Experts Urge Students to Harness Technology and Innovation in Agriculture at FUNAAB FPY Orientation

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), through its Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), has emphasized the critical role of technology and innovation in transforming agriculture.

This was highlighted during the second day of the Farm Practical Year (FPY) Orientation Programme themed “Agriculture in the Modern World: Navigating the New Reality and Complexity.”

The Director of COBFAS, Prof. Kazeem Bello, welcomed participants and assured students that the programme was designed to be impactful, with seasoned industry experts carefully selected to share knowledge and practical experiences.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Chief (Mrs.) Oluyemisi Iranloye, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Psaltry International Limited, Mrs. Esther Adekunle stressed that agriculture in the 21st century has gone beyond hoes and cutlasses. She underscored the role of mechanisation and digital tools such as drones, tractors, and other advanced machinery in revolutionising agriculture, while also urging students to embrace value addition, youth participation, and innovation.

In his lecture, Dr. Bernard Siwoku, Agribusiness Development Expert and Consultant with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, outlined the vast opportunities across agricultural value chains. He identified production, processing, storage, exportation, mechanisation, ICT, finance, and project implementation as critical pathways to wealth creation, encouraging students to acquire relevant skills.

Representing the Managing Director of ADVA Feeds, Mr. Hussein Sabra, the company’s Head of Budget and National Sales, Mr. Alexander Akpobor, pledged support for agricultural research at FUNAAB. He called on students to pursue agriculture with dedication, stressing that early commitment was key to taking advantage of emerging opportunities. ADVA Feeds’ Regional Manager, Mr. Babawale Akinniranye, also enlightened students on global trends in agriculture, urging them to embrace innovation that aligns with international best practices.

Closing the session, the Deputy Director of COBFAS, Dr. Tunrayo Joseph-Adekunle, appreciated the guest speakers and participants, noting that the orientation had equipped students with valuable insights and motivation to excel in their Farm Practical Year.