FUTA is scaling up its greenhouse-grown F1 Bell Pepper project to meet surging demand and promote export. VC Prof. Oladiji says the initiative will also train future greenhouse farmers.
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), is scaling up production of its high-yield F1 Bell Pepper variety to meet growing demand and explore export opportunities.
Receiving a new harvest from the university’s Vegetable Production Centre, Vice Chancellor Prof. Adenike Oladiji announced plans to expand greenhouse capacity from one to six by year-end.
“We are expanding our greenhouses to meet demand and provide a space where people can be trained in modern vegetable production techniques,” she said. “The market is ready — we already have growing requests from across the country.”
Prof. Ayoola Olalusi, who leads the project, described the hybrid peppers—available in red, green, and yellow—as disease-resistant, early-maturing, and weighing up to 280g.
“This variety can only be grown in greenhouses, and FUTA is ready to mentor interested farmers. Our goal is to support local consumption and explore exports,” he added.
FUTA reaffirmed its commitment to agricultural innovation, food security, and revenue generation through research and strategic partnerships.
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