News in Brief:
– Plantain production offers farmers a lucrative opportunity to improve their livelihoods.
– They can take advantage of high domestic demand, export potential, innovative farming practices, and strategic market approaches.
Plantain, a staple food in many Nigerian households, is a significant agricultural commodity with a robust market. Its cultivation is widespread across the country, particularly in the southern regions where the climate is conducive to its growth.
Nigeria, with 2.8 million metric tons (MMT) to 3.1 MMT of plantains produced annually, is one of the world’s leading producers of plantain. The crop is also the third most important starch staple after maize and cassava.
However, most of the plantain produced is consumed locally. Small-scale farmers dominate the sector, often integrating plantain cultivation into mixed farming systems.
It is also a versatile crop with numerous culinary uses. It can be boiled, fried, roasted, or processed into various products like flour, chips, and porridge. Nigerians consume plantain in significant quantities, and its demand continues to grow.
A farmer’s perspective on plantain production
Peter Olaoye is a plantain farmer in the Okokomaiko area of Lagos state, who cultivates the crop in his one-acre farmland. He says the potential inherent in plantain farming is yet to be fully explored as demand usually outstrips supply.
“The demand for plantain in this area is higher than supply, especially as the crop can be processed into flour, which is what most of my buyers obtain it for. It is a lucrative venture and needs little capital outside of land to invest in,” he told this publication.
Olaoye has over 750 trees on his farm and makes a substantial amount from it. Interestingly though, the farmer’s foray into plantain farming began serendipitously, capitalising on a water-logged piece of land.
“I actually went into plantain farming by accident as it were, because the land I used was prone to flooding and usually water-logged when it rained. Since the original owner, who is abroad, has no real use for it in the meantime, I decided to plant suckers in there, as a means to control the flooding issue,” he revealed.
According to the farmer, this was a blessing in disguise as the venture yielded unexpected gains.
“You know that the crop requires copious amounts of water to thrive, so it was a convenient arrangement in that regard. The first batch of harvest surprised me as the harvest was beyond my expectations, and I generated almost ₦300,000 from that last year,” said Olaoye.
Thus, he made the decision to go into plantain production fully in 2024. He added that he has installed an irrigation system from an existing borehole to ensure continuous cultivation even during the incoming dry season.
Soil and climate considerations for plantain farming
Comparatively, plantain is a better farming alternative to cassava or maize, for instance, as it requires little intensive care to nurture. Also, the plant does well in loamy soil, for water retention.
Essentially, plantains need well-drained, nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
However, issues with pests and diseases like Black Sigatoka, a fungal disease, can cause yellowing and spotting of leaves as well as premature ripening of plantains, effectively ruining harvest.
Olaoye disclosed that he has been fortunate in this regard as he has not had issues with pests and diseases, which is because he bought disease resistant variety of suckers for planting.
Also, plantains typically require a long growing season to reach maturity, so it is better to plant them in the late rainy season or early dry season. Once planted, the plantains will take several months to reach full maturity and can then be harvested.
High demand, high returns
The farmer admits that the returns on investment in plantain farming are quite appreciable.
“The market for plantain is very high, people come from far away to buy and resell in other places at higher costs and still enjoy patronage. If you go to the market now, you’ll find that plantain is readily available and relatively cheaper now. However, the price is expected to go up soon as the dry season approaches,” he mentioned.
“I generate money from suckers which aspiring farmers come to buy. At the price of 150 per sucker, I could earn almost ₦100,000 in a few months from that alone,” he adds.
Challenges and opportunities
While plantain farming holds immense potential, it faces several challenges:
- Pests and Diseases: Outbreaks of pests and diseases like black Sigatoka and banana weevil can significantly impact yields.
- Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate transportation infrastructure can hinder the timely delivery of produce to markets.
- Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns, such as droughts and floods, can disrupt crop cycles and reduce yields.
To overcome these challenges and capitalise on the growing demand, farmers and policymakers must work together to:
- Invest in Research and Development: Develop resistant varieties and innovative farming techniques to improve productivity and quality.
- Improve Post-Harvest Handling: Implement efficient post-harvest practices to minimize losses and extend shelf life.
- Strengthen Value Chains: Foster linkages between farmers, processors, and markets to enhance market access and value addition.
- Promote Sustainable Practices: Adopt eco-friendly farming methods to protect the environment and ensure long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
Plantain production offers a promising avenue for Nigerian farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country’s agricultural economy.
With high domestic demand, export potential, and various culinary uses, plantain cultivation holds significant economic value.
However, challenges such as pests, diseases, and infrastructure limitations need to be addressed to fully realise the potential of this crop. By investing in research, improving post-harvest practices, and strengthening value chains, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of plantain farming and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for its farmers.
