Kwara poly begins maiden cassava harvest to boost revenue, practical learning
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has commenced the maiden harvest of its 10-hectare cassava plantation as part of efforts to diversify its revenue base, strengthen agricultural entrepreneurship and provide students with practical learning opportunities.
The Rector, Dr. Abdul Jimoh, disclosed this on Thursday during the symbolic harvesting of the cassava at the institution’s commercial farm. He said the polytechnic had invested about N1.5 million in cassava stems and had also established plantations comprising 1,000 cocoa seedlings and 1,000 oil palm seedlings to expand its agricultural ventures.
Jimoh explained that the institution expects an average yield of 25 tonnes of cassava per hectare, describing the initiative as a strategic investment designed to reduce dependence on government subventions while promoting food security and sustainable income generation.
He said the project was conceived to expose students to practical farming experience and demonstrate the commercial potential of agriculture, noting that the sector remains critical to job creation, food production and economic development.
According to the rector, the Department of Food Science and Technology will process the harvested produce into value-added products, while the institution plans to introduce a distinct brand for products such as cassava chips, palm oil and cocoa-based commodities to boost its internally generated revenue.
Jimoh noted that proceeds from the cassava harvest would be reinvested to sustain and expand the commercial farming project. He explained that agricultural investments require patience because of the significant start-up costs associated with land preparation and cultivation before profits can be realised.
He commended the Kwara State Government for providing agricultural equipment to support the project, saying the intervention had reduced production costs and improved operational efficiency. He also disclosed that students are actively involved in the farming activities as part of their practical training, combining academic learning with research and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Kwara State Polytechnic Commercial Farm and Chief Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Engr. Ruth Bayeri, described the maiden cassava harvest as a major milestone for the institution. She praised the rector for championing the initiative and expressed confidence that the project would position the polytechnic as a leading centre for agricultural innovation among Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
