… As IFSERAR, DUFARMS Make Strides in Agricultural Development
By Olasunkanmi Olajide
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has commenced preparations for a 1-hectare soybean and sorghum varietal trial, toward agricultural revitalisation and innovation.
The initiative followed the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FUNAAB and Hubei University of Technology (HBUT), along with four other institutions, aimed at advancing soybean and sorghum cultivation, as well as the New Resource Development (NRD) industry in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, during a recent visit to the project site, announced that seeds from 20 different varieties of sorghum were available for planting, while that of the soybean are expected to arrive soon.
The seeds, according to him, would undergo rigorous testing on the cleared land to identify the best-performing varieties for large-scale commercial production.
Meanwhile, the signed MoU was to enhance agricultural collaboration between China and Nigeria, fostering advancements in seed research, planting techniques, sorghum processing, and agricultural technology exchange.
It was also set to significantly bolster Nigeria’s soybean and sorghum industries, contributing to the nation’s food security and economic growth.
In a related development, the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources, and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) is set to expand its agricultural footprint with the upcoming planting of sesame seeds.
Following the successful completion of land preparation, the Institute is poised to begin the planting phase, which is expected to contribute significantly to the University’s agricultural research and production efforts.
The new venture comes on the heels of IFSERAR’s already thriving 3-hectare maize farm, showcasing the Institute’s commitment to diversifying crop production and ensuring food security.
Similarly, the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS) has not been left out in the agricultural revitalisation drive, cultivating a 5-hectare maize farm that promises a bountiful harvest in the coming months.
With the maize expected to be ready for harvest in three months, DUFARMS has been reinforcing its role in supporting the University’s agricultural initiatives and providing practical training opportunities for students.
