Federal Polytechnic Idah Records First Greenhouse Harvest as Rector Commends Governor Ododo for ACReSAL Project

Federal Polytechnic Idah has achieved a major milestone with the successful first harvest of habanero peppers from its World Bank-supported greenhouse project under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme.

The harvest marks a significant step in the institution's efforts to promote agricultural innovation, practical education, climate-smart farming, and sustainable food production through hands-on learning.

Speaking during the harvest exercise, Mr. Samson Mopeh Benu, representing the Kogi State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jato, OON, explained that the visit was to witness the project's progress and encourage the Polytechnic to ensure its long-term sustainability. He noted that the greenhouse project was established to provide staff and students with practical agricultural skills that can be applied on their own farms, thereby contributing to improved food security and increased agricultural productivity.

He added that the project was facilitated by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, as part of the ACReSAL initiative. According to him, the greenhouse facility will be officially handed over to the institution upon completion, while selected staff and students have already undergone specialized training to effectively manage and sustain the project.

In his remarks, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Idah, Dr. Y. B. Usman, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for facilitating the implementation of the ACReSAL greenhouse project at the institution. He described the initiative as a valuable investment that has created practical learning opportunities for students and staff while strengthening agricultural education within the Polytechnic.

Dr. Usman further appealed to the Kogi State Government to attract more developmental projects to the institution, noting that initiatives such as the ACReSAL greenhouse will enhance agricultural research, promote innovation, improve food security, and equip students with modern farming skills needed for national development.

The successful harvest highlights the growing impact of partnerships between government and educational institutions in advancing sustainable agriculture, technical education, and workforce development in Nigeria.