Don canvasses cultivation of vegetables

Nigerians have been advised to cultivate the practice of growing vegetables, especially for personal consumption, as the produce has essential components in tropical cropping systems for meeting complete food needs.

An expert in Olericulture from the Department of Horticulture, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Prof. Eyitayo Makinde, who gave the advice during the 96th Inaugural Lecture of the institution, stressed the need for cultivating and consuming vegetables.

Speaking on the topic: “Vegetables: The Complete Food Package,” Prof. Makinde emphasised the importance of consuming vegetables to human health, adding that growing it luxuriously would surely enhance vegetable completeness as a food package.

He highlighted the benefits of reducing mineral fertiliser usage by incorporating organic sources in vegetable cultivation, adding that intercropping vegetables in cropping systems can be sustainable with organic sources like crop residues and animal waste.

The 96th inaugural lecturer proposed that the University’s Extension/Research unit cold lead initiatives to promote vegetable farming among youths, women, and unemployed individuals.

To increase vegetable cultivation, Prof. Makinde suggested partnerships with local councils in the South West, recommending leveraging of state governments agricultural agencies for distribution and marketing.

Additionally, he explored the use of natural organic Rock Phosphates as a substitute for inorganic phosphorus. Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, commended Prof. Makinde for his expertise and dedication to sharing knowledge with students. He acknowledged Prof. Makinde’s significant contributions to the field of Olericulture.

Present at the lecture were the Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo and wife; former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Morenike Dipeolu; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Clement Adeofun, and others.