Plantain Business:Make N200,000 Per Acre Of Land Yearly For 25 Years Planting Just Once

In a list of ten top profitable farm businesses to venture into in Nigeria, plantain farming will certainly be part of it.

The reason is not far-fetched! Plantain is one of the most highly demanded food crops across the country all year round. It appeals to almost everyone because of the different forms by which it can be eaten. While some people, especially those working on their blood sugar levels, prefer eating the unripe form of it, others like it ripe.

Plantain combines well with other foods, such as rice, beans, and groundnuts, making it a delight for both children and adults.

It can also be processed into chips and flour with enormous export potential.

In addition to the huge local demand, plantain farming is highly lucrative as a result of the ease and low cost of farming.

SuccessDigest decided to take a look at this money-spinning crop this week and got two successful farmers and consultants to share their experience in plantain farming with our readers. They didn’t disappoint, they revealed valuable information about plantain farming, and one of them even disclosed how he built a house from the business to show how lucrative it is.

Here are our experts: Lamson Opeyemi, is the CEO, Farm Business Setup Venture, and also a consultant in plantain farming; Olumakinde Oni, is the Chief Consultant/Chief Executive of Nucleus

Ventures (Nigeria) Limited, a firm of investment consultants in agriculture, agro processing, food processing, manufacturing, commence, and trade.
Enjoy the interview.

A Few Guidelines In Growing Plantain And Starting A Plantain Farm
Lamson Opeyemi: The first thing to consider in starting a plantain farm is to look for a place with the right climate. Plantain cannot thrive in an environment that is too hot or too cold. The plantain plantation must have a good drainage system. A place with rich, naturally fertilized soil is the ideal place for planting plantains. If such is not available, one can create compost and add chicken manure.

Plantain plants also grow best in bunches or groups because they protect each other from the harsh rays of the sun. It is important to create an environment where the plantain plants are sheltered either because they are bunched up together or there are other trees to protect them. It is important to maintain the humidity of the plantain plantation.

Considering that a plantain plant is not a tree but a type of herb, they cannot actually be grown from seeds like most trees. Plantain plants are grown through suckers. Suckers are those that grow from a matured and dying plantain plant that can be transplanted and re-grown. They may be considered as baby plants that are used to start new plantain plants. Choose suckers from plants that are vigorous. They should have small, spear shaped leaves and are about one foot high.

There is a corm at the bottom of each mature plantain tree. In transplanting a sucker, it is necessary to cut downwards and get as much corm and root as possible. Plant these and cut or decapitate the sucker to facilitate good evaporation.

Keep around two to five meters between planted suckers. In the early days of your plant, keep them moist but not too wet as they don’t have leaves yet to evaporate the water.
As the plantain grows, it is important to protect it from strong winds. It is also important to keep it well watered. One can also sprinkle fertilizers every now and then but mostly throwing the plantain dead leaves back into the plant is enough to sustain the rich quality of the soil.

Unlike other trees, plantain do not need complicated pruning. Just remove dead leaves and dead plants near the plantain. Also, remove suckers from the plant keeping only one or two that have spear shaped leaves. You can replant removed suckers if you have space to plant them.

Plantain production in Africa is estimated at more than 50% of worldwide production. The majority (82%) of plantains in Africa are produced in the area stretching from the lowlands of Guinea and Liberia to the central basin of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

West and Central Africa contribute 61 and 21% respectively (FAO). It is estimated that about 70 million people in West and Central Africa derive more than 25% of their carbohydrates from plantains, making them one of the most important sources of food energy throughout the African lowland humid forest zone.

Nigeria is one of the largest plantain producing countries in the world. Despite its prominence, Nigeria does not feature among plantain exporting nations because it produces more for local consumption than for export. National per capita consumption figures show its importance relative to other starch staples. However, these figures do not show regional reliance, which is often very important for highly perishable crops that are usually consumed in or near areas of production.

The consumption of plantain has risen tremendously in Nigeria in recent years because of the rapidly increasing urbanization and the great demand for easy and convenient foods by the non-farming urban populations. Besides being the staple for many people in more humid regions, plantain is a delicacy and favored snack for people even in other ecologies. A growing industry, mainly plantain chips, is believed to be responsible for the high demand being experienced now in the country.

The demand for plantain within the country is high, with supply struggling because few Nigerians are into commercial farming, urban development has made a lot of people to abandon farming for white collar jobs, jobs that are not even available.

How Much Do I Need To Start A Plantain Farm?
Olumakinde Oni, You need about N400, 000 to set up one acre plantain farm. But if you already have a farmland of that size you may not spend up to that amount and this amount includes the cost of the suckers and labour to clear the farm land as the need arises before your first harvest.

The beauty about plantain farming is that, you only need to do the very first and final planting unless you have a new area you wish to replant the plantain in, because once you plant the first sucker you will not have to cut and replant. That one sucker can keep producing for the next 25years or more if you properly maintain the farm.

What Are The Best Breeds That We Have?
There are many breeds of plantain, but the most appropriate to be cultivated is called “hybrid agbagba”  the giant elephant plantain specie.

Plantain maintenance activities before harvesting involves heaping around the plantain suckers, mulching, regular weeding, removal of unwanted suckers, herbicides and fertilizer application.

This is the major breed that is common around here, but sometimes you see some look healthier than others and you will be wondering what has happened. Those that may look unhealthy might be as a result of bad weather, under-matured before harvest; invasion by pests can also be responsible.

How Lucrative Is Plantain Farming Business?
Lamson Opeyemi, Plantain farming business is very lucrative, you can make as much as N200, 000 from one acre of plantain farm on yearly basis.  You can make this for over 25 years if you maintain the farm very well. 

The demands for plantain are very high because plantain is consumed by almost everybody.  You can eat it unripe or ripe, and you can process it into flour or chips.  It also has high export potentials.

Plantain is a very lucrative business, a bunch of plantain costs N1,400, some could be sold for higher prices, and to market women directly. Now imagine how much N1, 400 multiplied by 1,000 plantain bunches, that is a whooping sum of N1.4million, however, don’t forget there are expenditures like cost of renting of land, clearing of bush, and payment to security guides.

Talking about how lucrative this plantain farming business is, in the last 7years since I started farming plantain, I have been able to change my lifestyle to a desired lifestyle, living comfortably; and I have been able to build a house for myself and live a good life, all to the glory of God.

What Kind Of Soil Must A Farmer Plant Plantain To Get Good Yields?
The farmer needs soil that retains water because plantain needs water, that’s why banana plantations here are irrigated. Local farmers may not have the means to carry out irrigation so they should look for soils that retain water and have a good humus layer.

They should always improvise by incorporating animal manure to the soil to improve on the humus and texture of the soil to retain water.

Farmers Complain That After A Few Harvests, Plantains Don’t Do Well Again, What’s The Problem?
This is caused by nematodes and borers’ attacks, which make plantains to dry off; all of these are soil pests. So, to control these pests, a farmer needs to apply nematicides twice a year. They can use MOCAP bastion and it will be good to have a permanent calendar. It is good to apply in April and again in September. If this is well followed, you will stop this effect. You know that the nematodes and borers attack plantains more, not bananas. That’s why banana stems which were cultivated by our parents long in the 50s are still surviving.

Can Somebody Make Plantain Or Banana Farming A Business In Nigeria?
Sure! Plantain/bananas growing is a big business in Nigeria. Plantain farming involves planting, maintenance, and harvesting of plantain for the purpose of providing food and raw materials for industries that readily utilize plantain to produce other food products.

The first thing is that if you are going for mass production, you should look for a market, and here in Nigeria we have a ready market. There is also the Muea market in Cameroon, which is one of the biggest markets in the sub region because buyers come from Yaounde, Douala, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, etc. to buy plantains and other food stuff.

Here in Lagos, Nigeria, the market is even more, there are popular plantain markets in Idi-Oro, Mushin, Mile 12, and Ketu, where hundreds of trucks loads of plantain are sold on a daily bases.
Because of this, the demand for plantain seedlings is very high since people have realized that it is a big business and are ready to open big plantations. The main problem here is getting the suckers to plant. This also opens opportunities for people to go into the production of plantain and bananas seedlings business.

How Can One Get Suckers Or Seedlings To Buy?
You can get from established plantain farming companies like Sedulus Plantain Farming in Moniya, Ibadan. A sucker usually sells for N120 or thereabout.

You can also contact your state ministry of agriculture for suckers or seedlings, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Otta, Ogun State, which have done quite a lot of research to assist farmers with quality seedlings.

After getting the suckers, you need to multiply them by using tissue culture. The method involves culturing or growing the tissue or part of the plant in a special medium with hormones that induce the multiplication of the suckers after three weeks instead of a year's duration under natural conditions.

What Are The Nutritive Elements In Plantains That Attract People?
We know that plantain contains iron, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamin C, B1 and B2, and has other minerals which are very good for the body.

How Can Plantain Suckers Be Sterilized Before Planting?
After preparing your suckers, you need to treat them with both insecticides and fungicides. Use a sachet of any of the chemicals in 15 liters of water, stir very well to avoid lumps, put the suckers already prepared for planting in the propagator with the mixture for 10 minutes. You can remove and put under a shade for 24 hours before planting.

After Propagation How Can A Farmer Plant Well To Have Good Yields?
If you follow all the above outlined steps, then remove your suckers well from the propagator and take them to a nursery.

In about six weeks, you will have good seedlings that will give you good yields. This means that from the propagator to the farm you can take just about two and a half to three months to have enough seedlings.

When Is The Best Time To Plant For Maximum Yield?
Olumakinde Oni, The best time to start planting for profit is between April and September when plantain is not produced much.  You have plenty of plantains from November to March.

The demand for plantain is very high because it is consumed by almost everybody.  You can eat it unripe or ripe, and you can process it into flour or chips.  It also has high export potentials.

The benefits of plantain include food security, job creation, income generation, self sufficiency, and self reliance. It also provides the needed energy, vitamins, and minerals to the body. Plantain flour is a very good food for diabetic patients.

You need to keep plantain in a place where they can get enough air and sunlight before selling.  If you want to keep them in boxes or containers, they have to be perforated.

What Are The Major Challenges Faced By Plantain Farmers And How Can They Overcome They?
The major challenges of plantain farming are pilfering and regular maintenance.

 Also, transportation to and from the farm to get the goods out of the farm is a big challenge. The roads leading to most farms are very bad and once it rains they become impassable, that you have to look for alternative ways to move the produce out of the bush.

You need to be brave when you encounter any of these challenges out there in the forest. Challenges are meant to come but what make you a success or a failure is how you overcome them. In life, there is a solution to every problem, locating the solution for the immediate problem you are facing in that farm now will determine your success.

What Is Your Advice To Plantain Farmers Or Would-Be Farmers?
My advice to plantain farmers is that they should not stay away from their farms. Plantain plantations require adequate maintenance and security.
Also, as a farmer, you need to be more creative to add value to the product, like making of plantain chips and plantain flour with your produce, which will even make more money for you.

How To Produce Quality Plantain Seedlings
In plantain farming, it is important to use quality seedlings devoid of diseases to be sure of having your plants producing for you for many years, up to 25 years. With a diseased seedling, the plant might not do more than two years.

Below is a guide to producing quality seedlings using the detached corm techniques, demonstrated by E. Njukwe, A. Tenkouano, and D. Amah of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA.

Detached corm techniques are currently promoted by IITA because of higher numbers of seedlings produced and uniformity in growth while being less prone to post-establishment stress in the field.

Detached corm techniques include: whole corm, split corm, excised buds, meristem-drilling and PIF (plants issus de fragments de tiges). These techniques are simple (easy-to-grasp), cheap to establish with minimum investment to set up germination chambers and weaning facilities.

Steps in detached corm techniques
A) Propagators
Propagators should be constructed with cheap materials under 50% shades and well protected measuring 1.5m x 5m x 1m high. Enterprising seed producers could use iron rods and concrete floor. Propagators should be kept clean and completely covered with transparent polyethylene sheets. Humidity and temperature should be monitored.

B) Filling of chambers
Propagation chambers are filled ¾ way full with steam sterilized fine sawdust.

C) Type of Suckers used
Healthy sword and maiden suckers or about to flower and already harvested plants free from weevil infestation are used.

Techniques and corresponding sucker type
PIF, Sword sucker. The meristem is present while buds are absent. Propagation is by meristem manipulation. Meristem drilling, Maiden sucker. The meristem and buds are present but its meristem drilled. Propagation is by bud manipulation.

Whole corm, Split corm and Excised buds, About to flower or already harvested corm. The meristem is absent while buds are present. Propagation is by bud manipulation.

D) Suckers and techniques
Sword suckers: Good for PIF
Mother corm: Good for whole corm, split corm and excised buds
Maiden sucker: Good for corm drilling
Shoots from bud

E) Sucker preparation and planting
Harvested sucker is trimmed off its roots and washed to remove plant and soil debris. Outer leaf sheaths are removed 2mm above the corm at leaf base with a sharp knife to expose all buds and/or meristem. Prepared corm is surface sterilized for 20 min in fungicide mixture, buds scarified and air dried for 24 hours.

With  whole corm, the entire corm is planted in the chamber or fragmented into 2 or more bits as the case with split corm. With excised buds, buds are cut out in minisetts of about 50-100g each before sterilization and planting. With corm drilling, the meristem is drilled while in PIF, the corm is pared, sterilized and apical meristem scarified or fragmented longitudinally into 2 or 4 bits before planting.

Prepared corms are planted at 10cm interval and cover with 2cm layer of saw dust. PIF fragments are planted with the cut portion (meristem) facing up. The chamber is well watered immediately and thereafter watering is done 2-3 times a week.

F) Propagator management

• Watering should be done only when necessary especially when poly sheets are dried.
• Large shoots should be manipulated (scarified) to obtain secondary plantlets.
• Shoots having 2-3 small leaves should be detached to poly pots with roots or rooting chambers without roots but with little portion of corm for nutrient reserve. Clean environment should be maintained.
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•   G) Potting mixture preparation
• Potting substrate include: top soil, saw dust, coffee husk, cocoa husk, rice husk and oilpalm fiber that is mixed in different proportions and should be prepared in advance. Top soil mixed with saw dust and composted organic matter at 6:3:1 ratio is preferred.

The soil mixture is steam sterilized for 12 hours in a drum. An old oil drum, modified by welding iron cross bars at about 20 cm from the bottom is used for steaming. Steam is prevented from escaping from the mixture when heating. After sterilization, the mixture should be allowed to cool for 24 hours before use.

H) Rooting and acclimatization
Detached plantlets are sorted and those without roots are planted in rooting chambers for rooting while those with roots are transferred to poly pots for acclimatization. Movement of plantlets to distant nurseries for acclimatization should be in humid transparent polythene bags.
 

• 17cm x 24cm black poly bag is used for potting.
• Acclimatization is under atmospheric condition of 25 – 27 C.
• Shade should be 2m high for proper lighting and management. Watering should be 4 times a week.

Culled From SuccessDigestOnline.