Kwara Poly Lauds AbdulRazaq’s Agric Policy, Set to Boost Food Security

The management of Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin has pledged to support Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's agricultural policy, aiming to bolster food security within the state. The institution recognizes the critical role of agriculture in generating employment, boosting food production, and driving economic development.

Rector Dr. Jimoh Mohammed stated that the current administration's agricultural policy has facilitated the provision of farming equipment, thereby reducing production costs and improving farming operations across the state. He emphasized that the polytechnic's involvement in commercial agriculture is just the beginning, highlighting the sector's potential for job creation and income generation.

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What we are witnessing today is just the beginning. Agriculture provides enormous opportunities for employment, ensures food availability and serves as a reliable source of income. That is why we have decided to invest in it.

The institution has intensified efforts to diversify its revenue streams and enhance practical learning for students through commercial cassava harvesting. This initiative represents a significant step in combining academic training with agricultural entrepreneurship, while simultaneously contributing to Nigeria's food security goals. The venture into commercial agriculture was a deliberate move to lessen reliance on government funding and expose students to hands-on farming experiences.

Kwara State Polytechnic has already commenced large-scale cultivation of cassava and maize and is developing cocoa and oil palm plantations as part of a broader agricultural expansion program. These cash crop projects are designed as long-term investments intended to benefit the institution beyond the current administration's tenure. Furthermore, the Department of Food Science and Technology will process farm produce into finished goods, adding value and strengthening the institution's internally generated revenue. Plans are also in motion to establish a distinct brand for products such as cassava chips, palm oil, and cocoa-based items, enhancing their marketability and the institution's financial standing.

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We have started with cassava and maize, and we have also expanded to cocoa and oil palm plantations. These are investments that will outlive this administration because good leadership is about planning beyond your tenure.