From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
In an effort to tackle the issue of land encroachment, Kwara State Polytechnic’s Rector, Engineer Dr. Abdul Jimoh, has announced a N13 million investment in maize and cassava farming.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to utilize the institution’s land for agricultural purposes, thereby making food more accessible and affordable to the polytechnic community and neighboring areas.
Dr. Jimoh revealed this during the ceremonial harvest of the crops on Thursday, accompanied by senior management staff.
Related News
He explained that the project began with the clearing of ten hectares of land, with a second phase bringing the total to twenty hectares. The farming effort is managed by the departments of Agricultural Technology, Agricultural Engineering, and Bio-Environmental Sciences under the supervision of a dedicated committee.
The Rector detailed that N10 million was allocated for land clearing, while N3 million was spent on seedlings and cassava stems. The proceeds from this initiative will be reinvested into the farming project and contribute to the institution’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Hajia Sa’adatu Modibo Kawu, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, praised the Rector’s initiative, noting the increasing demand for food. Represented by Hajia Rodhiat Yahaya, Director of Research and Development, the commissioner highlighted the project’s potential to address both food shortages and land encroachment issues.
Engineer Mrs. Ruth Bayeri, Director of the Institute of Technology and Chairman of the farming committee, also acknowledged the challenge of relocating encroachers, which was resolved through dialogue.
She indicated that the farming project, which began in February with land clearing and planting in April, is expected to be profitable and ongoing. Soybean cultivation is planned for after the rainy season, given its low water requirements.
