The Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS) of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has recorded a bumper harvest of maize at its farm on Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) Road on the university campus.
COBFAS Director Prof Emmanuel Fakoya attributed the harvest to diligence and hard work by the Farm Managers and the student-farmers.
He also said the University Management had approved a farm crib, through which dry maize could be stored and used for production of animal feeds.
Fakoya said the Centre expects substantial sum to be generated from the sale of the fresh maize, especially as it had checked sharp practices by marketers with proper monitoring of harvested produce by workers and students.
The director said more maize would be available when its second batch of 14 hectares is harvested.
One of the marketers, Mrs. Adunni Sowemimo from Eruwon Area of the city, praised the university and COBFAS for giving them the opportunity to earn a living through the purchase and sale of the maize.
She said the business was lucrative, urging the government to provide an enabling environment and policies towards planting the crop year-round.
Another marketer, Mrs Saidat Gbadebo, praised the students’ decision to study agriculture, saying the sector remains the hope of the country.
On hand to monitor the harvest and sale were the Farm Manager of Campus Crop Section of COBFAS, Mr Olanrewaju Bello (Principal Agricultural Officer) and Mr. Tope Adesipo (Agricultural Officer II).