Friday, November 1, 2013

PLANTAIN FARMING IN NIGERIA: Plantain Powder Business Opportunity




Plantain and banana are widely cultivated in the southern and middle belt regions in Nigeria. The annual local production outruns the demand. Being a highly perishable food item, substantial quantities rot away in a short period after harvest.


When the rains start which signals the commencement of planting, the plantain farmers plant at the same time. They harvest at the same period and flood the markets with the product. After a short while, the product soon becomes scarce where much rots away due to unavailable technology for conversion for a longer shelf life.


The solution is to process the fruits into a powdered form which can be packaged and stored for a longer time without spoilage and wastage occurring. The natural flavors in the powdered form can also be utilized in industrial food processing.


Foods and drinks such as cakes, ice creams, yoghurt and custard are flavored to enhance their taste. The flavors are imported into Nigeria and are synthetic, therefore not as good as the natural flavors in banana and plantain powder. The natural flavors can be imparted into other foods.


There is a readymade market within and outside Nigeria for banana and plantain powder. Nigerians in the diaspora, who are looking for businesses to do in Nigeria can look into the aspect of setting up a suitable processing technology to convert banana and plantain into powdered form. The benefits are many to the farmers and to the economy.


Conversion to powder will increase their economic value and give a longer shelf life. The added value will translate to selling at a higher price than the raw fruit. The natural flavors in them are a better substitute to the synthetic flavors currently being imported. 


Foreign exchange will be conserved when the import of synthetic flavors is reduced or eliminated. Foreign exchange will be earned where the natural flavors are exported. Conversion will significantly reduce wastage and spoilage, yield more revenue to the farmers and encourage them to produce more.


The equipment required for conversion into powdered form has been developed locally and can be acquired with a moderate investment.


John Ayodele

www.plantainrichesnigeria.blogspot.com