Kwara Poly harvests 250 tonnes of cassava, expands commercial farming into cocoa, oil palm plantations

Kwara State Polytechnic has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting food security, creating entrepreneurial opportunities, and strengthening practical agricultural education through commercial farming initiatives aimed at tackling hunger.

The institution said its expanded commercial farming programme is designed to equip students with practical agricultural skills, improve food production and boost economic opportunities in the state.

Mohammed Abdul Jimoh, rector of the institution, stated this while addressing journalists during the maiden harvest of 250 tonnes of cassava at the Polytechnic’s commercial farm in Ilorin, the state capital.

Read also:We’re working seriously to expand access to clean water in Enugu – Mbah

The commercial farm, managed by students and lecturers of the Departments of Agricultural Technology and Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, serves as a platform for practical training, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition.

Jimoh disclosed that the institution invested N1.5 million in the purchase of cassava stems, adding that the initiative was designed to strengthen food security, and boost the institution’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

According to him, agriculture remains a critical sector capable of creating jobs, increasing food production, and driving economic growth.

“What we are witnessing today is just the beginning. Agriculture provides enormous opportunities for employment, ensures food availability, and serves as a reliable source of income. That is why we have decided to invest in it,” he said.

The Rector revealed that the Polytechnic had commenced commercial cultivation of cassava and maize and had expanded its agricultural investments to cocoa and oil palm plantations, with about 2,000 seedlings already planted.

He explained that the tree crop projects were conceived as long-term legacy investments that would continue to generate value beyond the tenure of the current administration.

“We have started with cassava and maize, and we have also expanded to cocoa and oil palm plantations. These are investments that will outlive this administration because good leadership is about planning beyond your tenure,” he said.

Jimoh further disclosed that the institution’s Department of Food Science and Technology had been mandated to process the harvested produce into marketable products, including cassava chips, palm oil, and cocoa-based products.

“I want to assure you that our Department of Food Science and Technology has been charged with the responsibility of processing all these farm produce. In the coming years, we expect to see products such as Kwara Polytechnic palm oil, cocoa products, and several processed food items produced right here by the institution,” he added.

He noted that the Polytechnic was also working towards establishing a recognised brand for its processed agricultural products, expressing confidence that the initiative would create additional revenue streams while enriching students’ practical learning experience.

The Rector said proceeds from the maiden cassava harvest would be reinvested to expand the farming project, noting that commercial agriculture requires substantial capital investment before profits can be realised.

“In every investment, there is always a starting capital. We do not expect to recover everything within one farming season because land clearing alone takes a significant portion of the cost. With time, however, we will break even and begin to generate profit,” he said.

Jimoh commended the Kwara State Government for providing agricultural equipment, noting that the support had significantly reduced production costs and improved farming operations.

He also disclosed that students were actively involved in the commercial farming project as part of their practical training, describing the initiative as a blend of academic learning, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

 

Read also:  Group seeks intervention in Nigeria’s health system 

The Rector expressed optimism that the project would continue to expand and position Kwara State Polytechnic as a leading model for agricultural innovation and sustainable revenue generation among tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Earlier, Ruth Modupe Bayeri,

the Chairperson of the Kwara State Polytechnic Commercial Farm and Chief Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, described the maiden cassava harvest as a landmark achievement for the institution.

She commended the management, particularly the Rector, for supporting the commercial farming initiative from its inception.

“This is a significant occasion for us, and I want to appreciate our Rector for believing in this vision from the beginning. He gave his full support to make this day a reality,” Bayeri said.

According to her, the successful harvest has demonstrated that the institution’s investment in commercial agriculture is already yielding positive results.

“We are not disappointed, and I am sure the Rector is also not disappointed with what we have achieved,” she added.

Bayeri explained that beyond revenue generation, the commercial farm was established to provide students with hands-on experience in modern farming techniques while supporting food security initiatives.

She expressed confidence that the maiden harvest would pave the way for the expansion of farming activities and further strengthen the institution’s commitment to agricultural innovation, skills acquisition, and sustainable food production.

Also speaking, Ibrahim Banjoko, director of the Institute of Agriculture, appreciated the Kwara State Government under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for its support and encouragement, which he said had enabled the institution to expand its commercial farming activities and contribute meaningfully to food security.