By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, on January 11, 2025, took time out from the 27th Alumni Convention of FUNAAB to inspect the ongoing expansion of the Habanero and Bell pepper farm, alongside other ongoing projects across the University.

During the visit to the Farm, which was in collaboration with Musarchy Farms and FUNAAB Integrated Ventures (FIV), Prof. Kehinde commended the team for their remarkable efforts and significant progress on the pepper farm initiative, which has been recording huge harvests recently.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed satisfaction with the progress, lauding the team for their dedication and efficient work toward advancing agricultural productivity at FUNAAB.

Speaking during the inspection, the Chief Executive Officer of Musarchy Farms, Mr. Taiwo Ojediran, highlighted the project’s focus on sustainable farming and agribusiness. He pointed out the growing impact of climate change on food scarcity in Nigeria and the innovative solutions being implemented through greenhouse farming.

“For greenhouses, we can plant and harvest all year round without issues from climate variability. By the end of the first quarter, six additional greenhouses will be erected, and by year-end, we aim to have 20 greenhouses producing up to three tonnes of pepper weekly,” Mr. Ojediran explained.

He further noted that the Habanero and Bell pepper farm currently yields a minimum of two tonnes weekly, with plans to expand production by February to reach a target of 2.5 to 3 tonnes per week.

On the farm were 2,000 dwarf pawpaw nearing maturity in a few weeks, 1,000 purple cabbages, with an expansion of the greenhouses for the Habanero and Bell pepper.

Pictures are attached below 👇

Credit: Tofunmi Adebayo