How to start Pea Farming in Nigeria

Pea farming in Nigeria presents a lucrative opportunity for both small-scale and commercial farmers. As a versatile and nutritious crop, peas have gained popularity in recent years due to their high protein content and various culinary applications.

Peas (Pisum sativum) are annual plants belonging to the legume family. They are known for their edible seeds, which grow inside pods. There are several types of peas, including:

Garden peas (also known as English peas or green peas),Snow peas and  Sugar snap peas

Each variety has its own unique characteristics and growing requirements. In Nigeria, garden peas are the most commonly cultivated type due to their adaptability to the country’s climate and soil conditions.

Benefits of Pea Farming in Nigeria

Pea farming offers numerous advantages to Nigerian farmers: Nutritional value: Peas are rich in protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them a valuable addition to the Nigerian diet.

Short growing cycle: Peas mature quickly, allowing farmers to harvest within 60-90 days of planting.

Soil improvement: As legumes, peas fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility for subsequent crops.

Low input costs: Peas require minimal fertilisers and pesticides compared to many other crops.

Multiple harvests: With proper planning, farmers can achieve multiple harvests per year.

Market demand: There is a growing demand for peas in both local and international markets.

Climatic Requirements for Pea Farming in Nigeria

Understanding the climatic needs of peas is crucial for successful cultivation in Nigeria.

Here are some tips for pea farming in Nigeria:

Planting: Plant pea seeds about 4 cm deep in double rows that are 10 x 50 cm apart.

Spacing: Peas need good spacing and warm soil to grow. During the rainy season, you can reduce the spacing to increase air circulation and reduce the risk of rust.

Staking: If you stake your peas, you can use twigs, short-staked wires, or strings between the double rows.

Seed dressing: Before sowing, you can treat the seeds with Apron XL to improve germination and protect seedlings from fungal infection.

Crop type: Cowpeas are an annual crop that can be grown as a shrub, vine, or pole.

Intercropping: Pigeon pea farmers often intercrop with other crops, such as yam, millet, sorghum, or cassava.

Temperature: Peas thrive in cool temperatures between 13°C and 18°C (55°F to 65°F). They can tolerate light frost but are sensitive to high temperatures.

Rainfall: Peas require moderate rainfall or irrigation, typically 350–500 mm throughout their growing cycle.

Sunlight: While peas prefer full sun, they can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter regions of Nigeria.

Humidity: Moderate humidity levels are ideal for pea growth. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases.

In Nigeria, pea farming is most successful in the northern states and highlands, where temperatures are cooler. However, with proper timing and variety selection, peas can be grown in other parts of the country as well.

Soil requirements for pea cultivation

Soil quality plays a significant role in the success of pea farming.

Soil type: Peas prefer well-draining, loamy soils rich in organic matter.

pH level: The ideal soil pH for peas ranges from 6.0 to 7.0. Most Nigerian soils fall within this range, but testing is recommended.

Soil depth: A minimum soil depth of 45 cm (18 inches) is necessary for proper root development.

Drainage: Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Fertility: While peas can fix nitrogen, they benefit from balanced soil nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium.

Choosing the Right Pea Variety for Nigerian Conditions

Selecting the appropriate pea variety is crucial for successful farming in Nigeria. Consider the following factors:

Climate adaptation: Choose varieties that are well-suited to your local climate.

Disease resistance: Opt for varieties with resistance to common pea diseases in Nigeria.

Growth habit: Determine whether you want bush varieties or climbing varieties that require support.

Market demand: Consider the preferences of your target market when selecting varieties.

Some pea varieties that have shown promise in Nigeria include:

Green Arrow: A high-yielding variety with good disease resistance.

Little Marvel: An early-maturing dwarf variety suitable for small gardens.

Alderman: A tall, climbing variety known for its large, sweet peas.

Onward: A reliable, mid-season variety with good yield potential.

Land Preparation for Pea Farming

Proper land preparation is essential for successful pea cultivation.

Clearing: Remove all weeds, rocks, and debris from the field.

Ploughing: Plough the land to a depth of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) to loosen the soil.

Harrowing: Use a harrow to break up large soil clumps and create a fine seedbed.

Levelling: Ensure the field is level to promote even water distribution.

Raised beds: In areas with heavy rainfall or poor drainage, create raised beds to improve soil aeration and prevent waterlogging.

Soil amendment: If necessary, incorporate organic matter or adjust soil pH based on soil test results.

Planting Techniques for Peas in Nigeria

Follow these steps for successful pea planting:

Timing: Plant peas during the cooler months, typically from October to February in northern Nigeria, and during the rainy season in southern regions.

Seed treatment: Treat seeds with appropriate fungicides to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Planting depth: Sow seeds 2-4 cm (1-2 inches) deep, depending on soil type.

Spacing: For bush varieties, space rows 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) apart, with 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) between plants. For climbing varieties, increase row spacing to 75–90 cm (30–36 inches).

Seed rate: Use 60–80 kg of seeds per hectare, depending on seed size and germination rate.

Inoculation: Consider inoculating seeds with Rhizobium bacteria to enhance nitrogen fixation, especially in fields where peas haven’t been grown before.

Irrigation management for pea crops

Proper irrigation is crucial for optimal pea growth and yield.

Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage continued production.

Time of day: Harvest in the cool morning hours to maintain freshness.

Handling: Handle pods gently to prevent bruising and quality loss.

Yield expectations: Fresh pea yields can range from 4-8 tonnes per hectare, depending on variety and management practices.

Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

Proper post-harvest handling is crucial for maintaining pea quality and maximising profits:

Cleaning: Remove any debris, damaged pods, or foreign materials.

Sorting and grading

Sort peas based on size, colour, and quality.

Remove any diseased or pest-damaged pods.

Cooling: Rapidly cool harvested peas to 0-2°C (32-36°F) to maintain freshness.

Packaging: For fresh market, pack peas in ventilated containers or mesh bags.

For processing, use clean, food-grade containers.

Storage: Store fresh peas at 0-2°C (32-36°F) with 90-95% relative humidity.

Fresh peas can be stored for 1-2 weeks under optimal conditions.

Drying (for dried peas): Dry peas to 14-16% moisture content for safe storage.

Pea farming in Nigeria offers significant opportunities for farmers willing to invest time, effort, and resources into this versatile crop. By understanding the agronomic requirements, implementing best practices in cultivation and post-harvest handling, and staying attuned to market demands, Nigerian farmers can establish profitable and sustainable pea farming enterprises.

The key to success lies in continuous learning, adapting to changing conditions, and embracing innovations that improve productivity and sustainability. As the demand for plant-based proteins continues to grow globally, Nigerian pea farmers are well-positioned to capitalise on both domestic and international market opportunities.

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