HOW TO GROW PINEAPPLE PLANT / PINEAPPLE SUCKERS (HYBRID) FOR INCOME

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Temperature Range: 65 °F - 95 °F.

Rainfall: 60 cm/year (at regular intervals throughout the growing season).

Soil Type: Well-drained and acidic soil (4.5-5.5 pH).

Propagation: Crown, suckers and slips.

Flowering: Requires cooler temperatures.

PROPAGATION METHOD

The propagation of pineapple plants is mostly carried out by means of crowns. Seeds are not preferred owing to their slow growth. Other parts of the plant such as 'slips' and 'suckers' are also used for propagation. While preparing the crown for propagation, its lower leaves are peeled off to expose the 'root primordia'. Crowns are then planted in a potted soil known as 'Bromeliad Potting Soil'. Then the plants are grown in pots for few days before moving them in fields.

Sucker Propagation:

Planting suckers allow fast growth of pineapples in comparison to the traditional method of planting the crown. For this, you need to first identify them and learn to pick them. Suckers are found between leaves of fully-grown pineapple plants. They can be pulled out with the hand; you just have to twist them at their base. It also prevents the plant (sucker) from getting hurt. Rest of the procedure for growing pineapple plants is same as that used in the traditional method.

Slip Propagation:
Slips can be found at the base of pineapple fruits. These are tiny plants not found in all varieties of pineapples. The Smooth Cayenne and Rough Cayenne are commonly used for growing pineapples from slips. You can pull and plant the slips just like suckers. The method used for growing pineapples from slips is same as the traditional one.

Crown Propagation:
It is the most common method of propagation in pineapples. The crown is pulled or cut off from the fruit and kept for rooting for about 3 weeks after which short roots emerge. The crown can then be used for potting in the house or field cultivation.

FIELD CULTIVATION OF PINEAPPLE

Climate and Soil Requirements of Pineapple
The pineapple plants grow well in a temperature ranging from 65 °F to 95 °F.
Although it can tolerate cold temperatures for a short period during nights, the growth gets stunted and fruits become acidic when it is exposed to lower temperatures for a longer time. Well-drained and friable soil, rich in organic matter is considered as best for growing pineapples. The pineapple plants grown at high altitudes bear acidic fruits.

Planting

Before planting, pineapple fields are well-prepared to suit this shallow rooted plant. Crowns prepared for plantation are sown at a depth of 10 cm in double- rows. A distance of 25-30 cm. is maintained between two plants, while two
double-rows are kept 0.9-1.8 m apart. Mulching is used in pineapple fields for conserving soil moisture, maintaining the necessary temperature of soil and also for controlling weeds. In the mulching activity, entire field is covered with plastic sheets or bagasse (sugarcane pulp) is used.

Fertilizer Application
Nutrient requirements of the pineapple plant change across different regions. Like any other crops, pineapples too require nitrogen in greater quantities than any other soil nutrient. In Kenya, 472 kg nitrogen per hectare is used in the first year in 4 equal parts. For acidic soils, the application of magnesium sulfate proves to be beneficial. It is applied at a rate of 327 kg/ha in sandy-clay soils. Chelate is actually a chemical compound in which a metal atom is bound by other atoms. Iron, when applied with nitrogen in a chelated form, increases the crop yield as well as the fruit size.

Irrigation and Weed Control
For the cultivation of pineapple plant, irrigation is required only in the dry months of summer. Manual weeding is not recommended in pineapple fields, since it proves to be expensive and can also lead to soil erosion. Practice of
mulching is the best option for controlling weeds.

Flowering
Induction of flowering is undertaken to control the time of harvest and maturity in pineapples. Use of chemicals to control the natural and 'organic' growth of any plant is artificial and unnatural; however, cultivators tend to practice it to avoid excessive fruit production during peak periods. Earlier, ethylene gas was commonly used to control the fruiting process. Today, hormones such as a naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) are used. When a pineapple plant is 6 months old, it is treated with hormones to induce
flowering.

Pests and Diseases
Care of pineapple plants becomes important in order to protect them from pests and diseases. Controlling the nematodes is necessary because they stunt pineapple growth. 1,3-dichloropropene or 1,3-D is efficient in controlling the nematodes and is applied using the fumigation process. In this process, the soil is smoked. Mealy bugs which cause the wilting of pineapple leaves are controlled by spraying pesticides. The fire ants which carry mealy bugs from one plant to another need to be controlled in this case. Root rot disease is controlled by improving soil drainage and fungicide application.

Harvesting
Summer fruits of pineapple mature early as compared to the winter ones. To know if the summer fruits are ready for harvesting, check whether the pineapple's 'eye' is pale green. In the winter season, fruits turn light yellow at the base and are considered as ready for harvesting. For pineapple fruits to be 'canned', it is necessary to harvest them when fully ripe.

The activity of pineapple cultivation requires in-depth knowledge of different stages of growth of this plant. With proper care and maintenance you can grow pineapple in fields as well as in the indoor environment.

NB: Remember; "When you leverage on the experience of the professional, success is guaranteed".

Some of the photos are from publication of:

National Agricultural Research Institute

Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara

Tel 020-2841-3 Fax 020-4481

E-mail nari@guyana.net.gy

Check The Purity of Honey at Home

Do you want to enjoy most of the benefits derived from honey? Its purity is what you should consider before buying. There are some simple tests and experiments that can be performed at home, to verify the purity of honey. Find out which tests you should try!

Before carrying out any of tests, one basic and extremely simple “how to check the purity of honey” method is to read the label on the jar of honey, prior to its purchase. Manufacturers are required to mention the additives and additional substances that have been added to the produced honey. So you can make out, if it is organic or extra sweet or artificial flavorings have been added, simply by scrutinizing the label. If you are buying honey straight from a beekeeper, then the honey is of a raw and unprocessed quality as you are purchasing it straight from the source. We recommend you to learn the difference between fake and pure honey before doing tests.

 

Performing tests for purity of honey at home

Honey’s wonderful, delicious variety works against you when you’re trying to find a simple test. Different types of pure honey can cover a large range of density, flammability, and other characteristics. While the following tests are based on true principles, in practice your results may be inconclusive. Try several of these tests to see if the honey fails or passes consistently. In many cases, you can get nothing more than a good guess. Ever stop to think about what’s in a bottle of honey?

In order to check the purity of honey at home, here’s what to do:

Thumb Test
Here’s the procedure to do a thumb test:

• Put a small drop of the honey you have on your thumb
• Check to see if it spills or spreads around
• If it does, it is not pure
• Pure honey will stay intact on your thumb

The Water Test to Spot Fake Honey
Here’s how to do the water test:

• Fill a glass with water
• Add one tablespoon of honey into the glass
• Adulterated or artificial honey will dissolve in water and you will see it around the glass
• Pure honey on the other hand will settle right at the bottom of your glass

The Flame Test to Know Pure Honey
Did you know that organic honey is flammable? Here’s a test to know 100% pure organic honey.

• Take a dry matchstick
• Dip its tip right into the honey
• Strike the stick on the matchbox as if to light it
• If the honey is pure, the matchstick will light with ease
• The flame will also keep burning off the honey
• However, if it is with impurities, it will not light because fake honey contains moisture as one of the impurities

These are some of the simple and common ways to test pure honey at home. Another common method to tell the difference is as follows: add some water and 2-3 drops of vinegar essence into the honey and mix well. If the solution becomes foamy, that is definitely adulterated honey.

Drop honey on blotting paper or a paper towelIf honey has been diluted with water, it may be absorbed or leave a wet mark on an absorbent material such as blotting paper. Pure honey should not be absorbed, but unfortunately neither will honey diluted with most sugar syrups.

Shop on Konga and safe stress

How Agriculture Can Save Nigeria From Recession

                           Source: Wikipedia, EnterpriseBoom

It is widely admitted that Nigeria is currently passing through an economic-challenging moment ever in her history.
The country is battling with outburst economic recession — at a coincident time when Naira fast depreciates against other currencies most especially dollar coupled with the
nosediving price of Nigeria’s major dependence source of earning (crude oil), workers’ salaries payments delay for months and high inflation. All these are what constituted the breeze of economy discomfort blowing across nooks
and crannies of the nation — majorly felt by those who failed to utilize their potential and take swift action. The impact of the intense economic hardship is widely felt — of which Nigeria has never experienced before.

However, there is great concern that if the recession continue; it could lead into depression — which is not a good situation to witness.

So surprising that many people are still blindfolded to the sadden extent that even some graduates still see agriculture as a profession for the illiterates and kept nursing intoxicated perception that those who actively involve themselves in agriculture at this age are poor people but, they fail to realise that there is job, rest of mind, prestige and financial security in Agriculture.

Sometime in 1976-80 and 2000-7, Nigeria ex-president, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo,  advised on "Operation Feed the Nation" and "Cassava Revolution" respectfully. Also in 2012, the ex-president, Arch. Namadi Sambo, revealed that Nigeria had over 85 million hectares of uncultivated arable land. This significantly shows how majority of Nigerians are indifferent to agriculture but, are after white collar jobs which are not there and highly competitive to find.

An important sector to explore in countering the recession is Agriculture; it is a serious business and an effective tool in boosting one’s income sources — tantamount to financial freedom. It is capable of having multiplier effects on
the economy if massively embraced. It is time to stop looking on farming as a profession for the poor and the old. Time to change one’s mindset on Agriculture and massively invest in it.

Knowing fully well that Agriculture is divided into various segments which are crops planting, fisheries, animal rearing and forestry. All the segments require having basic knowledge of what they entail. It is advisable to have
basic understanding of whichever version of agriculture you wish to practice or involve professionals so as not to incur loss and debt.

Possibly Ways Agriculture Can Save Nigeria From Recession

Employment

Agriculture has huge capacity of absorbing  sudden mass of unemployed youths: graduates, uneducated and unskilled labor parading the streets as well as those in rural areas. It eradicates idleness. The likely kinds of employment are daily workers, vehicle drivers, technicians/machine operators like operators of bulldozer, tractors,
harvesters, milling machines, mower etc. Glaring example are Obasanjo Farms, Animal Care in Ogun State, Zartech, MIA Farms in Benin-City, Okomu Oilpalm Company in Edo State, Presco etc. The company’s workforces are many. The
workers are assured of daily/monthly payment of wages/salaries depending on the agreement and nature of job.

Food Security

Farming prevents famine and malnutrition. This situation has been or is being witnessed in certain parts of developing countries. Recession plus famine
could be disastrous and tragic. The major way to prevent famine is for everyone to widely encourage farming, efficient food storage and processing facilities; no
matter how small or big. Having a garden in our respective homes goes a long way in achieving food for all goal. Besides, on individuals farms, the farm produce harvested reduces money you are supposed to spend on purchase of food stuffs for your family thereby, encouraging savings or
investment of such excesses on other profitable ventures.

With the growing population, the demand for food is increasing on daily basis at a climbing rate thereby, warranting more involvement in farming.

Shortage in food supply in meeting people’s demands is capable of setting hunger and famine in motion — thereby leading to increase in crime rate, terrorism and hooliganism. Once there is sufficient food in the land and people are well fed despite the recession; people’s energy could well be
channeled into redefining the economy and charting a new course towards meeting other basic needs. Agricultural sector unarguably provide food needed for humans survival among others.

Improved Standard of Living

The proceeds and materials generated from Agriculture will improve the welfare and comfortability of those involved in Agricultural sector — ranging from quality clothes, comfortable houses, exotic cars, vacations among others. It will add to Nigeria’s GDP and stimulate rural electrification projects and channeling of pipe borne water into the rural areas where large scale farming is being practiced thereby, discouraging influx of migrants from rural areas into urban areas; owing to the raised standard of living.

Source of Income

Agriculture is a viable source of earning both locally and outside the shores of Nigeria. A few of potential crops that could be considered for local and foreign trades are Cashew, Cocoa, Palm oil, Cassava, Beans, Maize, Banana, Yam, Cotton, Orange, Fur (skin & hide), Rubber among others. Since humans can not survive on earth without consumption of some of these crops or their usage as raw materials in some industries — towards final transformation into finished products — they will continue to generate massive sources of income; depending on your level of commitment culminating the outputs realized.
Due to absence of most agricultural produce processing plants in Nigeria, most of the exported farm produce are used as raw materials — in producing juices, leather, plastic, tyre etc.

Shop on Konga and safe stress 

How Agriculture Can Save Nigeria From Recession

                           Source: Wikipedia, EnterpriseBoom

It is widely admitted that Nigeria is currently passing through an economic-challenging moment ever in her history.
The country is battling with outburst economic recession — at a coincident time when Naira fast depreciates against other currencies most especially dollar coupled with the
nosediving price of Nigeria’s major dependence source of earning (crude oil), workers’ salaries payments delay for months and high inflation. All these are what constituted the breeze of economy discomfort blowing across nooks
and crannies of the nation — majorly felt by those who failed to utilize their potential and take swift action. The impact of the intense economic hardship is widely felt — of which Nigeria has never experienced before.

However, there is great concern that if the recession continue; it could lead into depression — which is not a good situation to witness.

So surprising that many people are still blindfolded to the sadden extent that even some graduates still see agriculture as a profession for the illiterates and kept nursing intoxicated perception that those who actively involve themselves in agriculture at this age are poor people but, they fail to realise that there is job, rest of mind, prestige and financial security in Agriculture.

Sometime in 1976-80 and 2000-7, Nigeria ex-president, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo,  advised on "Operation Feed the Nation" and "Cassava Revolution" respectfully. Also in 2012, the ex-president, Arch. Namadi Sambo, revealed that Nigeria had over 85 million hectares of uncultivated arable land. This significantly shows how majority of Nigerians are indifferent to agriculture but, are after white collar jobs which are not there and highly competitive to find.

An important sector to explore in countering the recession is Agriculture; it is a serious business and an effective tool in boosting one’s income sources — tantamount to financial freedom. It is capable of having multiplier effects on
the economy if massively embraced. It is time to stop looking on farming as a profession for the poor and the old. Time to change one’s mindset on Agriculture and massively invest in it.

Knowing fully well that Agriculture is divided into various segments which are crops planting, fisheries, animal rearing and forestry. All the segments require having basic knowledge of what they entail. It is advisable to have
basic understanding of whichever version of agriculture you wish to practice or involve professionals so as not to incur loss and debt.

Possibly Ways Agriculture Can Save Nigeria From Recession

Employment

Agriculture has huge capacity of absorbing  sudden mass of unemployed youths: graduates, uneducated and unskilled labor parading the streets as well as those in rural areas. It eradicates idleness. The likely kinds of employment are daily workers, vehicle drivers, technicians/machine operators like operators of bulldozer, tractors,
harvesters, milling machines, mower etc. Glaring example are Obasanjo Farms, Animal Care in Ogun State, Zartech, MIA Farms in Benin-City, Okomu Oilpalm Company in Edo State, Presco etc. The company’s workforces are many. The
workers are assured of daily/monthly payment of wages/salaries depending on the agreement and nature of job.

Food Security

Farming prevents famine and malnutrition. This situation has been or is being witnessed in certain parts of developing countries. Recession plus famine
could be disastrous and tragic. The major way to prevent famine is for everyone to widely encourage farming, efficient food storage and processing facilities; no
matter how small or big. Having a garden in our respective homes goes a long way in achieving food for all goal. Besides, on individuals farms, the farm produce harvested reduces money you are supposed to spend on purchase of food stuffs for your family thereby, encouraging savings or
investment of such excesses on other profitable ventures.

With the growing population, the demand for food is increasing on daily basis at a climbing rate thereby, warranting more involvement in farming.

Shortage in food supply in meeting people’s demands is capable of setting hunger and famine in motion — thereby leading to increase in crime rate, terrorism and hooliganism. Once there is sufficient food in the land and people are well fed despite the recession; people’s energy could well be
channeled into redefining the economy and charting a new course towards meeting other basic needs. Agricultural sector unarguably provide food needed for humans survival among others.

Improved Standard of Living

The proceeds and materials generated from Agriculture will improve the welfare and comfortability of those involved in Agricultural sector — ranging from quality clothes, comfortable houses, exotic cars, vacations among others. It will add to Nigeria’s GDP and stimulate rural electrification projects and channeling of pipe borne water into the rural areas where large scale farming is being practiced thereby, discouraging influx of migrants from rural areas into urban areas; owing to the raised standard of living.

Source of Income

Agriculture is a viable source of earning both locally and outside the shores of Nigeria. A few of potential crops that could be considered for local and foreign trades are Cashew, Cocoa, Palm oil, Cassava, Beans, Maize, Banana, Yam, Cotton, Orange, Fur (skin & hide), Rubber among others. Since humans can not survive on earth without consumption of some of these crops or their usage as raw materials in some industries — towards final transformation into finished products — they will continue to generate massive sources of income; depending on your level of commitment culminating the outputs realized.
Due to absence of most agricultural produce processing plants in Nigeria, most of the exported farm produce are used as raw materials — in producing juices, leather, plastic, tyre etc.

Shop on Konga and safe stress 

Engage Yourself in one Aspect of Agribusiness

Learn, seek help and engage yourself in one/two aspect(s) of agribusiness today.
Agriculture pays.

How to Start Plantain Plantation in Nigeria

How to Start Plantain Plantation in Nigeria

By now, it should be no surprise to you that agriculture is the most
lucrative business sector in Nigeria . This has led to a huge boost in local and international investment, which has seen the agriculture industries potential increase exponentially.

If you’re still thinking about whether or not to invest in Nigerian agriculture, you should stop thinking and make a decision today. My advice to you is – don’t delay. The industry is so full of potential, and moving so quickly that you risk being left behind.

If you are already planning to start plantain farming in Nigeria, then you have made the right choice to help you turn your financial status around. With very little capital, plantain farming can help you make millions of Naira every year.

The secret to successful plantain farming is to ensure that you learn the basics, and master a few tricks of the trade. This is why you can start small and scale up to earn a lot from it.

The Plantain tree is a native of Asia, having been cultivated first in 500BC by South Indians. It has spread widely throughout the tropics, moving from Africa to the Caribbean and Latin America. At present though, Nigeria is a large producer of plantain. Nigeria produces more for local consumption in comparison to export.

You might be wondering why is plantain farming such a lucrative business? Plantain farming in Nigeria is so lucrative because plantain features heavily in the staple diet of most Nigerians. The few farmers who are successfully operating in this sector are making millions of Naira.

There is a large demand for plantain across the world and in Nigeria, but supply is struggling to meet demand. By following the simple steps given ahead, you will be well on your way to fulfilling this demand and providing yourself with a healthy income!

But before you start, it is important that you are aware of the health benefits of plantain.

Health benefits of plantain

1. Plantains are very reliable sources of starch and energy.

2. Plantains contain a high amount of dietary fibre, which helps ensure healthy bowels and reduces constipation.

3. Plantains have more vitamin C than bananas. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen- free radicals.

4. Plantains have more vitamin A than bananas. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin A plays a vital role in the visual cycle, maintaining healthy mucus membranes, and enhancing skin complexion.

5. As in bananas, they too are rich sources of B-complex vitamins, particularly high in vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine). Pyridoxine is an important B-complex vitamin that has a beneficial role in the treatment of neuritis, anemia, and to decrease homocystine (one of the causative factors for coronary artery disease (CHD) and stroke episodes) levels in the body.

6. Plantains also contain folates, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. Folates (folic acid) are essential for healthy pregnancy.

7. Plantains also provide adequate levels of minerals such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorous. Magnesium is essential for bone strengthening and has a cardiac-protective role as well.

8. Plantains have more potassium than bananas. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure, countering negative effects of sodium.

9. Plantains are famed to be diuretic and can help prevent kidney and bladder problems.

10. Plantains ease the discomfort associated with the menstrual period.

How to start plantain farming in Nigeria

Step #1: Purchase suitable land to start your own plantain farm

Plantain needs the right kind of climate to grow- for it cannot survive in too hot or too cold environments. If you already have land you need to ensure that it meets these basic conditions.

Plantains grow best in conditions where the soil retains water, that’s why plantain plantations in Nigeria are irrigated. You may not have the means to carry out irrigation so you should consider soils that retain water, have a good humus layer and you should always improvise by incorporating animal manure to the soil to improve on the humus and texture of the soil to retain water. You can also make your own compost by using chicken manure to increase its fertility.

Step #2: Clearing the land

Once you have purchased your land, you will need to clear it.

Clearing of land includes removal of trees, brush, stumps and stones amongst other obstacles. This is necessary to increase the area of the land base for producing crop, or to make your land suitable for plantain farming operation.

Depending on your budget, available equipment and the location of your plantain farm, you can go for either manual or mechanised clearing.

Step #3: Prepping the land

Once the land for your plantain farm is cleared, you will need to take certain steps for making the land suitable for growing plantain. This is necessary for creating the right soil conditions for a healthy growth of these young plants, and to ensure that your plantain plantation is successful in the long run.

Land preparation should be done long before you start the process of transplantation of the plant suckers. Although this step may require significant efforts and investment, you cannot skip it, or you will have an unsuccessful harvest, which will set back your plans of owning a successful plantain farm.

Prepping the land will also enable you to structure and plan your farming operational processes and procedures.

The areas that you must consider are:

The availability as well as the quality of water for irrigation that you have

Mechanical actions that will need to be implemented and how they will be implemented

Selection of land

Any chemical requirements for improving the soil before transplantation

Equipment and tools that will be required for the cultivation of plantain

Labor and manpower requirements

Leaching schedule

Time schedule

Financial requirements

Hole preparation

Step #4: Purchasing Plantain Suckers

Plantains are propagated vegetatively, from corms, which are underground bulbs or rhizomes or from suckers, which are shoots that grow from the bud that is at the plant base.

Since the use of the entire corm is quite laborious, the more common method is to grow those using small corms. The mother plant makes three kinds of plantain suckers, namely sword suckers, maidenheads and water suckers.

Sword suckers come with a short pseudostem and have narrow leaves, similar to blades, along with a narrow base. When they mature, they have fruitful and healthy pseudostems.

Maidenheads come with a pseudostem that is large and does not produce any fruit; white water suckers have broad leaves with short pseudostems.

Water suckers do not have a strong attachment to the rhizome, and produce less fruit with weaker plants. They are less preferred in comparison to large sword suckers and maidenheads.

It is essential that you purchase suckers only from a farm that is reputable and trusted. There is no fixed price for these, a conventional sucker can cost anywhere around N50 to N100, while a hybrid will cost around N120 to N200. This price may again, vary depending on where you procure it.

Step #5: Planting

It is essential that before you begin your plantain plantation, you eliminate any grass or weed competition. To prevent any re-growing of weed, you can use mulching.

However, for turf grass, you will need to either use herbicides or go by the hoeing technique. If you are planning to plant for producing fruit, there should be a space of at least 8-10 feet in between. Irrigation needs to be applied at regular intervals to keep the soil moist. Ensure that there is no standing water since plantains are not tolerant to wet conditions.

Step #6: In-organic and organic fertilization

After planting, you will need to manure them using a combination of household waste, poultry manure and woodash for improving the growth and yield of plantains. It will also help to reduce the infestation by nematodes and borer weevils.

Organic manure helps maintain the temperature of the soil, conserve its moisture content and help regulate soil acidity. This will help you make the most of your efforts for plantain farming in Nigeria.

Step #7 Harvest

Plantain trees produce large bunches of heavy fruit, which may cause the tree to slump or droop. If you find that your plantain tree is struggling to stand up due to the weight, use string and bamboo poles to tie and prop the tree.

Fruits appear within 90 to 120 days after the tree flowers. Upon fruiting, plantains are typically ready for harvest within 6 to 8 months.

Step #8 Market

As a farmer or producer of plantain your ultimate aim is to secure buyers for your produce. In most instances this should be straight forward as there is currently a high demand for plantain.

Buyers can range from the mama in your local market to large companies/industries. However, since industries do not buy small quantities and require that plantains meet international standards, you will only gain access to this important market if your production is to industry specification, both in terms of quantity, quality and time.

Conclusion

Following these steps with dedication is how you successfully establish your own plantain farm in Nigeria, which is not only a source of great income, but also a way to help the economy of Nigeria.

By Terser Adamu : http://mynaijanaira.com/plantain-farming-in-nigeria

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Going in to Agribusiness in Nigeria

Agribusiness in Nigeria is the current upward trend in the economy of our great country. The positive movement of this sector has cemented the importance of agribusiness in Nigeria.

The whole country from the President to the man in the street is talking about diversifying the economy from oil dominated mono economy to agric/food production focused economy. From this you can see the Importance of agribusiness for the future of the Nigerian economy, and anticipate that there will be plenty of agribusiness opportunities in Nigeria .

There is no doubt that agriculture is vital for the sustainability of most countries as it supports the basic need to get back to the farm and feed ourselves, communities and even the world. Despite that, I can’t help but feel that we are making some fundamental mistakes when going in to agribusiness in Nigeria.
Are you keen to avoid making these mistakes? If you are you’ve come to the right place!

In this post I will be discussing with you 5 mistakes to avoid when going in to agribusiness in Nigeria, either crop farming or animal husbandry.
Let’s get started and discuss some of the problems of agribusiness in Nigeria…

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Going in to Agribusiness in Nigeria

§ Mistake #1

Seeing farming as our forefathers saw it

Yes, farming is the profession of our forefathers. In fact, it is the most popular profession in Africa because (according to statistical data) nearly half of Africa’s employed population is farmers. But you see, our farming techniques have been passed on from forefathers, but they have not progressed greatly and caught up with modern times.
Our forefathers practiced farming as a means of feeding themselves, family and the immediate community, which is why, although millions of them were farmers, we still could not feed ourselves as a nation.

Africa has more farmers than any other continent of the world, yet we still import most of our food.
In 2015 alone, Africa imported food worth about $40 billion. That’s shameful, what do you think?
The reason for this is that we are still practicing farming just like our forefathers.

Till this very day, when you look around in Nigeria, you’ll observe that 90% of farming is still small scale farming.
For us to move forward from here to where we dream of, we must make agribusiness work for Nigerian farmers. We must adopt mechanized and progressive farming techniques. We must start viewing farming as a
lucrative business .

Without this change, the popular noise about our intending economy diversification will end up being just noise with no action, because currently, Nigeria has 5 million farmers but cannot feed a nation of 180 million, not to talk about exporting our agric product?
We have to adopt massive mechanized and commercialised farming in Nigeria.

§ Mistakes #2

Most people entering agribusiness in Nigeria see themselves as “mere farmers”

This mentality is dangerous because the world has moved away from this mentality.
Modern farmers no longer see themselves as “just farmers”. 21st century farmers are businessmen who deal in farm produce.

Take for instance if you think you’re just a farmer, you won’t see your agricultural produce as something that you have to brand, package or vigorously market with a clearly defined marketing strategies.
Some time ago I was talking with a man who was planning to go into poultry farming business . I told him to treat “poultry farming as a business. Read business books and equip yourself with proven business knowledge and tactics”.

We can’t just encourage people to go into farming. We can’t just think this economic diversification is as simple as encouraging people to go into fish farming, poultry farming, pig farming or other crop farming, without equipping them with basic business skills, knowledge, tactics and strategies that will help them to compete favourably in the market.

You as an individual potential farmer or practicing farmer have to understand this.

In any business, any Joe can produce anything, but it takes a smart man to sell, I mean to sell at a good price and make a profit. Without profit there is no business.

Knowing how to grow certain crops or how to raise certain animals is just a chapter; selling those products at a good profit is where the real work is.

§ Mistake #3

Most Nigerians going into farming do not invest enough time in market research

A few minutes ago I just finished speaking with an Indian client of mine. He is a businessman who (together with other foreigners) owns businesses in Nigeria.

Recently they decided to venture into fish farming. In preparation of this venture they have been busy for the past month, researching and learning as much as possible about their potential agricultural business venture.

From personal experience, the average Nigerian does not do that.

To most people, starting an agric business is as simple as deciding a crop to grow or a sector of the animal husbandry to venture into.

As I said earlier, farming is a business and has to be taken very seriously.

If you’re going into agribusiness, the very first thing to do is to take time to conduct market research so that you can determine the internal and external factors both negative and positive that can potentially impact your business.
Only then will you know the best strategies to adopt in selling your farm produce.

§ Mistake #4

Nigerian agribusiness farmers produce without having buyers

A few months ago a man from Imo Sate called me. He needed me to help him, but unfortunately I could not.
What happened was that this man went ahead and started a fish farm, stocked fishes and spent money to grow them.
As these fishes grew and became ready for market, the man remembered that he has no idea who he will sell his fishes to.

He tried all he could but he couldn’t find profitable buyers.
Trust me, this story is not a one off. There are so many farmers like this in Nigeria.

They read online or are told that rice farming , poultry farming , pig farming or cucumber farming is profitable, and then they get started, without knowing who to sell to.

As a business person (not a mere farmer), you have to know who and where your farm produce will be sold, even before you get started in whatever agricultural venture you choose.
I am not saying that you should just have the idea of where to sell your farm produce. I mean, reach out to your target market, speak with potential customers, discuss with them and make sure there are people (buyers) who will be wiling to buy your farm produce, even before you get started.

§ Mistake #5

Nigerian farmers enter agribusiness expecting a get rich quick business

A get rich quick mentality is not new; it’s only a surprise that no matter what most people try to lay their hands on, they want success, immediately!

None many things in life work that way, unless you win the lottery. Agribusiness in Nigeria is not like a lottery because its success is not down to luck, but hard work and planning.
Your agricultural business venture could be successful, you could make millions through it, but it won’t happen overnight, it might not even happen next month or next year.

Be patient, persistent and pursue your goal until you achieve it. Don’t be deceived by whatever you might have heard or read because you won’t become rich overnight.
Diligently do all that you can and then the reward shall come.

When it comes, don’t forget to send my contribution!

Culled from http://mynaijanaira.com/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-going-in-to-agribusiness-in-nigeria/

A Goldmine in Agribusiness: Oil-Palm Plantation

GROWING OIL PALM

* Technical aspects of oil palm

Oil Palm (Elaeis guinensis Jacq.) is a native of Guinea Coast of West Africa. It belongs to family Palmae and tribe Cocoineae. Oil palm is the highest oil source among perennial oil yielding crops. It produces two distinct oils viz., palm oil (extracted from mesocarp of fresh fruits) and palm kernel oil (from kernel). Palm oil has excellent health attributes. It is rich in vitamins A and E and is cholesterol free. Palm oil can be used in formulation of margarine and cooking fat. It can be used in manufacture of biscuits, ice creams, soaps, detergents, and shampoos and also as frying fat. Palm kernel oil has variety of industrial uses.

# Varieties: Broadly, there are three varieties viz., Dura, Piscifera and Tenera. Tenera, a hybrid of Dura and Piscifera is characterized by a thin shell and medium to high mesocarp (65-90%) and high oil content (16-20%). It is a commercially cultivated variety.

# Soil and climatic requirements: Deep well-drained medium loam soil, rich in humus is the most suit
able for oil palm cultivation. Oil palm requires a well distributed rainfall of 2500 to 4000 mm per annum and a temperature range of 19-33° C. It is a water-loving crop and it requires adequate irrigation. The crop responds well to drip irrigation and yields are reported to increase by at least 20%.

# Planting: Oil palm is planted in triangular system at a spacing of 9 X 9 X 9 m accommodating 143 plants in a hectare. Planting can be done in any season. However, the best period is June to December. Seedlings of 10-14 months age are best suited for planting.

# Irrigation : Oil palm requires adequate irrigation, as it is a fast growing crop with high productivity and biomass production. For yielding palms of above three years age, a minimum of 150 litres per day is required. In older plantations the requirement goes upto 20 litres per day.
The crop responds well to drip or micro sprinkler irrigation p
articularly when water is limited. If drip is installed four drippers have to be placed for each palm. If each dripper discharges 8 litre per hour, 4-5 hour of irrigation is sufficient to discharge 160 litre per day. Drip irrigation increases the productivity by 15-20 per cent, reduces wastage of water, and requires less power/fuel per irrigation compared to conventional irrigation methods. It is important to note that any physiological stress shifts sex ratio in favour of male flowers and consequently the productivity is reduced.

# Nutrition: Fertilizers are preferably applied in 3-4 split doses. Application of green leaf manure or compost is advantageous, especially where the soils are poor inorganic matter.

# Inter crop: During the initial stages of plantation in oil palm i.e., upto 3rd year, some of the light feeder inter crops such as pulses, cereals, vegetables, grasses etc., can be grown. Inter crop should be grown 1m. away from the basin in 1st year of oil palm plantation. In two-year-old plantations, it should be grown 2m away, followed by 3m in the third year plantations.

# Yield : Oil palm starts bearing from 4th year onwards and its economic life varies from 30 to 35 years. The yield of oil palm varies according to age and management. Under average management conditions in a mature plantation (8 to 9 years old), yield of 15-18 tonnes of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) per hectare is expected. Under good maintenance and management, yield upto 25-30 tonnes of FFBs per hectare is possible.

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