The Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan has commissioned a standard organic market as part of activities marking the 101st anniversary of the college.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, on Tuesday via a communique, pointed out the importance of organic produce to include sound health, long shelf life and excellent organoleptic perception.
Abubakar, represented by Southwest Zonal Director of the ministry, Mrs Omolara Abimbola-Oguntuyi, emphasized the importance of maximising the opportunities of the market.
He stated that a set of auto-irrigated screen houses, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) building, audio-visual building were commissioned.
He added that classrooms (6 units) and an office complex newly constructed by the current administration and ready for use were also commissioned.
Abubakar lauded the ministry’s efforts towards the growth and development of FCA and other institutions in the ministry.
“I commended the college on her rapid, geometric growth in the last 3 to 4 years, and with the rate of development evident in the college, the school will soon metamorphose into a university.
“I, therefore, solicit the support of staff and students of the college towards a continued growth,” he said.
Provost, FCA, Dr Elizabeth Augustus, reiterated that establishing the organic market was imperative to create a means for the public to regularly access organic products generated in the college’s organic farm.
She stated that the anniversary meant 101 years of producing well trained agricultural manpower; providing solutions to Nigeria’s agricultural challenges through excellent extension services.
Augustus added that the college offered short courses and training programmes, targeted at boosting the competencies of Nigeria’s agricultural personnel and providing excellent services in all areas of agriculture, towards national growth and wellbeing.
“The Ministry envisions to ensure food security in crops, livestock and fisheries, stimulate agricultural employment and services, promote the production and supply of raw materials to agro industries and aid rural socio-economic development.
“FCA, Ibadan has keyed into and committed to pivotal roles towards actualization of its aim through five strategic and accelerated repositioning steps.
“They are training; crop and animal production; research and development; fabrication of farm input or processing equipment and the execution of staff, students and community welfare projects.
“We appreciate the support of the ministry in making the market possible,” she said.
The Provost mentioned that the College had intensively invested in the provision, repair and renovation of its equipment and facilities.
These, she said, included Laboratory and workshop equipment, ongoing construction of 1000-seater lecture theatre, renovation of college auditorium and classrooms, departmentalisation of the college.
Augustus added that her tenure has also restructured the college health centre, provided alternative power supply to aid in teaching, learning and research activities, among other initiatives.
Country Coordinator of the Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOAI) Nigeria, Dr Olugbenga AdeOluwa highlighted the benefits of organic agriculture market towards national health and wellbeing.
AdeOluwa lauded the contribution of the college and other associations and development agencies to the development of organic agriculture in Nigeria.
He added that FCA, Ibadan organic market would provide opportunities for both academic training and community development activities.
