DavidAlmost everybody loves to eat pineapple in Nigeria! The taste, scent, and flavour are appealing to a vast majority. This is why pineapple is one of the most popular fruits in Nigeria, just as it is around the world.
Also, the nutritional value of pineapple is another important factor, providing vitamins A, B, and fairly C, including other mineral nutrients.
Pineapple has become one of the most commercially important fruits in Nigeria with many farmers in the country cultivating pineapple for money-making purposes. The steps to growing pineapple begin with selecting the ideal location, land preparation, planting, pineapple plant maintenance, to harvesting.
To ensure that you grow pineapple in Nigeria successfully, ensure you read through this guide from the beginning so that you will be equipped with the right tool and knowledge about the venture.
How to Grow Pineapple in Nigeria
Pineapple can be grown in your backyard, small garden, or large farmland. Whichever scale you intend to start, you can apply the steps discussed in this guide to begin planting pineapple today.
Step 1: Select an Ideal Location
As you prepare to venture into growing pineapple, the first step is to select an ideal location that is suitable. The ideal climate for pineapple farming is an area that receives heavy rainfall or near the sea coast.
The area should receive an optimum rainfall of 1500mm annually. At best, the location should have a water source for irrigation purposes so that regular watering can take place.
Also, the soil property of the location must be free-draining and rich in nutrient soil type with a p.H of 5.5 to 6.0. Sandy-loamy soil is the best soil type for pineapple plants. Other soil types include laterite and alluvial. More so, the location must receive long sunlight, a minimum of 6 hours daily.
Step 2: Land Preparation
Ensure all unwanted and existing vegetation is removed. Plow and till the land to make the soil suitable for plant penetration. Afterward, you need to level the land to even out any heavy soil or stones on the farmland.
You should incorporate organic matter such as compost and poultry manure to ensure soil fertility is enhanced, and then water the soil to make it moist.
Then dig trenches about 90cm wide and 15 to 30cm deep. You can create farm beds and make furrows wide enough for the pineapple crown to be planted.
Step 3: Purchase Pineapple Crown for Planting
Pineapple is often planted by propagation either through sucker, slip, and or crown. The common propagation method in Nigeria is pineapple crown. You can purchase any of these planting materials from a reliable vendor such as a nursery, garden, or agro shop.
Also, you can cut the top of a full pineapple fruit, with a little flesh of the pineapple attached to the top, and preserve it for planting.
Step 4: Pineapple Crown Planting
To plant your pineapple crown, you can plant them on a flatbed, furrow, contour, or trench, depending on the method you built on your farm. The method adopted is strictly based on the nature of the land and rainfall.
Contour and or terracing is the best for land with slope because of erosion, while furrow or flat farm beds can be built on flat land.
A wide hole should be created on the furrow, farm bed, or contour wide enough to insert the pineapple crown and then covered with topsoil once the crown has been sown into the soil. Then the soil should be watered lightly.
Step 5: Adequate Watering
Pineapple plants require a lot of water throughout the germination season. Ensure you water the plant regularly. If you have the means, you can build an irrigation system.
Ensure you water the plant routinely, a minimum of twice daily and water deep to make the soil moist, but not overflooded.
Step 6: Fertilizer Application
Once your pineapple plants are established and have begun sprouting, you should apply a balanced fertilizer to enrich the soil fertility so that the plant will germinate faster and receive the needed nutrient.
Step 7. Weed Control and Mulching
Mulch the pineapple plant by spreading a 3–4-inch layer of mulch around the plant so that the soil moisture is retained. Ensure you remove weeds by hand or use a simple farm tool such as a hoe.
Step 8: Pests and Diseases Control
Mealybugs and scale insects are the common pests that affect pineapple, while stem rot is more common in pineapple plants. It is important that you be on the lookout to ensure your pineapple plant is not infested.
Also, make sure there are control measures in place such as good drainage, and treating the pineapple seedlings before planting to avert pest and disease infestation.
Step 9: Harvesting
Pineapple grows to maturity within 18 months. Typically, pineapples are harvested within 7 to 14 days after the fruits have turned yellow. You can use a sharp knife to cut the fruit from where it joins with the stalk. After harvesting, ensure they are cleaned and properly stored and later marketed for sale.
Variety of Pineapple in Nigeria
The most common variety of pineapple grown in Nigeria is the smooth cayenne pineapple. This variety is known for its sweet and juicy fruit, and it is well-suited for cultivation in the tropical climate of Nigeria.
How much is Pineapple sold in Nigeria
The price of pineapple in Nigeria varies depending on the season and location. On average, a medium-sized pineapple can cost between 200 to 500 Naira in Nigerian markets. However, the price can be higher or lower depending on factors such as supply, demand, and location.
Best Agronomic Practices to engage in the growing Pineapple in Nigeria
To grow pineapples successfully in Nigeria, it is essential to follow these agronomic practices:
- Soil preparation: Pineapples grow best in well-drained soils with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Before planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds and adding organic matter.
- Planting: Pineapple planting is done by using the crown or the sucker. The crown is the most common method used in Nigeria. Plant the crown or sucker in well-prepared soil, ensuring that the stem is firmly rooted.
- Fertilization: Apply fertilizer at planting and during the growing period. Use fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Irrigation: Pineapples require regular watering, especially during the dry season. Use drip irrigation or sprinkle irrigation to provide enough water to the plants.
- Weed control: Weeds compete with pineapple plants for nutrients and water. Control weeds by hand weeding or using herbicides.
Projected Profit of Pineapple in Nigeria
Pineapple farming is a profitable venture in Nigeria. The profit margin depends on factors such as the yield, market demand, and price. With good agronomic practices, it is possible to achieve high yields and make a good profit from pineapple farming.
Common Diseases and Pests of Pineapple
Pineapple is susceptible to several pests and diseases in Nigeria, including:
- Mealybugs: These pests can be controlled using insecticides such as imidacloprid or chlorpyrifos.
- Fruit flies: These pests attack the fruit and can cause rot and spoilage. They can be controlled using insecticides such as fipronil or spinosad.
- Pineapple wilt: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. It can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plants, and using appropriate fungicides such as copper oxychloride or carbendazim.
Different Propagation Methods of Pineapple
Pineapples can be propagated by planting the crown or the sucker. The crown is the leafy top of the pineapple fruit, while the sucker is a small plant that develops from the base of the fruit.
The crown is the most common method of propagation used in Nigeria, as it is easier and less labor-intensive. However, suckers can also be used, especially when planting a new pineapple field. To propagate using the crown method, follow these steps:
- Twist off the crown of a ripe pineapple fruit.
- Remove the bottom few leaves of the crown, exposing the stem.
- Plant the crown in well-prepared soil, making sure that the stem is firmly rooted.
- Water the plant regularly and apply fertilizers as recommended.
Pineapple Farming In Nigeria Nairaland
Pineapple farming is a lucrative business in Nigeria, with the potential for high yields and profits. Pineapples are grown mainly in the southern states and mainly in smallholder farms.
The country produces a wide range of varieties, including the popular MD2, Sugarloaf, and Smooth Cayenne. To maximize yields, farmers must adhere to good agricultural practices, such as proper soil preparation, irrigation, and pest control.
How To Plant Pineapple
To plant pineapple, you should follow the steps highlighted below.
- Obtain a pineapple crown from a ripe pineapple. Cut off the crown and the top 1-2 inches of the fruit.
- Trim off the small leaves from the crown and let it dry for 1-2 days.
- Plant the crown in a well-draining potting soil mix in a pot with drainage holes.
- Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and water it well.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy and fertilize occasionally with a balanced fertilizer.
- The pineapple will take several months to grow and produce fruit.
How Long Does It Take Pineapple To Grow In Nigeria
Pineapples take around 18-24 months to grow in Nigeria.
Pineapple Farming Profit Per Acre
Pineapple farming can be profitable, with potential yields of up to $21,000 per acre. However, yields and profits depend on numerous factors such as soil fertility, access to irrigation, and the type of pineapple planted.
Pineapple Farming Pdf
Pineapple farming is a profitable agricultural venture that involves the cultivation of pineapples. It involves the selection of a suitable site, soil preparation, planting and harvesting of the crop. The PDF covers all aspects of pineapple farming, including information on varieties, planting and cultivation methods, harvesting, post-harvest processes, and marketing.
How To Grow Pineapple From
- Cut off the top of a fresh pineapple.
- Remove the leaves from the top and set them aside.
- Cut off the bottom of the pineapple and discard.
- Place the top in a bowl of water and let it sit for 2 days.
- Plant the top in a pot with well-draining soil, and keep it in a warm and sunny area.
- Water the soil when it feels dry, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
- Once the plant is established, allow the soil to dry between watering.
Land Preparation For Pineapple
Land preparation for pineapple includes removing weeds and rocks, tilling the soil, applying fertilizer, and creating furrows for planting.
Pineapple Spacing
Pineapple spacing is a type of letter spacing that adds a slightly larger gap between each letter of a word, giving it a unique look.
Price Of Pineapple In Nigeria
Pineapple prices in Nigeria vary depending on the season and availability. Generally, pineapples cost between ₦200 to ₦400 per kilogram.
How to Grow a Pineapple Plant from a Pineapple
Pineapple can be grown from pineapple and it can be done almost by anyone as long as you have the right knowledge and tool. Below is a highlighted step on how to grow a pineapple from a pineapple.
- Cut off the pineapple’s crown, leaving about 1-2 inches of the fruit attached.
- Remove the lower leaves and allow the crown to dry for 1-2 days.
- Plant the crown in a pot filled with well-draining potting soil.
- Water the soil thoroughly and keep it moist.
- Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot.
- When the plant is established, fertilize once a month.
- After 1-2 years, transplant the pineapple plant into a larger pot with fresh soil.
- Harvest the fruit when the pineapple is ripe.
Plantain Farming In Nigeria
Plantain farming is a major economic activity in Nigeria, providing livelihoods for millions of farmers. It is a profitable business due to its high demand, short crop cycle, and easy cultivation.
Plantain is used for a variety of dishes and is widely exported. Farmers can benefit from improved planting and harvesting techniques, fertilization, and efficient storage strategies.
How Much Time Does A Pineapple Take To Grow
Pineapples typically take 18-24 months to grow from the time of planting to maturity.
Conclusion
In order to successfully grow pineapple in Nigeria, it is important to select a suitable location. This should be a sunny and well-drained area with adequate soil fertility and soil moisture.
Also, make sure you use suitable planting materials and select high-yielding varieties. Proper fertilization should be done and pest and disease management must be adopted. Furthermore, irrigation and harvesting should be done in the right way.
