The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has joined forces with Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, to bolster the nation’s food security initiatives.
This strategic partnership, aligned with NALDA’s commitment to supporting the current administration’s drive for food self-sufficiency, marks a significant step towards agricultural revitalization.
Under this initiative, LAUTECH has allocated 60 acres of land to cultivate maize, demonstrating a proactive approach to agricultural development.
The partnership not only addresses immediate food security concerns but also paves the way for future expansions into livestock production.
A testament to the success of this collaboration is the ongoing cultivation on a 60-acre maize farm, fueling the university’s eagerness for further diversification.
The Dean of the university’s Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Samuel A. Babarinde, expressed gratitude for NALDA’s support.
The collaboration, deemed “fruitful and promising,” initially focused on maize cultivation, with plans for potential enlargement in subsequent phases.
To facilitate this initiative, LAUTECH provides both land and labor, utilizing 400 Level internship students for agricultural production activities.
NALDA contributes essential equipment, from tractors to harvesters, fostering mechanization and enhancing students’ practical experiences.
Professor Tonyi Peter Abegunrin, an Agricultural Engineering expert, lauded the collaboration for providing a vast farm for research.
With NALDA’s intervention, students can witness practical applications of classroom teachings, emphasizing the role of mechanization in encouraging specialization.
Prof Abegunrin urged NALDA to extend assistance by providing irrigation facilities, including cutting-edge water collection technology.
Implementing such innovations, he noted, could significantly enhance off-season crop and vegetable production.
Beyond LAUTECH, NALDA has extended its collaborative efforts to the Nigeria Farmers’ Group & Cooperative Society (NFGCS) in Kotona Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
This partnership, focused on a 100-hectare rice farm, exemplifies NALDA’s commitment to broadening its impact on agricultural production.
The collaboration with NFGCS resulted in the successful cultivation of rice on a vast expanse of 100 hectares.
NALDA provided essential inputs, from fertilizers to mechanization, while NFGCS managed the farm operations.
During a recent visit by NALDA officials and journalists to the 100-hectare farm, a promising outcome was observed.
Faro 44 and 59, the varieties cultivated, showcased excellent seed production, projecting a yield exceeding 300 tonnes of paddy.
The administrative officer, Mr. Babalota, highlighted NALDA’s role in providing machinery and inputs for rice production.
He emphasized the integrated nature of the farm, incorporating on-site processing facilities, setting the stage for a seamless transition from harvest to processing.
Ms. Hope Christopher, the NFGCS Chief Operations Officer, emphasized how mechanization has revolutionized farm operations.
From enhancing harvesting efficiency to cost-effectiveness, the adoption of mechanized processes has paved the way for a more sustainable and productive agricultural landscape.
