Although strawberry farming is not popular in Nigeria the major set back is the poor knowledge of the farming process in Nigeria. Many Nigerians farmers have no idea of how to cultivate strawberries for cash.
The purpose of this article is to help provide you with the needed information and guidance on how to succesfully start strawberry farming in Nigeria.
Every bit of information about strawberry farming will be provided you via this article so continue reading.
In Nigeria, starting strawberry farming business requires experience, and capital. You have to understand that it is not a walk in the park; therefore you need to be prepare.
Strawberries are not commonly grown in around not because its not popular but solely on the fact that many farmers don’t know how to grow it or where to get the faster growing propagation materials like the seedlings and splits.
For the seedings you can contact farmers with nurseries.
It is cultivated worldwide for its fruit. The fruit is widely appreciated for its characteristic aroma, bright red color, juicy texture, and sweetness.
It is consumed in large quantities, either fresh or in such prepared foods as preserves, juice, pies, ice creams, milkshakes, and chocolates.
Artificial strawberry flavorings and aromas are also widely used in many products like lip gloss, candy, hand sanitizers, perfume, and many others.
How To Start Strawberry Farming In Nigeria
*VARIETIES*
If you are targeting fresh consumption the varieties below are the best.
• Selekta –
This is the most popular variety producing long and wedge – shaped glossy red fruits.
• Chandler-
This produces firm strawberries with a distinctive strawberry aroma.
• SOIL REQUIREMENTS*
Strawberries require well-drained, sandy-loam to loamy soils with a PH levels between 5.0 and 5.5.However, strawberries can be grown in more clayey soils if a sufficient quantity of compost is added to the soil during soil preparation.
• PROPAGATION*
Buy disease-resistant plants from a reputable nursery, of a variety recommended in your area.
You can start planting since the second season is here (for those outside Uganda the seasons may vary and green houses can help to bypass harsh weather.
Best Way To Farm Strawberry In Nigeria
1. Make planting holes deep and wide enough to accommodate the entire root system without bending it.
However, don’t plant too deep: The roots should be covered, but the crown should be right at the soil surface.
2. Strawberry plants require 6-10 hours a day of direct sunlight, so choose your planting site accordingly.
3. Planting site must be well-drained. Raised beds are a particularly good option for strawberry plants.
4. Practice crop rotation for the most success. Do not plant in a site that recently had strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, or eggplant.
5. Establish new plants each year to keep berry quality high each season.
It is also possible to grow strawberries from last year’s runner.
How To Nurture Your Strawberry Farming In Nigeria
In the first 2months, pick off blossoms to discourage strawberry plants from fruiting. If not allowed to bear fruit, they will spend their food reserves on developing healthy roots. The yields will be much greater in the 3rd month.
Eliminate daughter plants as needed. First and second generations produce higher yields. Try to space each plant about 2ft apart.
• Moisture is incredibly important due to shallow roots. Water adequately, about one inch per week. Strawberry plants need a lot of water when the runners and flowers are developing and again in the fall when the plants are mature.
• Keep the beds mulched to reduce water needs and weed invasion.
• Be diligent about weeding. Weed by hand, especially in the first months after planting.
How To Harvest Your Strawberry
1.Pick off the fruits with their stocks as soon as they turn red.
2. When you plant your seedlings, in 3 months you should have your first fruits and runners.
3. You can harvest up to 2years on the same plant.
You can harvest the same plant for up to 2 years. During storage, you need to ensure that the strawberries are not stacked to a height of five inches. This prevents damaging the fruits at the bottom of the pile.
You can see that strawberry farming in Nigeria is very viable. All you need to do is get the proper knowledge to set up your farm in a favorable location in Nigeria.
If you have any questions regarding strawberry farming in Nigeria, kindly drop it in the comment section below.
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