FUNAAB VC Showcases Agricultural Innovations to Tackle Food Security Challenges
In a recent tour of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde highlighted the institution's innovative agricultural projects aimed at addressing Nigeria's food security challenges.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a comprehensive tour of the agricultural facilities at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde highlighted the institution's innovative strides towards enhancing food security amidst national challenges. The tour, which encompassed various farm sites, showcased FUNAAB's commitment to agricultural advancement and sustainability.
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Prof. Kehinde underscored the critical need for expanded cultivation in response to Nigeria's current food security crisis, noting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent declaration of a food security emergency. Despite financial constraints and workforce limitations, the Vice-Chancellor expressed determination to bolster agricultural production through increased partnerships with local and international investors.
Beginning at the Fire Station construction site and proceeding to the Central Power House, where preparations for a 3MW Solar Project were inspected, Prof. Kehinde's tour extended to the FUNAAB/NOLAP Cattle Ranch. Here, he inspected various projects including a tomato plantation, maize farm, and the planting of Brachiaria seeds for cattle feed.
Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor visited the irrigated Vegetable Farm, funded by FUNAAB alumni and equipped with irrigation systems from Horti Nigeria. He highlighted upcoming milestones such as the harvest of cassava for processing into garri and fufu, underscoring FUNAAB's integrated approach to agriculture.
The tour also included the planting of Gmelina tree seedlings by Forestry Department students and an assessment of sports facilities and academic resources at the University Bookshop. Throughout, Prof. Kehinde emphasized FUNAAB's pivotal role in sustainable agricultural development, aiming to enhance food security both locally and nationally.
Key initiatives such as the 2-hectare tomato farm managed by 400-Level FPY students, ongoing projects including a 22-hectare cassava farm, and collaborations with private entities like Harvestfield and Assetrise were highlighted. These efforts underscore FUNAAB's dedication to addressing food security challenges and promoting self-sufficiency within its community and beyond.
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The Vice-Chancellor's tour exemplified FUNAAB's strategic focus on agricultural innovation and sustainable growth, reinforcing its pivotal role in Nigeria's agricultural landscape.
