Last Updated on December 22, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As DUFARMS Holds Yam Minisett Technology Field Day
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, December 9, 2025, reaffirmed its position as a trailblazer in agricultural research and innovation as the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS) hosted a landmark Yam Minisett Technology Field Day, a major step in advancing sustainable yam production in Nigeria.
In a vibrant gathering of researchers, farmers, students, and industry stakeholders at DUFARMS, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, commended the groundbreaking strides showcased at the event. He emphasised that the successful adoption of Yam Minisett Technology has demonstrated FUNAAB’s unwavering commitment to solving real-world agricultural challenges with practical and innovative solutions.
The Vice-Chancellor hailed the technology as a transformative tool in yam production, noting that it underscored FUNAAB’s identity as not only a centre of academic excellence but also a powerhouse for disruptive agricultural ideas. “The adoption of Yam Minisett Technology is a step in the right direction. We are excited about its potential to revolutionise yam farming here at FUNAAB and in surrounding communities,” he remarked.
He encouraged farmers and stakeholders to adopt modern agricultural techniques, emphasising that innovation was crucial to overcoming current challenges and meeting increasing food demands. “This technology pushes us to rethink how we plant, manage, and improve yam production,” he added.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Ag. Director of DUFARMS, Dr. Emmanuel Bankole, stated that although Yam Minisett Technology was developed in the 1980s, it remained underutilised nationwide. He noted that its introduction to FUNAAB was timely and strategic, offering students and farmers a robust platform for learning, experimentation, and commercial adoption. “We are committed to scaling up this technology within and beyond the University. Our target is to achieve even greater milestones next year,” Dr. Bankole affirmed.
Adding momentum to the initiative, the Director of the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), Prof. Jacob Olaoye, announced a collaboration between AMREC and DUFARMS to produce a comprehensive training manual on the technology. The manual is expected to serve as a step-by-step guide for farmers ready to adopt the innovation.
Prof. Olaoye stressed the crucial role of proper storage in yam production, assuring that FUNAAB was equipped to produce high-quality, well-preserved yam seeds that would boost overall yield and sustainability.
Also lending his voice, the Head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Prof. Olayemi Adeosun, revealed that the College was developing a technology capable of preserving yam seeds for up to two months, an innovation set to further strengthen mechanised yam production.
Representing the Bursar, Mr. Ibukun Fadairo commended DUFARMS for its cost-effective production model, noting that the efficiency of the technology makes it attractive for widespread adoption among farmers.
As FUNAAB continues to lead in agricultural breakthroughs, the successful rollout of the Yam Minisett Technology signals a new dawn for yam farmers, students, researchers, and the wider agricultural sector. With sustained collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, FUNAAB is set to remain at the forefront of shaping the future of agriculture in Nigeria and beyond.
Pictures are attached below 👇
Credit: Tofunmi Adebayo
