By our Reporter
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has taken a significant step to combat the current tomato shortage and rising prices by planting over two hectares of tomatoes.
The seedlings were initially cultivated in 600 trays, each holding 105 seedlings by the Farm Practical Year (FPY) students, at the Soilless Farm, Ogun State and they have successfully transplanted more than 60,000 tomato seedlings into the Farm.
During an inspection visit on June 23, 2024, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the tomato project.
He highlighted the dual benefits of the project, saying that it would address the immediate market needs and also provide hands-on agricultural education for the students.
The harvest is expected by the end of September 2024, which should help alleviate some of the market pressures faced by both consumers and sellers.
According to him, “We expect a bountiful harvest in three months time, which should bring some relief to both consumers and sellers alike.”
He, therefore, called for more collaborative efforts to widen the scope of the project to include pepper, adding that Cobra and Platinum seed varieties of the tomatoes would also be planted soon.
In addition to the inspection of the Tomato Farm, Prof. Kehinde visited the FUNAAB/NOLAP Cattle Ranch.
He inspected the maize section, and the table-ready tomatoes that are set to go sale today, by 10 a.m. at the back of FUNAAB Staff School, even as he reviewed the designated area for growing cattle feed.
This would not only alleviate the current market challenges but also provides invaluable hands-on experience for the students, preparing them for future agricultural ventures.