Are you interested in setting up a tilapia fish farming business in Nigeria?

Then follow this comprehensive guide.

Many people have been setting up and rearing catfish without much interest in Tilapia fish farming, and this is because catfish has been among the popular fish which we Nigerians like to consume.

But it will interest you to know that one can start up a tilapia fish farming business in Nigeria and make a lot of gains than expected, even though Nigerians love catfish than tilapia

However in a gigantic country like ours, you can be sure our choices are diverse.

Many Nigerians who loves to consume fish in high, moderate or low quality also loves to consume tilapia without exception and the outstanding reason is because tilapia fish is low in fat but high in Omega-3

Also, tilapia fish contains almost all required nutrients for a healthy being like; vitamins, saturated fats, sodium, dietary fibers, sugar, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus cholesterol, carbohydrate and most especially highly proteinaceous.

With all this nutrients, we can says that Tilapia fish is a delicious, lean white fish that has a wide variety of associated health benefits, and most especially its ability to help reduce weight, heighten on the whole the body metabolism, pace up repair and development throughout the body, build strong bones, decrease the risk of different chronic diseases, prevent arthritis, protect against cognitive turn down, lower triglyceride levels ,prevent various types of cancer, trim down signs of aging, make stronger your immune system and  advance the health and growth of your hair.

Previously, we Nigerians mostly depend on imported fish and that’s including tilapia fish but since the federal government place a ban on imported frozen food; Nigerians has been trying to rear their own fish which could aid in reducing the high cost placed on tilapia fish due to its scarcity.

Upon this, the estimated amount of tilapia fish been may not enough for the number of Nigerians who consumes the fish.

So if you have an interest in going into tilapia fish farming business in Nigeria, then you have made the right choices because there is an open market for it.

How to Start a Tilapia Fish Farming Business in Nigeria

1; Be Determined

When you intend to set up a tilapia fish farming business in Nigeria; be determined and certain that this is the type of business you want to enter into.

Know that it is not going to be easy because there might be a lot of ups and downs in it. If you are certain about this; when challenges come you won’t have regret when you encounter any challenges.

2; Set Up a Tilapia Business Plan

The major step you should take when trying to set up a tilapia farming business is to first write a business plan.

This business plan should contain your capital, the estimated amount or cost of feed. The amount of money you spent on purchasing the tilapia fish fingerlings.

The amounts of money spent in purchasing or leasing your land or fish pond site and other items.

The advantage of having a business plan is to document your loss or gain in the business and to know when you are missing out.

3; Set Up Your Tilapia Fish Farm & Fish Ponds

Before bringing your tilapia fish fingernails, you need to construct their ponds.

Though some fish farmers do prefer to rear their tilapia fishes in tanks while other prefer to rear them in artificial ponds. Here are major steps you need to carry out on getting a perfect fish farm or pond.

• Land location; look for a land that is closer to your targeted market for easy transportation of your product after harvesting and also the location of the land should be mobile able for easy movement of feeds or equipment.
• The Topography of the land; The topography of the proposed site should be generally flat with gentle sloping, which is quite suitable for establishing a commercial tilapia fish farm with minimum financial outlay.
• Soil factors; (this depends); some farmers prefer concrete floor, some prefer leaving the pond earthly. Just know that the down part of the earth should be clayey in other retain water. But if the site is a sandy loam soil; it still okay.
• Hydrology of the land; we all know that fishes can’t live without water. So you should know that you should always provide a constant water supply for your fishes. Even if you change the water, you should always refill immediately. Make a suitable source for water, for filling your pond or if possible you should know that boreholes will also be constructed which are expected to provide backup services to the farm especially in the dry season to enable your tilapia fish farm to operate during all season of the years.
• Vegetation cover or shade; you may consider planting some tree to serve as shade for your tilapia fishes. To enable a normal temperature for fishes.

4; Prepare and Manage Your Tilapia Ponds

 These are the necessary preparation to partake in your farm before bringing in your fishes.

• Liming; lime is used for purifying water or substance. For your fish pond, you will use it for neutralizing the acid nature of the soil, promote the growth of phytoplankton, wipe out harmful bacteria, settles suspended soil particles in the water and promotes the formation of mineral elements needed for most favorable growth and progress of the tilapia fish.

The Lime is usually broadcasted at the pond bottom at the rate of 450 kg-500 kg per hectare and will be allowed to stay there for about two weeks. As soon as the pond construction is fully accomplished and the water control structures put in place, the ponds will then be limed using the Agricultural Lime or Quicklime.

• Fertilization; Fertilizer application which could be Organic fertilizer that is made of (Cow dung, Poultry waste, Pig waste etc) or Inorganic fertilizer (NPK, Urea, Superphosphate etc) could be used to fertilize the ponds. These fertilizers that are applied in the ponds one week before stocking and it also aid in speeding up the growth of phytoplankton and zooplankton which are best known to be the natural food for farmed fish.

5; Stock Up Tilapia Fish Fingernails

After preparing your fish pond, it is then time to introduce your tilapia fish into your pond.

The fish will be stock at the rate of 10‐50 fingerlings per square meter for your fish depending on the production system. It is best to introduce the tilapia fish into ponds very early in the morning or late evening especially when the sunshine intensity is very low.

This is to avoid unnecessary stress which might cause high mortality of the fish few days after stocking.

6; Construct Farm Building and Infrastructure

It is recommended that you should construct a residential accommodation at your tilapia fish farm site for the occupation of the workers, who will be available to feed and monitor the fishes.

But if you feel that there will be no need for that, it will equally cost no harm.

7; Feed Your Tilapia Fish;

The feed has to be supplemented with specialized formulated and compounded fish feed to accelerate the growth of fish at their upper limit capability.  The fish should be fed twice daily with their feed at the rate of 5% body weight.

You can produce your own fish feed if you wish, all you need is a feed mill unit comprising a hammer mill, mixer, dryer and pelletizer which is  capable of producing 5 tons of feed per hour will be installed to produce the much-needed fish feed required on the farm. You can also sell your feed to other fish farmers who might be interested in buying. This also can add as an addiction increase in your profit.

Selecting Tilapia Fish Species for Your Tilapia Fish Farming

There are four types of tilapia fish. They are;

• The Wami Tilapia (Oreochromis Urolepis Hornorum); is an African cichlid native to Uganda and Tanzania. This fish can also be found on Zanzibar but yet, it still remains unclear whether this is an introduced population or not.

• Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus); this fish is a native to Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. In South Africa, its variety is limited to the Eastern Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal. The fish lives in the Lower Zambezi River and the Lower Shire River as well as on the coastal plains from the Zambezi delta to Algoa Bay.
• Blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus); it is also known as Israeli tilapia. The Blue tilapia fish is a native to Cameroon, Chad, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Senegal in tropical and subtropical African and the Middle East.

• The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus); This is an African cichlid native to Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.

Factors you should consider before purchasing a species; these are factors which we should consider before purchasing our species. When putting these factors into consideration, your profit will increase. Choose fish species which;

• Has faster growth rate.
• Has the Adaptability to the environment.
• That has hardy and can tolerate adverse environmental variations.
• That has the efficient converter and utilization of both natural and artificial fish feed. (That is, been able to feed on but local/ natural and artificial feeds).
• Endowed with high nutritive values.
• Popular and Acceptable to the local community or market where it will be sold, has a high market price and also has a high demand in the market.
• Has high Resistance to diseases.

Note; Of all the species of tilapia fish, the Blue tilapia fish and the Nile tilapia fish are best known to be the best species because of their high growth rate.

Hatching / Breeding Tilapia Fingernails

(Though this is optional) in other to increase your profit and reducing cost price for buying  new fingerlings, you can establish a breeding system for  your tilapia fish. Know that Tilapia fish can produce an average of 100-150 fingerlings in a week if properly cared for)

When breeding, you should keep in mind that you must control over-population. And also try as much as possible to always separate the fingerlings from the breeders. The fingerlings should be kept in a roomy pond to allow them enough space for a successful growth.

To increase profit, you can also sell your finger to other fishermen who have an interest in it.

 Water Management on Your Tilapia Fish Farm

You should regularly and frequently monitor the water in your pond.

Water quality with the factor such as dissolved oxygen, acidity, carbon dioxide, iron, carbonates, nitrates, nitrite, ammonia, sulphide, Chloride, temperature, alkalinity, total hardness, turbidity, and conductivity have to be monitored appropriately to ensure that they are kept at most favorable levels.

 Growth of Your Tilapia Fish

After following the above steps; after stocking and feeding your tilapia fish with good fish feed and management care, it will grow and mature for a period of 110 days.

Then you can sell your tilapia fish. Or, if you don’t want to reach the 110 days because you have a preferable size you want your fish to be, then you can sell it.

Harvesting Your Tilapia Fish

You can harvest  your fish by reducing the water level in a lower quantity or draining the water level in the pond completely this can be done  by the attendants or by yourself  and it  can be done by moving through with a dragnet to collect all the fish.

 Marketing Your Tilapia Fish in Nigeria

It will be better if you get buyers ready before draining or your fishes to avoid them from dying. Get buyers ready and know the market price to avoid loss.

Recommended;

You should know that Tilapia fishes can be affected by bacterial or viral diseases if adequate care is not given to it. So you must take a down to business measure cares to protect your pond from such occurrence. This can be done by cleaning your pond regularly, preventing overcrowding, and screening your pond often for risk factors or symptoms.

Tilapia farming business in Nigeria could be a lucrative business with low cost which one can indulge into and also have time for other business.

We wish you best.

Broiler production in Nigeria is a very popular livestock business in Nigeria.  As a part of poultry farming, a lot of people are into broiler farming in Nigeria.

So if you have an interest in this business and need a guide or help on how to start it up; you are in the right place and this is a perfect guide is for you.

A lot of farmers who are into poultry business in Nigeria ranging from layers, turkeys and so on, most times prefer to venture broilers poultry farming because is a fast and reliable way of raising poultry meat for human consumption and also at the same time, make a good income from it.

Introduction to Broiler Production in Nigeria

In simple stating, of all commercial poultry farming in Nigeria, commercial broiler production or broiler poultry farming is the raising or keeping of chickens (broilers) primarily for meat production.

Chickens are easy to raise and as lucrative this business might be, it might be surprising to know that some farmers who venture into broiler production have lost their investment and couldn’t gain from it.

So to add, that the solution to successful broiler production or broilers poultry farming depends on a methodical and efficient management program the farmer has adopted when setting up this business.

Broilers Meat Consumption in Nigeria

Broilers meat is mostly loved by all in Nigeria. A lot of people who consume this meat do so because of its nice taste, its soft tenderness and nutritive value; it is said to be high in protein and lower in caloric.

How to Start a Broiler Production / Farming in Nigeria

Below are the step by step guides on how to set up your broiler poultry farm in Nigeria;

1. Draw or set up a business plan;

A good business needs a plan, write and stipulate in it, your estimated Investment Costs (cost of housing and equipment) cost of the chick or birds your purchased, cost of feeds, cost of electricity, labor, farm rental (if rented) and cost of medication and medication services.

When all this is documented, you can know if you are losing or gaining after selling your chicken.

(If you need help with current broiler business plan, we can do it for you. Click  HERE)

2. Be Trained By an Experienced Poultry Farmer

Anybody without the knowledge or idea of broilers can rear broilers and may succeed in it. But believe me, it will be a trial and error event; Few or several chickens might have died before they get it right.

Since you are setting up a commercial broiler poultry farm in Nigeria you wouldn’t want to involve your chicken in this trial and error method that may lead to loss of your investment.

Therefore, it is worthwhile to read, be enlightened and research about broilers production before entering into it. And since broilers are fragile chickens or birds, you should and would want to pamper and handle them with care.

This post would help you to get started, but you definitely need far more than whatever you read on the internet.

You can talk to an expert, a veterinarian, a fellow broiler farmer or visit one of our associate poultry farms near you. Click  HERE if you’ll like to come and learn how to start your broiler farming on our farm.

3. Get a Good Location for Your Broiler Farming

When you are looking for a site or land for rearing your broilers or setting up your broilers production, it should be a land that is near or not far from the market. .

The land should not be located closer to rivers, streams or lake as this may result and expose broiler or chickens to the dangers of floods and can also cause pollution of water by the broilers wastes/feces during raining periods/ season.

When you are looking for a land, you might be looking for one that is a bit far away from the neighborhood because chicken farmers who have been rearing chickens within a neighborhood have had a situation where neighbors have complained about the disturbing odor of chicken smell.

The dispute wasn’t an easy one; it was serious as it led to court settlement.

4. Set Up Your Broiler Pen for Your Broilers Production

Before you purchase your day-old broiler chicks, you should prepare and set up your chicken house or broilers house (call pens)

Chickens or broilers are warm-blooded animals; they have the ability to maintain a rather uniform temperature of their internal organs. Therefore, the house provided for them should have the same uniform temperature with that of the chicken.

Your poultry house should be from east to west position, for wind control and also for enough ventilation. Good water supply and electricity should be provided in the house.

There should be enough spacing for your broilers, determine the number of chicken you want to put per room to prevent suffocation.  The house should be easy to clean and it should be constructed in a way that will ensure protection for broilers from predators and good health for both human and chickens. For Poor housing can lead to the collapse of chickens irrespective of how well you have managed it.

A concrete floor is majorly encouraged because it is easy to clean and it also assists in controlling parasites like mites, which do hide in the soil and causes sore into chicken legs. You should spray sawdust on the floor to maintain a moderate temperature on the floor.

You can as well go for battery cages, for a better broiler production.

5. Broiler Feeding and Watering Equipment

It is suggested that when setting up your broilers pens, you should mechanize the water trough and the feeder. Do not place them on the floor as this could make the ground wet; thus causing the place to smell and the chicken to contact diseases.

Also, if you place the water trough or feeder on the floor, the chickens might defecate on it by this causing the water or feed to be contaminated, which will be unhealthy to the chickens.

6. Purchase the Right Broilers Breed/chicks

when you want to purchase the broilers chicks for broilers production business or broilers poultry farming, there are things you should look at for. Things like;

• You should purchase your broilers chicks from trusted and experienced hatchery.
• The chicks should be a day old chicks weighing between 35-40 grams.
• It should be healthy chicks, with dry fluffy feathers, bright eyes, and alert and active appearance,
• They should be free from diseases or any irregularities (if possible vaccinated before purchased. So, therefore, you should request for a vaccination history when purchasing day old chicks from the suppliers this will assist you to know what was done, not done and where to start.).
• And finally, the chicks should have uniform size and color.

The breeds of broilers differ and have different characteristics. And the preference is different in most broilers farmer. Below are the lists of few broilers breeds;

Red Broilers: they are slow-growing breeds and are more appropriate for outdoor production than fast-growing broilers. It has strong resistance to diseases.

Rosambro Broilers (medium-growth); has the characteristic as the red broilers but grows faster than the red broilers.

Cornish Cross Broilers (fast growth); is extremely fast growing chicken that is processed between six and eight weeks. It is also known as Cornish Rock.

Roaster chicks or Moyer’s Broiler (sometimes called Cornish Giants); they have excellent shape, plump and tender breast meat and good skin texture. They could weigh over 4 lbs. by 6 weeks of age.

Moyer’s K-22 Red Broilers) (the Cockerels Only); is a full-blooded meat bird that has defiant genetics and has well textured with flavorful meat for the consumer who has a preference for less oily meat. Though, this broiler is a slow- growing bird than the Cornish giant with the males growing to a live weight of 5 pounds at around 8 weeks unlike the female.

These breeds listed above are just a few to mention, there are much more types of breeds still available.

7. House Your Day-old Broilers (brooding period);

Broilers chicks are really quite fragile. Thus, they need special care. Below are ways to care for them;

• The chicken pens, surrounding areas, and all equipment must be cleaned and disinfected before the chicks’ arrival.
• You must pre-heat the house where the chicks will stay for a minimum of 24 hours before the arrival of chicks.
• Make sure that there is adequate clean water at room temperature is available for Water is vital in the early stages of the chick’s development.
• Spray a few sawdust on the concrete floor to maintain a warm temperature.
• Make sure that the access to food and water are easy for the chicks. The correct size of feeder and watering trough is to be used.
• Supply sufficient artificial heat (like a lamp) to keep day-old chicks warm during the day and night.
• Let there be good ventilation in the house as this prevents any future respiratory diseases.
• Let there be adequate space in the house as this prevents death and poor growth.
• Prevents and avoid any sudden change of temperature in the house as the chicks may not know how to adapt to this sudden change. The temperature in the room should be as uniform as possible. Temperatures of 350°c are good at the beginning stage then reduce at the rate of 2.80°c per week as they grow. (If possible, let a veterinarian recommend for you, depending on the breeds).
• Dispose of immediately any dead chicks by burning or burying them so as to prevent files, rodents or diseases.

(Note; as your broilers grow you should know when to put them in a grower house)

8. Feed Your Broiler Chickens

During your broilers production, at a different stage, a different type of feed is given to the broilers.

Below is a table description of their feeding process;

Type of feed	Broiler’s age (days)	Duration of feeding (weeks)
Starter’s feed	1 – 21	3 weeks
Grower’s feed	22 – 35	2 weeks
Finisher’s feed	36 – 42	1 week till marketing period

The feeds given to the boilers should be highly nutritious and comprises; a high ratio of protein, amino acid, lysine, and methionine with low fiber in their feed for good growth and also feeds that has supplements of vitamin A, B2, D3, B12, and K.

For the water intake, provide the broilers with adequate water for they take about thrice the amount of feed they eat per day. There is also high increase in water intake during hot weather and when high protein ration is fed to them. Do not give them too hot or too cold water; instead give them water of a moderate temperature of about 10 – 12°C.

9. Give the Right Medication to Your Broilers

Recommended medications and vitamins should be administered to your broilers at a different age to aid in good growth, and prevent diseases.

• For day-old chicks; to prevent Newcastle disease, Lasota should be put into their water.
• For 7 days old chicks; to prevent Infectious bursal disease, IBD vaccine should be given to them.
• For 14 days old chicken; to prevent or cure Newcastle and Marek’s diseases, Lasota should be given to them.
• For 21 days old chicks; to prevent Gumboro disease, Mild strain vaccine should be administered to them.

(Note; that some of this drugs can be put into their water. Before giving them drugs, it should be recommended and measured. Always give them multi-vitamins to regulate their body after giving them the vaccines. If you are still confused on the medication to give them, then kindly consult an experienced veterinarian. )

Also note that it’s always better for every serious poultry farmer to have a veterinary doctor near-by so has to easily report whatever symptoms you noticed with your birds with your veterinary doctor.

10. Market Your Broilers

After all the work, this is the part when you gain. It is recommended that you make a market research about the price  of broiler chickens in your target market (even before you set up broiler production business in Nigeria).

You can sell directly to interested individual, to those that deal on frozen foods or to companies that need them in larger quantity. You should weigh them when selling.

(Tips; you should start marketing your broilers days before it reaches its growth period; this will prevent you from additional cost of feeds)

11. Care for Your Broiler Chickens

When adequate care is given to your broilers; the gain could be great. Below are more additional care you should render to your broilers or broiler chicks;

• Make sure that feeds and fresh water are always available. Do not allow them to seek for it especially at their brooding stage.
• If you notice any weak, deformed, and sickly chicks, you should separate them into another room, till your vet doctor comes.
• Always keep a close eye on your chickens. Always check them at night before going to bed.
• You should not provide your broilers with much fat food. But you can give them this in warm weather.
• Always know when to clear their house and put fresh sawdust to prevent the spread of diseases.

Record Keeping in Broiler Production

You should keep a record of every activity of your broilers. In your record, there should be;

• The amount of feeds intake daily/weekly.
• The medication, vaccination and other veterinary expenses.
• The number of the day-old chicks you purchased.
• The number of broilers that died and what caused it.
• The number of chickens sold or used for home consumption.
• Labor (if you would employ an assist) and other variable costs.
• The total number of broilers after sold or death.

Broilers Production in Nigeria; Growth Rates.

Though broiler growth depends on the breeds but mostly a healthy broiler is already grown between 45-60 days (like 2 months). Some farmers might prefer to extend it to 3months before marketing it. It all depends. Just know that as your broilers grow, you will see the physical changes.

Getting Capital for Your Broiler Production in Nigeria

For your capital, you may request for a loan in banks or you can use your savings if you have any. If the right steps are taken and practiced well; in or no time you will make your profit from your broilers production or broiler poultry farming business in Nigeria.

If you want to learn how to get capital for your broiler farming, you may read this book.

If you’ll like to visit our associate poultry farm near you, to learn how to start and be successful as a broiler farmer, Click HERE

PS; This post could be downloaded as PDF (How to Start Broiler Production in Nigeria )

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Ever thought of starting your own a tomato farming business in Nigeria?

You may think that only the northern part of Nigeria grows tomatoes, but I can tell you that anybody, in anywhere can grow tomato provided you are well informed, well planned and have done all the necessary things.

Just like the popular garri, rice, beans, and yam; tomato is among the popular foodstuff that Nigerians can’t do without. If it is not used in making stew, it is used in making jollof rice, fruit salad, juice and even soup.

This is the more reason why its present was indeed felt during the outbreak of its scarcity which was caused by ‘Tuta Absoluta’ Disease between the months of May-June 2016.

The scarcity of tomatoes had a huge effect on Nigerians causing some of them to use the artificial tomato paste to prepare their meal and even to the extent of preparing their meals with only plenty of pepper.  No doubt tomato is indeed among the versatile and most important cash crops in Nigeria.

Brief History of Tomato Farming

According to  wikipedia tomato species are originated in Central and South America. The Nahuatl (Aztec language) word tomatl gave rise to the Spanish word “tomate“, from which the English word tomato originates. Its use as a food originated in Mexico, and spread throughout the world following the Spanish colonization of the Americas.

However, the Spanish explorers brought in tomato into Spain and it was later taken to Morocco, Turkey, and Italy. In Italy and France, it was termed “love apple”. It was then, generally believed that the tomato was poisonous and its use as a food crop was only accepted in the 18th century.

So you see tomato is not only consumed in Nigeria but worldwide. One might even go to the extent of exporting this plant to other countries, but in this article, we will only be discussing on selling your tomato locally; that is within Nigeria.

Tomato Farming; Health Benefits and Nutrition Values of Tomato

Most people do refer to tomato as the world healthiest fruit because of its many health benefits (You might call it a fruit or vegetable. It’s up to you).

Here are the health benefits of tomato and more reason why you might consider tomato farming in Nigeria;

• Tomatoes helps in managing blood pressure; Tomato can help in the management of high blood pressure.
• Tomatoes helps to maintain a healthy hair; Tomatoes are good for the hair; the vitamin A in tomato helps in making the hair strong and shiny.
• Tomatoes are good for the skin; the high level of lycopene in tomato makes the skin to look tender, shiny and smooth. And sometimes, it can also be used as a facial cleanser.
• Tomatoes helps to prevent cancer; The outstanding thing about tomatoes is its ability to prevent cancers. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that works effectively to slow the growth of cancerous cells so therefore, cooked tomatoes produce even more lycopene which can aid to fight against cancers.
• Tomatoes repairs cigarettes damages; this amazing fruit contain coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid that work to protect the body from carcinogens that are produced from cigarette smoke. So if you know someone who is a heavy smoker; you might want to recommend this fruits to him/her.
• Tomatoes keeps the kidney in shape; Tomatoes helps to keep the kidney health; thus helps in preventing kidney stone.
• Tomato is good for the eyes and perfect checker for sugar level; The Vitamin A found in tomatoes is a perfect remedy for improving vision and also prevent night blindness. Tomato can also help diabetes patient to keep their blood sugar levels under better control.
• Tomato provides essential antioxidants for the body; the Vitamin A and Vitamin C in tomatoes serve as antioxidants and this is because these vitamins and beta-carotene work as antioxidants to neutralize harmful free radicals in the blood.
• Tomatoes help to maintain strong bones; Tomatoes contain a considerable amount of calcium and Vitamin K. These nutrients are usually known for maintaining strong bones.

As you can see, tomatoes have so many nutrients which make it be among the healthiest fruit or vegetables for healthy living.

We can keep on discussing the many values of tomatoes but in other to stick to our main topic; we will be discussing on how to plant and make considerable money from tomato farming in Nigeria.

Where Can I Grow Tomatoes in Nigeria?

You can grow your tomatoes anywhere in Nigeria, provided you have a good and healthy soil and water facilities. Though in Nigeria, there are states which are well known for growing tomatoes. They are;

• Bauchi State
• Taraba State
• Gombe State
• Kano State
• Zamfara State
• Jigawa State
• Sokoto State
• Katsina State
• Kaduna State

As you can see, all these states are in the northern part of Nigeria. But do not have a reluctant mind on setting up your tomato farming business, like I earlier said anyone, from anywhere in Nigeria can grow tomatoes, provided you have a good and healthy soil and water facilities.

How to Start Tomato Farming in Nigeria

Just like few fruits which are simple to plant; planting tomatoes or Setting up a tomatoes farm in Nigeria and growing them is quite simple as putting a seed in the ground and covering it up with sands. I will walk you through the process of planting your own tomatoes.

1. Find a perfect site for your tomato farming

The first step you need to take is for you to find a perfect site for your tomatoes farm. Choose a site that is not too far from the market. And also, there should be an easy transportation access available, in other to have an easy way of transporting your tomatoes when the time comes; after harvesting.

2. Choose a health land/soil for your tomato farming

It is important to carefully choose or select a good soil for planting your tomatoes because a good and healthy soil will determine the type of tomatoes that will be produced and the overall productivity of your tomato business.

The soil could be a well-managed sandy loam and heavy clay loams free of hardpan but know that the best tomatoes are obtained from deep, well-drained loam. Keep in mind that the soil should be rich in organic matter and it should be endowed with plant nutrients, with a pH value of 6 to 7.

In preparing your land; the soil should be well-prepared, loose and in good tilth. The soil should be cleared of all weeds and might be ploughed (if heavy) for about 1-3 times to make it light weights. In any case where you have an acidic soil; you can reduce or level it by applying lime in an appropriate quality.

3. Choose the right tomato varieties

another good way of getting the best from your tomatoes farming is to plant the right tomato varieties. The different varieties of tomatoes grown in the world generally are;

• Beefsteak tomatoes
• Cherry tomatoes
• Plum tomatoes
• Grapes Tomatoes
• Campari tomatoes
• Tom berries Tomatoes
• Oxheart tomatoes
• Pear tomatoes
• Slicing or Globe tomatoes

But in Nigeria, the varieties of tomatoes in Nigeria can be classified with their shapes, local names and places of cultivation. They are;

Variety Local Name	Place of cultivation	Tomatoes shapes
Yoruba	Agbara	Round
Hausa (Scissors)	Kano	Oblong ( pointed tip)
Tiwantiwa	Kajola	Oval
Hausa	Sokoto	Oblong (banana shape)
Yoruba	Ogbomosho	Round
Beske (Ebira)	Okene	Round
Hausa	Zaria	Oblong
Beske	Kajola	Round
Beske (Ebira)	Okene	Oval (folded-in base)
Hausa	Zaria	Oval ( pointed tip)
Hausa (Scissors)	Kano	Oblong (pointed tip)
Hausa	Sokoto	Oval (shield-like)
Hausa	Sokoto	Oblong
Hausa	Kano	Oval

Though, if you are confused on which variety to plant, it is recommended that you plant the Roma tomato (which is a plum tomato because of its slender and firm nature).  It is commonly used in Nigeria, also popular and has no objection with climate.

4. Plant Your Tomato

The best way to plant your tomato is by first planting it in the nursery, then later transplanting to the field.  Make sure you prepare the nursery bed for a period of about 5 weeks.

This is done by covering them with a polyethylene sheet to prevent weed growth, fungus, nematodes, pests, and bacteria. You should consider applying organic manure and fertilizer before planting. Know that your seedbed should be 55-65cm wide, 5-6cm long and 20-25cm high.

On How to Plant Your Yomatoes; Planting your tomatoes can be done around March/April during the beginning of raining season. Plant by placing the tomatoes seeds on the soil and cover with a quarter inch layer of soil and press it with your hand or handle (you may cover it with dry grasses if you want. This is to prevent loss of moisture).

After planting, you will see them growing in the next 5-7 days (you can then remove the dry grasses to allow for proper growth) then allow it to grow for about one month or 5 weeks before transplanting to the field.

(Note; Your Tomato Nursery can be done on a small farm or on your garden; if you have one. Just make sure that the soil is healthy and cared for.)

5. Transplant Your Tomatoes (moving your tomato plant to the plant)

After one month or five weeks of planting your tomato in the nursery then you can now freely plant them in the field. Tomatoes are very tender and fragile, it is best transplanted the same day you uprooted it from the nursery to avoid dehydration and fatigue.

You should do the transplanting with hand to prevent damages (do not use any machines for this). If your farm is large, then you should consider employing more labors to assist you in this.

On How to Transplant Your Tomatoes; You should Open the soil of where you want to transplant with a  piece of small wood, insert the seedling into the hole and cover it with loose soil. The soil where you intend to transplant your plant should be moist.

(Note; after transplant, the seedbeds should be irrigated regularly after sowing and until the seedlings reach a height of 5 to 7 cm. Do not just leave it like that, or else, it will die.)

6. Irrigate Your Tomato Farm

if you want to get the best of your crop; then ensure you supply your plant with enough water.  During the dry season (these are the critical times), between the month of October and February, make sure you constantly supply your water with enough water; like in every 3-7 day’s interval (depending on the type of soil). Know that you shouldn’t put too much water on it to prevent them from cracking.

7. Weed and Fertilize Your Tomato Farm

After one to two months of transplanting your tomatoes from the nursery, you should consider weeding your tomato farm. You should be careful as you weed to prevent damages on your tomato crop.

You can also use Chemical weed control, by applying registered chemicals. If you intend to use Mechanical methods to weed, it should be shallow and not too close to the plant; to prevent damages to the plants.

Fertilizer should be applied after the first weeding. This is to help restock the soil nutrients taken or affected by the weeds. The fertilizer should have contents like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, potash, molybdenum, calcium, and magnesium, along with other trace minerals, all in adequate quantity. Tomato requires these minerals to grow and flourish.

8. Control Pests and Diseases in Your Tomato Farm

Apart from weed control, you should also control your tomato plant from pests. Example of some tomatoes pests and diseases are;

• Plusia looper
• Cutworm
• Rust mite
• Red spider mite
• Nematodes
• Aphids
• Leaf miner/potato tuber moth\Bacterial wilt
• Fusarium wilt
• Late blight
• Erinose mite
• Bacterial canker
• Thrips

These pests and diseases can be controlled by;

• Practicing crop rotation.
• Always destroy infected plants and throw them away from the field.
• Using registered chemicals.
• Practicing of proper sanitation.
• And controlling drainage.

9. Harvest You Tomatoes

Your tomatoes will mature after 3 month that is about 8-12 weeks. By then, you should start picking them. The color also should also tell you that it is ripe. You should pick your ripe tomatoes according to size, color, and quality 

10. Store Your Tomatoes

 If you’re not taking your tomatoes to the market immediately, you may choose to store your tomatoes. Pack your tomatoes in wooden boxes, basket or cartons. Store them in a room which temperature is about 12°C and 86% to 90% relative humidity.

11. Market Your Tomatooes

After harvesting and storing, then it’s time to market your tomatoes.

It’s very important you’ve identified the best market/sellers to sell your tomatoes for because tomatoes are very fragile and perishable.

Unlike rice, cocoa, etc, you cannot store tomatoes for a long period of time, so the market must be ready, even before you harvest your tomatoes.

Ps; This post could be downloaded as PDF ( Tomato Farming in Nigeria PDF )

Tomato farming in Nigeria is a good business that has a promising profit if it’s been practiced adequately.

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