FUNAAB VC, Prof Kehinde Calls for Investor Collaboration to Boost Agriculture

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has embarked on an inspection tour of the university's agricultural projects, calling on investors to collaborate with the institution to enhance agriculture in the country.

During the tour, Prof. Kehinde highlighted the university's commitment to advancing agricultural projects and revitalizing the sector, citing the nation's challenging period in terms of food production. "The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, recently declared an emergency on food security, and we are doing our part to address this challenge," he said.

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Despite limitations in funding and workforce, Prof. Kehinde emphasized that the university is not resting on its oars. "We are open to more collaborations to enhance sustainable agricultural production. We have abundant land resources and security, with adequate expertise on agricultural production," he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor's tour covered various facilities, including the FUNAAB/NOLAP Cattle Ranch, where he showed keen interest in the ongoing agricultural projects. He inspected the tomato plantation, a 9-hectare maize farm, and even participated in planting Brachiaria seeds (Grass) on a 4-hectare plot designated for cattle feed.

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Prof. Kehinde also examined the harvested tomatoes, demonstrating his support for the university's agricultural initiatives. Additionally, 300 pepper seedlings have been added to the 2-hectare tomato farm established by the Farm Practical Year (FPY) students.

The tour continued at the 25-hectare Irrigated Vegetable Farm, located on the FUNAAB/OORBDA boundary, established by some FUNAAB alumni. The farm boasts a variety of crops, including tomatoes, peppers (Rodo), cucumbers, pumpkins, sweet corn, chili peppers, and potatoes.

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Prof. Kehinde revealed that on Monday, July 1, 2024, the university would harvest fresh cassava tubers from the 22-hectare Bio-Ethanol Cassava plantation, which would be processed into garri, lafun, and odourless fufu by FUNAAB Integrated Venture.

The Vice-Chancellor also checked the ongoing planting of 2,000 Gmelina tree seedlings by Forestry Department student.