Last Updated on December 14, 2024 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
The Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), renowned for its large-scale food production, has taken a major step forward in enhancing its agricultural capabilities with the acquisition of ultra-modern farm equipment.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, handed over the newly procured equipment to the Acting Director of DUFARMS, Dr. Emmanuel Bankole, on December 13, 2024. Speaking at the event, Prof. Kehinde described the acquisition as a pivotal moment in DUFARMS’ pursuit of agricultural excellence and innovation.
Highlighting DUFARMS’ recent successes, including the cultivation of maize, yams, groundnuts, and vegetables, the Vice-Chancellor lauded Dr. Bankole’s leadership, particularly in the production of soya beans, groundnuts, and cassava. He expressed optimism that the advanced machinery would significantly boost productivity and enhance the University’s agricultural revitalisation drive, urging the Directorate to maximise its potential in expanding operations and improving efficiency.
Responding to the gesture, Dr. Bankole expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for prioritising agricultural advancement. He pledged to utilise the equipment effectively to enhance productivity, generate more Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and deliver greater benefits to the University Community and its environs.
The newly acquired equipment were the Multi-Purpose Crops Thresher (Processes maize, soya beans, sorghum, and wheat into 95% clean grains with minimal breakage); 3,000L Galvanised Water Bowser (Equipped with water pumps, suction and delivery hoses); 15-ton Tipping Trailer (Featuring a three-way tipping system for versatile applications), and Hand Push Motorised Garden Sprayer (200L capacity), complete with discharge hose and spray guns.
Others were the Grains and Cereals Cleaning Machine (Fitted with three replacement sieves for optimal sorting); Two-Row Vertical Cassava Planter, for precision planting; 1.3HP Palm Cutter (Designed for efficient palm harvesting), as well as the 7.1HP MH 710 Tiller and 1.3HP HT 75 Pruner (Supplied with guide bars, chains, and spare blades for robust operations).
The initiative aligned with FUNAAB’s commitment to modernising agricultural practices, fostering innovation, and maintaining its leadership in agricultural education and research. The acquisition also underscores the University’s dedication to revitalising its agricultural activities and sustaining its impact on food security and economic development.
Handover of the equipment in pictures 👇
Credit: Olatoye Sanusi




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Mr. Olajide is a seasoned professional with over a decade of expertise in the fields of Public Relations, Media and Communications. He currently holds the position of Assistant Director, Media.
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