How to Start Profitable Cocoyam Farming in Nigeria

Cocoyam is a popular food crop in Nigeria and a staple food for many communities in Nigeria. However this tuber crop is also popular in most tropical regions of the world . It comes in several varieties. Some varieties are used for soup, others are boiled, while some are used to make porridge among a long list of recipes. Little wonder that this crop has continued to grow in popularity among Nigerians and Africans. However Our focus here is to guide you on how to start a profitable Cocoyam farming business in Nigeria. There is no better time than now as the opportunities it offers are tremendous. Using the information provided here, you have the chance of reaping bountifully as there is currently a huge supply deficit.

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Why Choose this Line of Business?

Some people would like to know why cocoyam farming is attractive. Well, before now, cocoyam farming was popular among small scale/subsistence farmers. These only cultivated it for personal consumption. The little left was sold at the market. All these changed as knowledge increased about the health benefits of Cocoyam (This would be discussed in greater detail shortly). As societies became more cosmopolitan, cultures were shared and people learnt a great deal about the way of life of each other. The exchange of food recipes formed a dominant part of this relationship. This made people discover newer ways to prepare this food crop. A result of this is the high demand of cocoyam across Nigeria.

Some popular cocoyam recipes in Nigeria include Oha soup, Ekpang Nkwukwor, Achicha Ede, used in bitterleaf soup as thickener, and several other dishes. It is important to note that apart from the cocoyam itself, the leafs are also consumed. These are also prepared in a variety of ways. A good thing about cocoyam is that you can prepare it any way you choose to. With these, you can see that there is great potential for cocoyam farmers. Meeting the huge supply deficit becomes necessary.

Health Benefits of Cocoyam

The health benefits of cocoyam itself is an incentive. The less information about the health benefits of any crop, the less likely it is to attract much attention. Before now, little was known about the health benefits of cocoyam. However research has shown that there is much more than meets the eye. This tuber crop contains a good amount of Thiamine, Copper, Manganese, Niacine, Calcium, Vitamins B6, A, E and C. Other nutrients  include Zinc, Pottassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Riboflavin, and Protein. These are very important food nutrients obtained from Cocoyam.

Basic Requirements

Commercial cocoyam farming requires a sizeable farmland. A major part of production cost goes into land acquisition. However owning a farmland will significantly reduce your expenses. Well drained sandy-loam or loam-clay soil will be best for cultivation. Getting your seedlings ready are an important requirement as well.

Cultivating Your Crop

The next action to take is farming or cultivating your crop. This requires tilling the soil.  You can decide to use mounds or ridges. It is good to apply enough compost manure when farming your crop. Therefore should be adequate spacing to encourage proper growth. However proper space management is important. This ensures proper utilization of farmland and as a result encourages bumper harvest. Higher ridges will encourage deeper penetration.

Tending your crop is necessary for bumper harvest. This involves weeding, as well as piling more soil to the base of the stem. Adequate spacing will make it easier to do this.  This process ensures your crops get the perfect conditions. You can choose to cultivate in the dry or rainy season. Irrigation farming is widely practiced too. However the same care process applies to all.

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Profit Potential

The profit potential of Cocoyam farming is not in doubt. Although this is the case, work is required. this work is in the area of marketing your products. There are several farmer cooperatives that seek to protect the interests of farmers. Joining one of these is the first step. If there is non around, you can form one with other farmers. This gives you a leverage for adequate pricing.These groups also help in sharing information about buyers. There’s alot you can benefit from such associations. The high demand for it is good for business. In addition to this, the few who have ventured into the business have not regreted their decisions.

Taking a stroll into any market will reveal that it is not always available all-year round. This presents an opportunity to exploit! Therefore taking the bull by the horn is necessary.