Pineapple is one of the rich fruits we have in Nigeria and a very popular fruit all over the world. It is a good source of Vitamin A, B, C and minerals such as; Magnesium, iron, calcium and potassium. Nigeria is one of the leading producers of pineapple yet we don’t have many investors paying attention into this sector of farming foe export and local. The demand for this fruit is high and its one of the most priced fruits. Check out fruit shops or markets you can’t find pineapple to be less than #100, it is sold between #200-#1000 depending on the size. Pineapple farming in Nigeria worth considering, people who are into fruit business treat pineapple as their gold.
One of the advantages of having a pineapple plantation apart from the profit is the sucker. In case of expansion maybe you want to grow them in additional expanse of land you will not have any reason to buy suckers anymore because you will have them many after every harvest. And harvest can be done in 12 months-15 months after planting depending on the specie.
Pineapple can be processed into food drinks, added to smoothie, eaten as snack etc. It doesn’t consume land just a small space can accommodate many stands.  Pineapple has rich sweet taste and spiny texture; the inside is very delicious while the outside is thorny. It is indigenous to South America, before you start it will be advisable to write pineapple farming business plan for proper guide. In case you need one contact us on
Pineapple crop
Pineapple grows well where there is enough water, that is why areas with heavy rainfall are the best for pineapple farming. It grows also in any soil that is free draining as such sandy-loam is good for their cultivation. Ph ranges between 5.5 to 6.0 for optimum growth.
Pineapple Varieties
- Gueen
- Giant kew
- Mauritus
- Assam
For commercial pineapple farming you can choose Smooth leaf or Pure Gold Crown
Steps to take in growing pineapple
- Locate a land
Choose a good site for your plantation. It can be your backyard either own or rented. The land should be sandy or loamy, clay soil is not good for growing pineapple.
- Land preparation
Clear the land to get it ready for cultivation. Till the soil to loosen it because it must be well drained and light in texture. The land can be dug or ploughed for planting, the perfect time to plant pineapple crop is March-May so that it can established before dry season emerges. Planting can be done on plain ground or elevations.
- Pineapple propagation
Propagation is through sucker, crown or slip. Crown takes a long time to fruit, it bears flower19-20 months after planting while slip and sucker bear flower after 12 months. High density cultivation is advisable, 63,400 plants per hectare for sub-tropical and semi humid conditions. 53,300plants per hectare for hot and humid conditions, spacing 25cm within plants and 60cm within row. There are four different methods of planting: trench, flat-bed, contour and furrow. The method to use varies according to the amount of rainfall and land. Use terrace or contour method in a sloppy area so it can help in erosion control.
- Pest/diseases in pineapple farming
Pineapple is not easily attacked by best except for infestation of scale insects and mealy bugs. Diseases are not prevalent except stem rot. The measure taken to control include immersing the sucker in chemical such as Bordeaux mixture before planting. Another measure is having good drainage system.
- Irrigation
You may not have to water pineapple farm during raining season if planted in tropical region except during shortage of rain or draught. Pineapple fruits will do well when protected from sunburn.
- Fertilizer application in pineapple farming
High nitrogen and potassium are required and should be provided to the plants in the manner. Nitrogen should be high only during the early stage of cultivation and should be reduced during fruiting otherwise the crop will look very healthy without producing any fruit.
- Weeding
Weeds are usually not much especially if you choose high density plantation, however weeding should be done before fertilizer application.
Intercropping in pineapple farm
You can intercrop pawpaw or plantain/banana in a pineapple orchard. The money gotten from the intercropped crop can be used in maintaining the farm.
Harvesting
Depending on the various factors such as;
- variety,
- time of planting,
- Â type of farming method,
- size of plant material and
- the temperature available during fruit development.
Pineapple flowers between 9-15 months after planting while fruits mature within 12-15 months. Harvesting can be done when the fruit is beginning to turn from green to yellowish colour from the base especially those for commercial purposes. For personal use the fruits are left until the back turns yellow.
Pineapple yield
70-105 tonnes is expected from a hectare of farm for high density while 45-85 tonnes/ha is expected for low density cultivation.
Is pineapple farming profitable?
Pineapple is one of the most consumed fruits in the world. It is estimated to be about 20% of the world’s production of tropical fruits. They are fast yielding and have quick turn over cash crops. Crowns can be bought for #50 each, let’s say expenditure for a hectare such as; weeding, planting, fertilizing, watering etc caused #300,000, land leased at #200,000. 50 Naira multiply by 50,000 stand assuming the density will be 50,000 stands=2,500,000
Assuming each pineapple was sold at #200 then 200 multiply by 50,000=10,000,000
10,000,000 revenue-2,500,000 expenditure=#7,500,000
That means you can make 7 million from a hectare of pineapple but believe you me, it is more than that because sizes vary and goes higher when the fruit is big.
You can never have small pineapple fruits if you use humus plus. The least size you get after harvest will go for #1,000 yes, I can boldly tell you that. A trial will convince you. WhatsApp or call if you are interested in this land/crop supplement.
Marketing
There is market for pineapple as buyers are always on standby to purchase everything after harvest. However, it is good to know who your target markets are, they are; market traders, fruits sellers, fruits shops, supermarket, juice markers etc.
Health benefits of pineapple
- Helps in reducing the risk of cancer
- Contains enzymes that ease digestion
- Contains anti-biotics that fight diseases
- May quicken recovery after surgery or strenuous exercise
I’m very much interested in this please. My name is Michael and I’m from Imo State and I’m currently serving in Katsina State.
Iam interested in pineapple farming. I have a plot of land at Ohaji in Imo State for the business. How can I get the suckers or seeds for the takeoff ?
Check online for a seller in your location
How can I contact you