How To Start Apple Farming In Nigeria (2024)

This article is about how to start apple farming business in Nigeria currently in this year 2024. Apples (Malus domestica) are sweet, juicy, and edible fruits that are produced by the apple tree. The most commonly farmed species in its genus, apple trees are grown predominantly in Asia and Europe. The apple tree’s wild parent, Malus sieversii, is still present in Central Asia, where it is believed to have originated.

Apples have been grown for a very long time in Asia and Europe, and European colonists carried apple cultivation to North America. Apple farming is the practice of growing apples for both commercial and domestic consumption. One of the most expensive and popular fruits in the world is the apple. Apples don’t typically grow in Nigeria since they need a cold climate for optimum development and fruit production, but they have historically been produced in areas of Nigeria such the Jos, Mambila, and Obudu Plateau. In 2014, 51,200 metric tonnes of apples were imported into Nigeria. The quantity increased to 57,500 metric tonnes in 2015 before sharply declining to 35,400 metric tonnes in 2016.

International purchases of imported apples cost a total of $8.2 billion in 2018, according to export figures. Nigeria represented $29.7 million of this total, placing it as the world’s 47th largest importer. Despite the high rate of apple imports into Nigeria, apples can be grown in only a few regions of the nation, as mentioned above. If you’re interested in starting an apple farming business in Nigeria in any of those locations, do kindly continue reading to find out more.

SOME BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN APPLE FARMING NIGERIA

The apple farming industry in Nigeria offers some of the following business opportunities:

FOOD PRODUCTION

Apples can be consumed raw or cooked, and they go well in a number of desserts such custards and fruit salads. Additionally, apples can be used as a healthful, sweet snack when baked, chopped, mashed, frozen, dried into chips, or in other ways.

JUICE PRODUCTION

A common beverage in many fruit drinks is apple juice, which is used on a daily basis.

PRODUCTION OF COSMETICS

Apple seed oil is valuable and has a wide range of uses, particularly in the cosmetics business. The advantages of apple seed oil include hydrating the skin, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, and minimizing the appearance of acne.

GUIDE ON HOW TO START APPLE FARMING IN NIGERIA 2024 

The following are the step by step processes involved in starting an apple farming business in Nigeria this 2024:

SEED SELECTION

It is not always certain that an apple tree will yield fruit or produce the same sort of apple when it is grown from a seed. Therefore, it is preferable to choose or purchase apple tree seeds that would thrive in your climate zone, as doing otherwise could result in mortality if planted outside. When an apple tree is grown from a seed, it will take several years for the tree to reach maturity and reach its full height of roughly 30 feet.

LAND PREPARATION

Your seeds must be placed outside in a container or a seedbed that has been prepared. Apples thrive in soil that has a pH that is neutral. No fertilizer should be added besides leaf mulch or compost. Where you place your tree should depend on a number of things. These consist of sunlight, the soil type, and space. Apple trees require constant sunlight. This indicates at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Before you plant, consider your alternatives for potential locations.

SEED PLANTING 

Apple trees should be grown on soil that drains well while retaining moisture. The pH of the soil should be roughly neutral, and it should be reasonably fertile. Make sure there is adequate room for the apple tree’s root system to expand. To aid the apple tree’s roots in penetrating the earth, dig a two-foot-deep trench and loosen the surrounding dirt.

MANAGEMENT

The apple tree should be irrigated every 10 to 12 days while it is still quite young. You can reduce watering as the tree gets bigger, merely keeping the soil damp. You might need to water them less frequently as they get bigger. However, during the summer, water the tree every one to two weeks. A week’s worth of water, or the equivalent of 2.5 cm, is optimal for the tree’s first year because it can manage itself during other seasons of the year, except it is in an arid environment.

FERTILIZATION

Once your apple tree has matured, fertilize it; apple trees require fertilization every spring. Before the tree starts to form buds, fertilize it. Apply NPK fertilizer in the ratio 10:10:10. For each inch of the tree’s trunk diameter, add half a pound of it. An excessive amount of nitrogen would promote vegetative growth without fruit production.

HARVESTING

To avoid too many clusters of fruit on an apple branch, which could double the weight and harm the plant, the tree branches should be clipped as they grow. When the apples are ready, they can be picked by plucking right away.

THE CHALLENGES OF APPLE FARMING IN NIGERIA

The following are some difficulties that may arise when attempting to start an apple farm in Nigeria:

• Poor climatic conditions
• Pest and diseases
• Lack of highly equipped storage facilities
• Lack of efficient production mechanisms
• Poor funding of research activities
• Bush burning
• Lack of adequate widespread knowledge on how to produce high-quality products
• Lack of funds to import international standard processing machinery
• Thieves and criminals.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLES

• Apples lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
• Apples are good for your teeth.
• Apples have anti-inflammatory qualities that can help treat inflammatory diseases.
• Apples are a nutritious snack that aids with weight loss.
• Apples may improve blood flow, which helps to maintain youthful, toned skin.
• Approximately 17% of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C is found in one big apple. This necessary vitamin aids in boosting resistance to illnesses and infections.
• Apple consumption contributes to fresh breath.

CONCLUSION

Nigeria does not engage in a lot of apple growing because the plant needs a certain climate to thrive. Even yet, Nigeria has fertile land and ideal weather in significant portions of its northern region. Due to the large market demand for apples in Nigeria and your capacity to establish a big supply chain network, starting an apple farming business can be a successful and profitable business venture. Apple farming in Nigeria is a fantastic choice to consider if you are trying to start a farming business.