The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has launched a range of processed and packaged food products through its Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), marking a shift from selling only raw farm produce to value-added food processing.
The initiative was unveiled on March 4, 2026, at the DUFARMS AGROMAT, where the university presented several newly developed food products produced from its farm outputs. The move signals FUNAAB’s growing focus on agribusiness development, food processing, and improved food preservation.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, said the development represents an important step in expanding the university’s agricultural value chain beyond primary production.
“DUFARMS has long been known for quality farm produce. Today, we are consolidating that reputation by adding value, enhancing shelf life, and meeting evolving consumer preferences,” he said.
According to him, moving into processing and packaging will help reduce post-harvest losses while strengthening local food systems.
He stressed that food preservation and local processing are critical to improving food security and ensuring agricultural products remain available for longer periods.
The newly introduced products include Certified Yellow Flour, professionally packaged melon seeds, Vitamin A–fortified yellow garri, water yam, fresh pineapples and other farm-fresh produce processed and packaged for the market.
Acting Director of DUFARMS, Dr. Emmanuel Bankole, said the expansion was driven by increasing consumer demand for trusted locally processed food products.
“This expansion is driven by the growing demand from consumers and the need to reinforce trust in locally processed foods,” Bankole said.
He added that the products were developed with strict quality control standards to ensure safety and nutritional value.
“All the items have undergone strict quality control procedures and are clearly labelled to guarantee safety, authenticity and nutritional integrity,” he explained.
The product line also includes traditional Nigerian food staples such as original elubọ iṣu and lẹbu, targeted at both local consumers and Nigerians in the diaspora interested in authentic indigenous food products.
Industry stakeholders, university officials and representatives of agricultural groups attended the launch event, reflecting increasing interest in FUNAAB’s evolving agribusiness model. The event also recorded strong sales, highlighting market acceptance of the newly introduced processed products.
