In a significant stride towards supporting the state government’s food security initiatives, the management of Kwara State Polytechnic, under the visionary leadership of Rector Engr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, has successfully harvested its commercial farm produce.
The unprecedented event took place at the polytechnic’s commercial farm, showcasing the institution’s commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability.
The commercial farm, which was previously a vacant land prone to encroachment, has been transformed into a thriving agricultural hub, yielding an impressive 25 metric tons of maize and targeting 180 metric tons of cassava. The farm’s productivity is a testament to the polytechnic’s dedication to reducing encroachment and maximizing land use.
The harvesting exercise was a collaborative effort aimed at making agricultural produce available at affordable prices, thereby supporting the state government’s efforts to improve food security.
Kwara Poly Rector, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed expressed his delight at the success of the commercial farm, highlighting the institution’s plans to cultivate an additional 20 hectares of land next season. He also announced plans to invite interested farmers to lease land on an annual basis, fostering a spirit of collaboration and agricultural entrepreneurship.
The Chairperson of the Farm committee, Engr Mrs. Ruth Modupe, commended the Rector and the institution for their support, noting that the 12-member Farming Committee had overcome significant challenges to achieve the impressive harvest.
Hadjia Halimat Garba, Public Relations Officer of the polytechnic, delivered remarks during the unveiling of the harvesting exercise, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to supporting the state government’s food security initiatives.
Representative of the Hon. Commissioner, Kwara State Ministry of Tertiary Education, Hajia Rodia Omotayo Yahaya, commended the management and staff of the polytechnic for their dedication to agricultural innovation and sustainability.
The successful harvesting exercise sets a precedent for other institutions to follow, demonstrating the potential for agricultural innovation and sustainability in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Rector, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, Deputy Rector Admin, Mr. Isiaka Abdulrahman, Deputy Rector Academic, Dr Mrs Felicia Awolowo, Rep. Comm. MOTE, Hajia Rodia Omotayo Yahaya, Ag. Registrar, Mr. Abdulhafis Amin, Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Shuaib Olarongbe Agboola and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
