
That research feeds into product development. Improvements in crop quality can support banana-based products such as flours, instant porridges, snacks, and fibre materials. Explore the Tooke product range or review the farmer and market impact work.
Discuss collaboration
BIRDC Resource Centre
Access the library of banana research publications, matooke research papers, banana flour processing studies, resistant starch analysis, and agronomic guides through the KOHA-powered online catalogue. The resource centre supports researchers, industry professionals, students, and agricultural practitioners across East Africa.