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How to start Lucrative Garlic Farming in Nigeria
Garlic farming can be a rewarding venture for those interested
in cultivating a versatile and flavorful crop. Garlic is not
only a staple ingredient in many cuisines but also has numerous
health benefits. It’s relatively low-maintenance compared to
some other crops, making it suitable for both small-scale and
large-scale farming operations.
About one million hectares (2.5 million acres) of garlic produce
about 10 million metric tons of garlic globally each year. China
is the world’s largest producer of garlic. They produce about
2,197,131 metric tonnes of garlic, India follows with
approximately 1,400,000 metric tonnes. China is responsible for
80% of the world’s supply of garlic. In terms of garlic
exportation, China holds about US$1.4 billion (66.8% of total
garlic exports). On the other hand, the largest importing
countries for garlic are the USA and Thailand. The USA import
about 3.77 USD Million worth of garlic and Thailand 1.54 USD
Million worth of the herb.
It can be grown massively and mostly in northern states of
Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna and
Bauchi. Although garlic is used across the length and breadth of
Nigeria and readily available in street markets but not many
know that they can make fortunes from farming it.
Garlic farming is highly lucrative even when planting using
local agronomical methods, investors can be sure of good returns
as 1kg goes between N6,000 to N8, 000.
Moreso, anyone can grow it so long one follows its do’s and
don’ts. Garlic is best planted after
separating cloves from bulbs and later planted by
inserting or pushing the cloves(small divisions that make a
bulb) into the soil and thrives best with lower temperatures.
Commercial garlic farming in Nigeria is widely cultivated in
Northern states like Kaduna, Kano Sokoto and others, but this
leaves so much room for more development. A considerable
percentage of garlic farming is done using just basic tools, and
this prevents the full maximisation of the garlic plant in
production.
Even with a local method of approach, garlic farming is still
highly lucrative. This, therefore, proves that with adequate
modern machinery, garlic production and commercial value would
also increase. The government and agricultural investors could
choose to take full advantage of this opportunity. If you’re
planning to start a garlic production business, here is a guide
to help you through.
Choose the Right Location: Select a location with well-draining
soil and ample sunlight. Garlic prefers loose, loamy soil with a
pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Adequate sunlight is crucial for
healthy plant growth and bulb development.
Prepare the Soil: Prepare the soil by removing any weeds, rocks,
or debris. Till the soil to a depth of about 8-10 inches to
improve drainage and aeration. Incorporate organic matter such
as compost or aged manure to enrich the soil with nutrients.
Garlic has yield potential of 1-2/kg/ metre square on the
average and can be more with good management, meaning a farmer
can harvest an average of 5000kg (50m ×50m) which is
about 100× 50kg bags.
Profitability: Garlic farming business in Nigeria is a lucrative
and profitable venture for start-up. It its has vast market
demand and on your ability to build a wide supply chain network
especially in urban areas and you can be sure of marking high
profit when supply to Eastern, Southern and Western Nigeria.
Market: In Nigeria garlic remains a household spice due to its
high medical values. You can ground them into powder or sell
them in cloves, thus, there are many proven places to sell them
after harvest. You can sell at
farmers’ markets, wholesale buyers
who buy garlic in bulk and then resell them to
supermarkets and other retail outlets, online sales for
restaurants and supermarkets, roadside markets and even supply
to hotels.
Select Garlic Varieties: Choose garlic varieties that are
well-suited to your climate and soil conditions. There are two
main types of garlic: softneck and hardneck. Softneck varieties
are better suited to warmer climates, while hardneck varieties
tolerate colder temperatures.
Obtain Garlic Seed
Cloves: Purchase high-quality garlic seed cloves from a
reputable supplier or save cloves from your previous harvest.
Make sure the cloves are firm, disease-free, and of uniform
size.
Planting Garlic Cloves: Plant garlic cloves in the fall,
typically between September and November, depending on your
location. Space the cloves about 6-8 inches apart and plant them
with the pointed end facing up, at a depth of 1-2 inches. Cover
the cloves with soil and water thoroughly.
Provide Adequate Water
and Nutrients: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the
early stages of growth. Avoid overwatering, as garlic bulbs may
rot in waterlogged soil. Fertilize the garlic plants with a
balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote healthy foliage
growth.
Weed and Mulch:
Regularly remove weeds that compete with garlic plants for
nutrients and water. Mulch the soil with straw or organic mulch
to suppress weed growth, conserve moisture, and regulate soil
temperature.
Harvesting Garlic:
Harvest garlic bulbs when the tops begin to yellow and dry out,
typically in late spring or early summer, about 8-9 months after
planting. Carefully dig up the bulbs with a garden fork, taking
care not to damage them. Allow the harvested bulbs to cure in a
warm, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks to enhance flavor and
storage life.
Storage and Enjoyment: After curing, trim the garlic tops and
roots, leaving a short stem attached to the bulb. Store the
cured garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place with good air
circulation, such as a mesh bag or basket. Enjoy your homegrown
garlic in a variety of culinary dishes or share with family and
friends.
Needless to say that garlic is one of the most used spices, as a
lot of its uses and benefits have been laid out. This is
undoubtedly a good part of farming to start up because the spice
is one of the spices used for various food recipes in Nigeria.
It continues to grow in demand nationwide and globally.
The garlic production business in Nigeria can be a lucrative and
profitable venture to start-up, due to its vast market demand
and on your ability to build a wide supply chain network. If
you’re looking for a supply chain business to venture into, the
garlic business in Nigeria is a great option to explore.
Get our Practical Training Guide on Garlic farming in Nigeria. We will provide you with proper insight into successful Garlic farming. This guide covers all aspects of establishing new Garlic orchards or expanding existing farms, from suitable varieties and site selection to soil management, pest control, harvesting best practices.
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