Kwara Poly Expands Farm with 2,100 Cocoa and Oil Palm Seedlings

Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin has expanded its commercial farm by planting 2,100 seedlings, consisting of 1,100 cocoa and 1,000 oil palm seedlings. This initiative is part of efforts to boost internal revenue, strengthen food security, and provide practical agricultural training for students.

The institution's commercial farm spans 10,000 hectares and has recently commenced harvesting cassava, with the harvest of maize also processed into products like custard, semovita, and pap. Dr.

Abdul Jimo Moham, the rector, stated that the commercial farm was established to diversify the institution's revenue base and enhance food production while creating employment opportunities for young people. The project aims to protect the institution's vast land from encroachment, which has significantly reduced despite initial resistance.

The rector described the project as a long-term investment that will outlive the current administration and deliver economic benefits to the institution and Kwara State, with expectations to begin harvesting cocoa and oil palm within four years.