National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Taiwo Niyi KWARA
Kwara State Polytechnic has invested N13 million in maize and cassava farming In a strategic move to address land encroachment and boost food production.
This initiative, spearheaded by the institution’s Rector, Engineer Dr. Abdul Jimoh, aims to utilise the polytechnic’s vast land for agricultural purposes, making food more accessible and affordable for both the polytechnic community and immediate environment.
During a ceremonial harvest of the crops on Thursday, Dr. Jimoh, accompanied by senior management staff, explained the rationale behind the project.
The initiative began with the clearing of ten hectares of land, and with the expansion to a second phase, the total cultivated area now stands at twenty hectares.
The farming activities are managed by the departments of Agricultural Technology, Agricultural Engineering, and Bio-Environmental Sciences, under the guidance of a dedicated committee.
Dr. Jimoh further detailed the financial allocation for the project, with N10 million dedicated to land clearing and N3 million allocated for seedlings and cassava stems.
The revenue generated from the sale of these crops will be reinvested into the project and contribute to the institution’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Hajia Sa’adatu Modibo Kawu, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, lauded the initiative, noting the growing demand for food.
Represented by Hajia Rodhiat Yahaya, Director of Research and Development, she noted the project’s dual potential to mitigate food shortages and address the pressing issue of land encroachment.
Engineer (Mrs.) Ruth Bayeri, Director of the Institute of Technology and Chairman of the farming committee, acknowledged the challenges faced in relocating encroachers, which were resolved through dialogue.
She also highlighted that the farming project, which commenced in February with land clearing and planting in April, is expected to be both profitable and sustainable.
Plans are underway to cultivate soyabeans after the rainy season, given its lower water requirements.
This agricultural initiative not only seeks to resolve land encroachment issues but also positions Kwara State Polytechnic as a proactive institution in addressing food security within the region.
