Research & Innovation
Advancing the banana value chain through world-class food science, technology transfer, and farmer empowerment.
R&D Focus Areas
Food Science & Processing
Developing new techniques for preserving nutritional value while extending shelf life of banana-based products.
Quality Assurance Testing
Rigorous laboratory protocols ensuring every product meets international safety and nutritional standards.
Product Innovation
Continuously developing new banana-derived products from flour to fibre, expanding the Tooke range.
Agronomic Research
Studying optimal cultivation practices for improved banana yields and disease resistance.
Circular Economy
Zero-waste processing turning banana stems and leaves into fibre paper and sustainable materials.
Technology Transfer
Bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and on-farm application through extension services.
International Quality Standards
Our state-of-the-art laboratory at the Bushenyi facility is equipped with modern analytical instruments. We work with testing partners in Germany and France to ensure our products meet the most stringent international standards.
BIRDC also offers R&D consultancy services to food manufacturers seeking to develop banana-based products or improve existing formulations.
Research PartnershipsFarmer Extension Programme
At our 24-acre Nyaruzinga facility in Bushenyi, we provide hands-on training for smallholder farmers. Our extension officers transfer modern agronomic technologies that dramatically improve banana yields and promote sustainable farming practices.
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
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.
BIRDC Resource Centre
Access our comprehensive library of banana research publications, technical reports, and agronomic guides through our KOHA-powered online catalogue.
Visit Resource Centre