How Mango Season In Benue Boosts Consumption, Income

Benue State is renowned for its diverse and delicious mango varieties, attracting enthusiasts like Adi Etum, who stocks his fridge weekly with the fruit from Makurdi’s railway market. The state’s mango season, particularly rich in the Ushongo Local Government Area, features varieties like Johnbull, Brokin, Peter, Julie, and more. Despite this abundance, post-harvest losses are significant due to inadequate preservation methods. Entrepreneurs like Paul Osakwe are exploring value-added products such as crispy mango chips, with plans to export despite challenges like increased production costs. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) aims to enhance mango export potential under initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Dr. Sylvester Adejo highlights mango’s nutritional benefits and versatile uses, advocating for efforts to reduce waste and enhance the state’s agricultural value chain. Source: Daily Trust

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In Benue State, the abundance of diverse mango varieties, particularly in Ushongo LGA, delights residents and visitors alike during the peak March-May season. Adi Etum, a new resident, praises the size and deliciousness of Benue mangoes, stocking his fridge weekly from the railway market in Makurdi. However, despite this richness, significant quantities of mangoes go to waste annually due to inadequate preservation methods.
Entrepreneurs like Paul Osakwe of Green Source Farm Limited are capitalizing on mangoes by producing value-added products such as crispy mango chips, considering export opportunities despite challenges in commodity cost and production. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) supports this initiative, aiming to boost mango exports from Benue under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Dr. Sylvester Adejo highlights mangoes’ nutritional benefits, including promoting vision health and protecting against various cancers due to their antioxidant properties. He emphasizes the potential for mango processing into dried snacks, culinary ingredients, and non-food products like cosmetics and animal feed. Efforts are needed to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance Benue’s mango value chain, ensuring better preservation methods from picking to retail display.