Kwara State Polytechnic Harvests 25 Tonnes of Maize Worth N30 Million
The Kwara State Polytechnic has achieved a significant milestone in its agricultural venture by harvesting 25 tonnes of maize from its farm, with an estimated market value of N30 million.
Lois Udoye 
The Kwara State Polytechnic has achieved a significant milestone in its agricultural venture by harvesting 25 tonnes of maize from its farm, with an estimated market value of N30 million.
This impressive yield represents approximately 10 percent of the maize that enters the Ago grain market in Ilorin daily, according to a market survey.
The institution's Rector, Dr. Abdul-Jimoh Mohammed, shared this achievement and recounted how the school turned a challenge of land encroachment into a profitable opportunity.
In addition to the maize harvest, Dr. Mohammed revealed that the farm's cassava crop is expected to produce around 180 tonnes when it is harvested later this year.
"Today marks the harvest of our first major crop, and I believe it’s important to share this success publicly. This is our response to the challenge set by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to fully utilize the potential of our institution. We are committed to sustaining and expanding this process," Dr. Mohammed stated.
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He explained that the institution began by engaging in commercial farming to maximize the use of its land, discourage encroachment, and contribute to food security by making produce available and affordable to the polytechnic community and the wider Kwara State population.
"We started by cultivating 20 hectares, beginning with 10 hectares initially, and then expanding with another 10 hectares where we planted cassava and maize. We also plan to plant soybeans towards the end of the rainy season, as recommended," he added.
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Looking ahead, Dr. Mohammed noted that the polytechnic management is planning to cultivate an additional 20 hectares during the next rainy season. They are also exploring the possibility of leasing farming spaces to interested members of the public.
"While we are still finalizing the details of this leasing arrangement, the management will submit our proposal to the governor, who has been a strong supporter of this initiative through our supervising ministry," Dr. Mohammed concluded.
