Innovation & R&D
Advancing banana flour processing and the banana value chain through world-class banana research, matooke research, product innovation, technology transfer, and farmer empowerment.
R&D Focus Areas
Banana Flour Processing & Food Science
Developing new techniques for banana processing — preserving resistant starch and nutritional value while extending shelf life of banana flour and banana powder products.
Quality Assurance Testing
Rigorous laboratory protocols ensuring every product meets international safety and nutritional standards.
Banana Product Innovation
Continuously developing new banana-derived products — from green banana flour and banana powder to banana fiber and fibre paper, expanding the Tooke range.
Agronomic Research
Studying optimal cultivation practices for improved banana yields and disease resistance.
Circular Economy
Zero-waste banana processing turning banana stems and leaves into banana fiber 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 for banana flour quality testing and resistant starch analysis. Our products are certified by UNBS, ISO and Halaal, ensuring our banana powder and green banana flour products meet the most stringent international standards.
BIRDC also offers R&D consultancy services to food manufacturers seeking to develop banana flour, banana powder, or plantain flour 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.
From Better Farming to New Products
BIRDC is continuously investing in banana research and matooke research that spans the entire banana value chain. Our agronomists work closely with farming communities to trial improved matooke cultivars, develop disease-resistant varieties, and refine sustainable farming methods that boost yields while protecting Uganda's soils.
That same research feeds directly into our product pipeline. Every improvement in crop quality opens the door to new banana-based products — from fortified flours and instant porridges to innovative snacks and sustainable packaging materials. Explore our full range of Tooke products born from this work, or see the community impact across Uganda.
Partner With Us
BIRDC Resource Centre
Access our comprehensive library of banana research publications, matooke research papers, banana flour processing studies, resistant starch analysis, and agronomic guides through our KOHA-powered online catalogue. The resource centre supports banana researchers, industry professionals, students, and agricultural practitioners across East Africa.