How youths can make money from pineapple farming

Osemwonghogho Henry, a renowned pineapple farmer in Edo State, is urging Nigerian youths to seize the opportunities in pineapple farming, describing it as a highly profitable venture. Despite the challenges in the industry, particularly the lack of government support, Henry encourages young people to consider this agricultural business for its significant financial benefits.
Henry highlighted that pineapple farming is easier to enter due to the relatively low cost of seedlings. A sucker costs N50, and 1,000 suckers can be purchased for N50,000. He emphasized that with sufficient capital—about N2 million for a two-hectare farm—a new farmer can expect a solid return on investment within the first year.
The main hurdles facing pineapple farmers include difficulty in accessing loans and inputs, the high cost of labor, and security concerns on farms. With limited recognition from the government, pineapple farming has not received the same level of support as other crops like rice and palm oil. Farmers rely on personal funds to purchase inputs, such as chemicals, with fertilizer and pesticide costs rising. Additionally, theft of pineapples, especially when prices are high, has become a significant issue.
Henry also mentioned that there is no fixed planting season for pineapples, though most farmers plant between March and May or in November. Pineapples take about 15 to 18 months to mature, and the market for the produce is strong, with traders coming directly to farms to purchase pineapples, eliminating the need for farmers to search for buyers.
Source: Dailytrust

Expert Review for Agri-food Stakeholders:
The insights shared by Henry present a clear picture of the prospects and challenges of pineapple farming, particularly for youths looking to venture into agribusiness. Key takeaways include:
Profitability: Pineapple farming presents a lucrative opportunity, especially as the demand for pineapples remains high across Nigeria. Starting capital and access to land can offer a strong return on investment in as little as 15 months.
Challenges: The major barriers include access to loans, high labor costs, and security issues. Government recognition and support for pineapple farming, especially in the form of financial assistance and silos for post-harvest storage, are needed to help farmers avoid losses due to glut.
Low Entry Barriers: With relatively inexpensive seedlings and no fixed planting season, pineapple farming offers flexibility for newcomers. It is a viable option for youth farmers who are willing to invest in land and capitalize on the growing market.
Sustainability: Strategic spacing during planting can ensure the long-term sustainability of the crop. Proper spacing allows the crop to produce consistently large pineapples over four to five years.
Market Demand: Pineapple farmers have a steady market, as traders actively seek out the produce at farms. This demand lowers the burden of finding buyers, creating a reliable income stream for farmers.

Recommendations for Agri-food Stakeholders:
Promote Access to Funding: Encourage stakeholders to advocate for better access to loans and financial support for pineapple farmers, which would enable expansion and improved productivity.
Government Support: Push for government recognition of pineapple farming, similar to support given to rice and palm oil sectors. Investments in storage facilities, like silos, could help farmers avoid financial losses due to post-harvest issues.
Empowering Youths: Provide training programs and resources for young farmers to ease entry into pineapple farming. Associations for pineapple farmers could also help push for government support and create a stronger industry network.
Market Linkages: Strengthen market linkages by facilitating direct connections between farmers and traders or export markets, ensuring that the produce fetches competitive prices.