…Set to Harvest, Launch Pawpaw Sales in October
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Bamidele Odegbami
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), in its ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity, has embarked on large-scale cultivation of Habanero and Bell Pepper in collaboration with Musarchy Farms.
The project, which spans six hectares, would see the planting of 5,000 Habanero and 1,000 Bell Pepper seedlings, further advancing the University’s agricultural revitalisation initiative.
On September 10, 2024, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, visited the cleared, ploughed, and harrowed land prepared for cultivation, expressing his satisfaction with the progress made. He commended the staff of FUNAAB Integrated Ventures (FIV), under the leadership of the Director, Mr. Olufisayo Amubode, for their commitment to ensuring the success of the project.
Prof. Kehinde highlighted the University’s continuous drive to harness innovative agricultural practices to promote sustainable food production. “This collaboration with Musarchy Farms is one of many strategies aimed at positioning FUNAAB as a leading force in the agricultural sector, both locally and internationally,” he remarked.
Speaking also at the project site, Mr. Amubode provided further insight into the project, noting that the farmland was being equipped with a state-of-the-art irrigation system to be powered by an already dug 86-metre deep borehole to ensure a stable water supply for the crops, especially during dry spells. He also revealed that plans were underway to expand the cultivated land from six to 13 hectares, allowing for more extensive crop production.
In addition to the pepper cultivation, FUNAAB is set to begin the harvest and massive sales of pawpaw from its Dwarf Pawpaw Plantation by mid-October 2024.
The upcoming harvest would also be a significant milestone in the University’s quest for agricultural excellence. The dual projects underscore FUNAAB’s commitment to fostering innovation and expanding its agricultural reach, with the potential to contribute significantly to food security and economic growth in Nigeria.
