Entrepreneurship-Manufacturing71 Comments

Short Report: Plantain is a food crop that can be grown and processed profitably in Nigeria. Plantain is a  major source of food in many regions throughout Nigeria. Study shows that the production of plantain is over 80 million metric tones per year. Despite this figure, demand still outstrips supply. That is why I want to put you through on what it takes to start a plantain flour mill so that you can tap from this opportunity.

Plantain can either be used for domestic consumption or used as input by other producers. For instance, plantain can be processed into chips or flour and sold locally or export abroad.

Plantain flour has now become a popular food today in both local and international market. In Nigeria, the potential national demand for plantain flour has been estimated to be in excess of 300,000 Tonnes/Annul.

SEE ALSO: How To Make N40,000 – N120,000 Per Month Producing Plantain Chips

The current supply level is probably less than 20% of the estimated demand with only few companies producing on mechanized and commercial scale.

The facilities required for a small/medium scale plantain flour mill include drying machine, slicing/chipping machine, milling machine and packaging machine.

The average production cost per Kg of plantain flour is N236, while the average retail price per Kg of good quality plantain flour is N330 per Kg.

Plantain is the major raw material for plantain flour production, and it is available all year round in commercial quantities in many parts of Nigeria. Nigeria is said to be the largest producer of plantain in West Africa.

The processing line for plantain flour production is as follows:

1. Sorting: This involves inspection of plantain fingers to identify and remove unsuitable ones i.e. spoilt, immature pulps e.t.c.

2. Weighing: The sorted plantains are properly weighed to quantify input of the raw plantain.

3. Blanching: The green plantain fruits are soaked in hot water for some minutes to soften the skin for easy peeling.

4. Peeling: The plantain peels are removed manually using sharp knives to obtain the pulp.

5. Slicing/Chipping: The pulp is sliced or chipped with the aid of a mechanical slicer.

6. Drying: The sliced plantain is dried in a short time with the aid of an industrial drying machine.

7. Milling: The dried plantain slices/chips are milled in a hammer mill.

8. Sieving: The flour is sieved to obtain the desire particle size.

9. Packaging: The flour is packaged in moisture proof packaging material ready for sale.

Now, if you operate a plantain flour mill that has the capacity to process 1tone of plantain flour per day, and you implement a good and efficient marketing strategy, the following average monthly figures are true:

Production volume per month = 29tones (29000Kg)
Sales = N9, 570,000
Direct cost of sales = N6, 844,000
Miscellaneous = N500,000
Profit per month = N2,226,000.

Plantain flour mill can be operated profitably any where in Nigeria. The start-up cost at a small scale is approximately N6,000,000. This will cover the cost of procurement of land, factory construction,
furniture, vehicle and procurement/installation of machinery.

Drop your comment or questions for clarifications, more info and technical assistance. Remain blessed.

Written by Ibrahim Ahmad Bello exclusively for WealthResult.com

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71 Comments

  • Alabama November 4, 2013

    Nice info and how and where can I source for the equipments to process the plantain flour locally and internationally. Thank you

    • Ibrahim Ahmad Bello November 6, 2013

      Sorry for the delay in response. I've bn a bit busy these days. You can source for the machinery at National Research Institute For Chemical Technology (NARICT) Kaduna or Federal Institute Of Industrial Research (FIIRO) Lagos.
      Any of these two institutes have competent engineers and technicians that can according to your specifications design, fabricate, and install the machinery for you. They can also train your staff on how to operate and maintain the machinery.

    • Charles Nicholas July 27, 2019

      Hi Belo,

      Good day today,, I am interested in setting up a plantian flour mills. Pls I will like to have a more one on one discussion with you, pls I will like you to send me your details via my email ok.
      Thanks and Good bless you.
      Charlie

  • Ibrahim Ahmad Bello November 6, 2013

    Note: with just slight changes in the processing line, the machinery for plantain flour processing can be used to process yam flour. So you can produce both products (yam and plantain flour) in your factory.

    • Jack Anderson March 10, 2018

      Good morning Mr Bello, well pleased to contact you this day. it is a pleasure. My name is Jack Anderson, from Rivers State. Please Sir, what is the current status of setting up this factory in Rivers State. please, furnish me with the estimated current prices of machinery, i do know that there could have been changes. Believe I need your reply as urgent as possible. Thanks. If possible give me a complete proposals through my email. i would prefer your email.

  • Sewuese Allagh November 12, 2013

    is there no way i can start producing at a small scale without all these machinery? U knw like use hands to slice and dry with sun, then grind with the machine used to grind yam?

    • Ibrahim Ahmad Bello November 16, 2013

      Yes, you can produce plantain flour profitably on a small scale without using those machinery.

      Peel the plantain, boil it for one to two hours. Thereafter, dry it under the sun until it's completely dry. This might take one to two weeks depending on the weather condition. Grind it very well and sieve/filter it to obtain fine powdered plantain.

      The materials you will need are:
      Knife, Pot, heat source(firewood will be cheaper), Grinding machine, Filtering/sieving device, packaging bags and Sealing machine.
      The start up cost for this is approximately N70,000. With hard work, dedication, patience and steadfastness, don't be surprise that it will take you less than five(5) years to start producing in an industrial scale.

      • Eddy August 9, 2017

        Tanks for the information…am passionate about these, startig on a small scale,why do u need to boil for that long ?

  • temi December 26, 2013

    I need a breakdown of the cost analysis

  • ACCURATE January 7, 2014

    PLEASE, IS THERE ANY MACHINE FOR PEELING THE PLANTAIN? THANKS

    • Darlinton Omeh January 9, 2014

      It's done manually unless you wants to process on industrial level, then they could sophisticated machinery for it

  • Anonymous January 9, 2014

    Please can I use the same machinery for plantain, cassava and yam? What's d cost of these machines in FIRRO and d start-up capital for 3months productions or so. Thanks a lot

    • Darlinton Omeh January 9, 2014

      I think you can use the machine for the same stuffs but I am not sure. Mr. Bello will answer that whenever he comes online

      • Anonymous January 13, 2014

        Quite informative.have a number of questions.how long can u keep processed plantain b 4 they go bad?no preservatives?need a breakdown of d cost,will want to know more about packaging and storing.a need a contact pls to ask some more questions.really interested.thanks indeed.

  • Anonymous January 10, 2014

    If I want to buy the grinding machine it will cost how much and to install it. Then how can I do the park aging.

  • Charisa January 14, 2014

    Dear Dalington/ Bello,
    Please how can one get these machines to process plantain into flour?1. Dryer and the amount. 2. Hammer Mill and amount. 3. The size and the cost of generator that can carry these machines. Thanks, Charisa

  • Tope Fatunmbi January 16, 2014

    Hello, Mr. Bello, can you please give me the list of plantain flour producers in Nigeria. I want to start a business of supply plantain. Thanks

  • Bello I.A January 24, 2014

    Hello everyone. I am very sorry for delay in response to all your questions. I have been very busy these days trying to put some things in order.

    Below is a summary of the start-up cost for plantain flour factory. I am glad to let you know that you can use the same machinery to process cassava and yam.

    COST EVALUATION
    Pre-item start up expenses 105,000

    EQUIPMENTS
    Machinery Cost (Logistics, Installation etc)
    4,000,000
    Computer Gadgets and Telecommunication
    Equipments 150,000
    Generators/Power Supply 350,000
    Total Equipments Costs 4,500,000

    FIXED CAPITAL
    Facilities (Building for Machines, Ware/Storage
    House) 500,000
    Office Blocks and Future 700,000
    Land (50mx100m) 1,200,000
    Factory Materials (Plastics Containers, Stoops etc)
    175,000

    Total Fixed Capital 2,575,000

    WORKING CAPITAL
    Personnel Budget 2,057,886
    Raw Materials Costs 2,400,000
    Packaging Costs 600,000
    Security 300,000
    Insurance 700,000
    All Fuel (Power, Diesel etc) 499,998
    Miscellaneous 150,000
    Telephone 27,000
    Administration/Management 60,000
    Total Working Capital 6,794,884

    Total Start Up Capital Required 13,974,884

    Note: Cost of factory construction can be reduced to suit the investor’s budget. Similarly, cost of raw materials, packaging and personnel budget can be reduced, whereby the company starts by producing in small quantities, and increase as the business grows.

    The machinery referenced above have an installed capacity of producing 1.5tons (1500Kg) per day. So a smaller capacity implies lesser cost.

    SOURCE OF MACHINERY AND RAW MATERIALS
    The machinery for plantain flour production can be procured at the following institutes
    1. Federal Institute for Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO)
    PMB 21023, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. 2. National Research Institute For Chemical Technology
    Km. 4, Old Kano Road, Basawa Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria. Plantain, the only raw material for plantain flour production is available all year round in commercial quantities in different parts of the country. Nigeria is the largest producer of plantain in West Africa. Large percentage of the cultivated plantain is obtained in the southern part of the country. Plantain growing states in Nigeria include: edo, Delta, Ondo, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Abia, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Anambra and Enugu.

    To maximize profit, it will be good to own a plantain plantation. This will reduce your cost of raw materials by 30%.

    I. A. Bello

    • Darlinton Omeh January 24, 2014

      Mr. Bello, good to see you again! How are you and your family, and business? I was searching for your email but couldn't find it, I hope everything was alright?. Welcome!

    • Anonymous January 14, 2015

      Please can I get a functional e-mail address for FIIRO and NARICT, I sent a mail to them for like two weeks now and haven't got a reply yet.
      Given that I want to start processing about 80 stalks/bunch of plantain daily, what type and size of dryer is advisable? what is the power requirement for these machines (Electricity or fuel)? what are these machines made of (Metal or stainless steel)? or can I make specifications alongside my order?

    • Spiritman May 13, 2018

      This is too outrageous, it is not for starters… you give quotation for people that wanna start a small scale company and you giving them costing of about 20million naira… i laugh in French

  • mba kellvyson ekellechy February 4, 2014

    how can i get the machines and how much will it cost me to pick up the fabricated one or can i place order for speacification from FIRRO

  • Anonymous February 9, 2014

    Hello! Thanks for this timely information. Please, do i need any form of registration with NAFDAC before starting this business? Assuming i want to start on a small scale, can i still go ahead?

    • oyebola April 16, 2016

      thanks Dr. for sharuy this great info. on plantain flour.pls I rwant to know if one needs to obtain a nafdac no. when producing on small scale manually, also do one need a preservative a d what is the preservative duration,thanks.

  • Anonymous February 26, 2014

    Hi Mr bello,my question is that in the processing of the cassava,yam and banana is it compulsory to add any thing to it which will in one way or d other act as preservative,and is it the basic raw material that will be needed??

  • Anonymous February 28, 2014

    This quite informative.apart from fiiro can't we get other local engineers to fabricate the machines?what's the best before lifespan?

  • Ephraim April 15, 2014

    Well done Mr Bello and God bless. I `m impressed by how well you know your stuff. You have been precise and thorough. This gives prospectus investor and your inquirers confidence.
    One thing you have not mentioned, at least in not much detail is the marketing of the product.how much is the demand and awareness of the product locally and internationally?

  • Anonymous April 18, 2014

    Nice one Mr bello. I want to start the production on a small scale so like how much do I need to start this.God bless

  • Oludotun Kolawole April 28, 2014

    This information had been so helpful.
    Thanks.

  • Anonymous May 15, 2014

    So useful the information you have provided. May GOD bless you

  • Anonymous May 26, 2014

    Thank you so very much for this wonderful information.Stay Blessed

  • Anonymous June 29, 2014

    Dr Bello, thanks for the info.
    Please do I need to add any other additive (such as anti-caking agents) to the plantain flour?

  • Adetoyese July 10, 2014

    It has been nice reading dis blog, am a graduate of food technology who never believed in white collar job.. but the cost of setting up this food industries even at small and medium scale is on d high side.my research from FIIRO reveals dat dryer costs 250000 and hammer mill starts frm 500,000. but we still need to look into the land, structure, source of water for production, power generation… I have produced plantain flour on my own and very passionate to have one in d nearest future.Incase, there is someone who is willing to finance dis project kindly and we discuss.. thanks

  • Anonymous July 31, 2014

    Good stuffs.
    We are blessed in this country!

  • Anonymous July 31, 2014

    Hello, Dr. Bello, please can you kindly have me well informed about my question which will be what's the Ratio of plantain flour to plantain before processing in Kg? thank you for thie eye opener your answers have been very helpful.

  • Anonymous September 11, 2014

    I am an agro-allied consultant and a fabricator of processing machine based in ibadan, for a small scale dryer it ranges from 180,000-450,000 and a roller/burr mill 280,000

    • Tony Ajayi May 18, 2018

      Hello sir am interested in a machine that can do a ton of plantain per day.Doyou have video of your designs that you can post.How long is it to complete the machine and what’s the production line consisting of?

  • Ayo Jolaoso September 11, 2014

    I am an agro-allied consultant and a fabricator of processing machine based in ibadan, for a small scale dryer it ranges from 180,000-450,000 and a roller/burr mill 280,000. A-one Engineering and Consulting

  • Wendy October 30, 2014

    Thank you Mr Bello, but will this method give a black coloured plantain due to the discolouration that occurs after the plantain is sliced? I wish you could look for a way to inhibit the discolouration caused by the enzymic reaction in the plantain.

  • Anonymous January 27, 2015

    Thanks Mr.Bello for the insight given to all so far.You are a blessing to people interested in this venture.my question is with regards to the FIIRO people;why can't anyone seem to get adequate responses from them as one other poster here has rightly complained?I sent them a mail almost one year ago regarding cost of the machinery but there has been no response.Can you help with the cost of the machinery of smaller capacities like 500kg,750kg or 1,000kg per day for people like me who want to start up smaller than 1,500kg/day?
    Thanks.

    Engr.Sam.

    • Darlinton Omeh January 27, 2015

      What else can we do Mr. Sam? Bello provided detailed addresses where you can go and get the machines, yet you are still asking us to provide you with the prices? You sent email one year ago and you are still waiting, it wouldn't take you more than a day to walk into their office and get your information or call the numbers provided.

    • Anonymous March 18, 2015

      Pls where can get the machine from you can email me benzino117gmail.com

  • Anonymous February 12, 2015

    Where can I get the machineries in the North Central. Thanks again

  • Godwin January 29, 2016

    Please where can i get locally fabricated machine for producing plantain flour. Also, kindly assist me on a full plantain production profile as a beginner. Again various machine required and their cost outlay.

    Thanks and have a nice weekend.

  • Samuel January 31, 2016

    Nice one, Dr, Bello. Keep your good works on

  • Christy February 7, 2016

    Thanks for the information.but i’ll like to ask the above start up estimate is it still applicable now?due to the recent hike in dollars.

  • Tarh Paddy King March 4, 2016

    WOW WOW WOW, Mr. Bello, this is fabulous. Thank you for this insightful information on Plantain flour Production;
    I think the Market Analysis will complete the picture!Please give to us the Market analysis

  • Zubanchy April 25, 2016

    hello Bello,

    thanks for this educative forum.

    Please i want to know the if Nafdac is required for those that want to start small in processing plantain flour.

    Also is there any other uses for plantain flour apart from human consumption.

    Regards,

    Zubanchy

  • Fatima Ojeosuman May 26, 2016

    How many days does it take for one ton of unripe plantain flour to be processed and packaged?

  • Simeon Ewhimonih June 25, 2016

    can anyone help with the shelf life of plantain flour? how is the colouration of plantain dealt with in the processline?

  • EBERENDU NKEM PLACIDUS October 12, 2017

    Good day sir
    , I am Mr EBERENDU,P.N residing in Umuahia, Abia State. Please may I know the best preservation method for plantain flour and other possible risks involved in the business.
    Remain blessed.

  • IGBINOSUN PETER November 26, 2017

    Good morning. I have the intention to do a plantain farm by 2018. I have acquired 4 hectares of land for the project. my intention also is to process to plantain flour by 2019. I need training and information as to how to manufacture plantain flour for local and international market. Please can you assist?

    • Pinnacle May 28, 2018

      Please where are you based. Would like to talk to you. You can call/whatsapp 08134407710

  • Adebayo Abdulazeez A December 6, 2017

    Good day

    please i will like to know how to market the product in local market,
    also if i can have your contact for further information and possibly trainning

  • Emmanson December 28, 2017

    Please is there a place for on training that you can recommend. I want to have operational experience before starting.
    Thanks

  • simple February 6, 2018

    why do we have to boil the plantain for 2hours?

  • Anita March 7, 2018

    where can I get the already packaged plantain flour to buy and supply people

    • Aishat Adigun May 22, 2018

      Hello Madam Anita, I know of a plantain flour producer here in Ibadan, call this number 09076036545.

  • Olajide March 13, 2018

    I’m Olajide…. I’m from osun state please Mr bello I’m into this plantain business for about 5 months now but I’m using the Manuel way….. Which mean I’m using my hand for everything and using sun to dry it can you help me with buyer ?

  • obinna David March 15, 2018

    good day i want to know how many bunches of plantain can give you one tonne

  • don dave May 19, 2018

    why is it that there is no respons to these questions am seeing this as a fake you better answer this questions or risk the implication of this blog

  • Pinnacle May 28, 2018

    If one owns a plantain plantation, how do you ensure there is productivity all year round since plantains takes nine months to mature.

  • OMOWUMI E. FASORANTI July 10, 2018

    Hello,
    I want to know if August 2018 edition of Plantain Flour Production training organized by FIIRO will still hold. Can l also get the price list of Machinery needed for the production of Plantain.

    Thank you

    Omowumi

  • uyi kingsley August 27, 2018

    pls I am uyi kingsley, my number is 08036173614. or 08021070423. please would love to have a talk with you on the above subject please. thank you sir.

  • Olowu, Rasaq December 3, 2018

    Absolutely insightful. I planned going into plantain farming and this has added another dimension into it. God bless you all. When I am fully ready, I will like to contact you for more directive as might be necessary.

  • Amos David Vincent January 3, 2019

    This is really great sir,I’m so much glad and happy for getting this life change information.
    Have thought so much about it even before getting your message and I will very glad if you can tell me the price of each machines.
    Sir,please kindly forward your WhatsApp contact to me through my E-mail address so we could talk more better in private.
    Thanks so much Sir.

  • Estelle Assonwa May 8, 2019

    Good day Sir.
    I am Estelle from Cameroon and I’m about to start up my processing unit for plantain flour.
    Therefore with respects to your estimate of producing 1 tone of plantain flour daily, how much kilogram of green plantain is needed to produce 1 ton of plantain flour daily?

    Secondly, how much human resource do I need in order to start my business?

    I’ll be waiting on your reply.

  • Thompson kehinde July 9, 2019

    Mr bello I really like all your break down of everything. i want to no how to contact you , in order to have a full knowledge of everything. i also want ask can that same heater used for drying fish . thank you.

  • /’ joshua August 1, 2019

    can i start with 3million naira

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