In a significant move to tackle the ongoing tomato shortage and escalating prices, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has launched an ambitious project, planting over two hectares of tomatoes. This initiative aims to stabilize the market and enhance practical agricultural education.
The project began with the cultivation of seedlings by Farm Practical Year (FPY) students, who utilized 600 trays, each holding 105 seedlings, at the Soilless Farm in Ogun State. The students successfully transplanted over 60,000 tomato seedlings onto the farm, showcasing a commitment to addressing both educational and market needs.
On June 23, 2024, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, inspected the tomato farm and expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress. Prof. Kehinde highlighted the dual benefits of this initiative: meeting immediate market demands and providing students with invaluable hands-on agricultural experience.
“We expect a bountiful harvest in three months, which should bring some relief to both consumers and sellers alike,” Prof. Kehinde stated. He emphasized the potential impact of the project on alleviating market pressures by the end of September 2024.
Prof. Kehinde also called for broader collaborative efforts to expand the project to include other crops, such as pepper. He mentioned plans to plant Cobra and Platinum seed varieties of tomatoes soon, underscoring the university’s commitment to agricultural innovation and market stabilization.
During his visit, Prof. Kehinde also toured the FUNAAB/NOLAP Cattle Ranch. He inspected the maize section and the table-ready tomatoes set for sale at 10 a.m. at the back of FUNAAB Staff School. Additionally, he reviewed the area designated for growing cattle feed, highlighting the university’s integrated approach to agriculture.
This comprehensive project not only addresses current market challenges but also equips students with practical skills, preparing them for future agricultural ventures.
Credit: FUNAAB Facebook
