Cassava Farming Business Plan in Nigeria | Feasibility Study On Cassava Production

Cassava Farming Business Plan in Nigeria | Feasibility Study On Cassava Production

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) production is one of the most lucrative businesses anyone can venture into in Nigeria. No, I did not just say that to catch your attention, I meant it!

Nigeria, as well as most parts of West Africa, has land which is very cassava friendly. As at 2009, Nigeria accounted for 19% of the world’s cassava production with an average yield per hectare of about 10.6 tonnes and an annual production of 45 million metric tonnes.

Today, Nigeria remains the world largest producer of cassava which is extremely vital to the country’s economy. This implies that venturing into cassava production is similar to grabbing a portion of control of the country’s economy.

Planting of cassava in Nigeria was pioneered as far back as the 16^th century by the Portuguese who came to explore and slaves who came from Brazil, Sierra Leone and the West Indies. History has it that most of these early farmers were situated in the present Lagos, Ogun and Badagry.

Products/Market Demand for Cassava in Nigeria

Cassava has become so valuable and indispensable that there is hardly a tribe in the country that does not have a local food made from cassava. Apart from the popular garri that is consumed all over the country, cassava is also processed into food items such as chips, flour, starch, glucose syrup and commercial caramel. There is also ethanol and animal feeds.

Engage in supplying locally or exporting and you will be sitting on not just cash but gold!

In recent times, more youths with foresight are beginning to venture into cassava farming in Nigeria. This has even been made easier with different avenues created by government to support agricultural based businesses in terms of capital provision and subsidized farming equipment.

However, because most Nigerians, especially the educated are consumed with the desire for white collar jobs, a lot are still blinded to the golden opportunity offered by cassava farming.

Now that you are aware of the riches embedded in cassava farming, it is advisable to gather as much knowledge as you can before you embark on it for the assurance of a successful venture.

In this article, I have painstakingly gathered all necessary information you require to start a smooth journey into wealth from cassava farming.

Step By Step Process to Starting Your Cassava Farm in Nigeria

• Write a Business Plan

Before you start investing your money and time into cassava production, you should do a proper feasibility study and draw up a business plan to that effect. If you cannot write a business plan, you can order our cassava farming business plan in Nigeria.

To place order, pay N10,000 to:

BANK NAME: FIRST BANK PLC

ACCOUNT NAME:  CHIBUZOR TOCHI ONYEMENAM

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 3066880122

After payment, send your full name, email address and topic (i.e. Sample cassava farming business plan pdf) to 07033378184. Your business plan will be sent to your email within 15 minutes.

•  Select Your Site

This is the first step in starting your successful cassava production business. Of course, you already know your cassava will not grow on rocks. However, you must ensure that whatever land you are choosing is accessible, well drained and fertile (loamy soils are best).

To be certain of this, it is advisable to engage professionals and ask for help. A good idea is to visit a research institute such as IITA with a sample of your soil for testing. They will confirm for you whether your site will generate high yield of cassava and what variety of cassava will be most suitable to plant. This will also boost your confidence to go ahead with utmost certainty of a good boom. Note that it is important to yield to professional advice. It’s called securing your gold (investment).

• Choose Your Variety

It is worthy of note to mention a number of varieties that are extremely good for cassava production in Nigeria due to their high yield, pest resistance and processing quality. We have;

1. TMS 30572
2. NR 8082/ 8083
3. TMS 30001
4. TMS 4(2) 1425
5. TMS 50395
6. TMS 92/0326

Additional varieties are usually being released based on research, therefore it is important that you keep up to date to be aware of newly released varieties that could add some more boost to your business.

• Land Grooming and Planting

Before planting, it is highly advised that a total herbicide (a glyphosate) be applied to the land. This should be done not less than ten days to commencement of planting.

In an extreme case where this is impossible, ensure that a selective pre-emergence herbicide be applied within three days after planting. A good recommendation is Primextra. Apply five liters per hectare.

Secondly, there is the process of liming. Apply 250kg of agricultural lime to each hectare of land before planting.

• Planting Period and Technique

The period of cassava planting in Nigeria is April to October. Always ensure that your planting rate remains at 100% at any point in time. Do this by replacing every dead or non-viable stem once it is noticed and engage in post planting weed control.

Also, ensure that your cassavas are planted in ridges as this is highly important for optimum yield.

Usually cassava stems are planted at a 1m by 1m spacing and each stem cutting is 20-25cm long. This should make a quantity of 60 bundles of stem per hectare.

Tip: To reduce cost of production, use mechanization such as power tiller for land that is not more than 250 hectares

• Application of Fertilizers

There are different fertilizers to choose from and recommended techniques of application.

Below are a list of fertilizers and the application quantity per hectare of land:

1. NPK 12:12:17–15 (50 kg) bags
2. NPK 15:15:15–12 (50 kg) bags
3. NPK 20:10:10–9 (50 kg) bags

Fertilizers are best applied 8 weeks after planting. Your fertilizer should be spread carefully in a ring 6 cm wide and 10 cm from the plant. Be careful so that your cassava stem and leaves do not come in contact with fertilizer.

Also Read: How to Start Cassava Farming Business in Nigeria

Important note:

You can harvest as much as 20 tonnes of cassava per one hectare of land. However, you must religiously follow recommended processes and be diligent in every step of your farming process from land preparation to planting and the application of fertilizer.

An average estimated cost of N100, 000 to N150, 000 should be sufficient for your cassava farm to cover all processes from land preparation to harvesting. However you must note that this excludes fixed capital such as huge machineries like tractors and power tillers and some light equipment like knapsacks and sprayers.

Labour costs may also vary from area to area but with minimal difference.

Make the decision to be financially independent today by venturing into cassava farming. Cassava and its products will always be consumed and if you wait patiently and work, your cassava business will bring in tremendous profit even while you sleep. All the best in your venture!

Get your own Sample Cassava Farming Business Plan in Nigeria! To place order, Pay N10,000 to:

BANK NAME: GUARANTY TRUST BANK (GTB)

ACCOUNT NAME:  CHIBUZOR TOCHI ONYEMENAM

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 0044056891

OR

BANK NAME: FIRST BANK PLC

ACCOUNT NAME:  CHIBUZOR TOCHI ONYEMENAM

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 3066880122

After payment, send your full name, email address and topic (i.e. Sample cassava farming business plan pdf) to 07033378184. Your business plan will be sent to your email within 15 minutes.

Cassava Farming Business Plan in Nigeria | Feasibility Study On Cassava Production © www.businessplan.com.ng