How market? This cluster of produce buyers seem to interface while transacting sales of maize crop at the University’s farm. What a town and gown relationship!
The Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS) has recorded a bumper harvest of maize at its Farm located along Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) Road, on the University Campus.
FUNAAB Bulletin Crew was on ground at the harvesting and sales of the maize to marketers from Abeokuta metropolis.
In an interview with the Crew, the Director, COBFAS, Professor Emmanuel Fakoya disclosed that the bumper harvest could be attributed to diligence and hard work on the part of the Farm Managers and the student-farmers, adding that the Management of the University has approved a farm crib, through which dry maize could be stored and used for the production of animal feeds.
The Director stated that the Centre expected a substantial amount of money to be generated from the sales of the fresh maize, adding that manipulation and sharp practices by the marketers were nip in the bud with the proper monitoring of harvested produce, the assistance of Centre staff and the students – farmers.
Professor Fakoya also assured the University Community of fresh maize crop, as soon as the second batch of the 14 hectares of land cultivation is harvested.
One of the marketers, Mrs. Adunni Sowemimo from Eruwon Area of the city, commended the University and COBFAS for giving them the opportunity to earn a living through the purchase and sales of the maize.
She affirmed that maize selling is a lucrative business, urging government to ensure an enabling environment and policies towards planting the crop all year-round, thereby creating job opportunities and boosting the country’s economy.
Another marketer, Mrs. Saidat Gbadebo who was excited seeing students as farmers commended their decision to study agriculture, saying the sector remains the hope of the country, if well harnessed by government and relevant stakeholders.
On hand to monitor the harvest and the sales were the Farm Manager of Campus Crop Section of COBFAS, Mr. Olanrewaju Bello (Principal Agricultural Officer) and Mr. Tope Adesipo (Agricultural Officer II).