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How to start Ugu Farming Business In Nigeria (Pumpkin leaf)

Eno Johnson

Ugu farming (pumpkin leaf) has turned out to be a money spinning business quite recently in Nigeria. Before now majority of people were planting ugu as a subsistence farming only.  But those who have wide eyes have long discovered the business opportunities in ugu farming and have delved into it big time. They are already making reasonable money out of it.

Ugu is the name Igbos’ gave to pumpkin leave in Akwa Ibom State it is called nkong ubong. It is a vegetable gotten from the planting of ugu seeds. Ugu is mostly used in cooking soup and pottage foods although some people extract fluid from it (mixing it with other things such as milk, malt drink, tomatoes etc.) to drink for health reasons.

There is a ready market for ugu like pepper because it is widely consumed; any vegetable that is a day-to-day food is a worthy venture to do.

WHY YOU SHOULD START UGU FARMING BUSINESS

Vegetables generally are highly demanded because of its rate of consumption. Ugu leave is the most consumed vegetables followed by waterleaf etc as such the market for it is very high.

  • It is a short-term plant meaning you can easily get your money in the shortest possible time.
  • You will always sell irrespective of the season you plant your ugu.
  • It requires little experience to start.
  • You will make good money because you can plant 3times in a year.

How to grow pumpkin leaves

Land preparation in ugu farming.

Ugu farming does well on a sandy-loamy soil. Clear the land you are using from every stump and debris. Till the soil if it is hard for easy penetration of roots, good aeration and proper germination of the seed. Pour organic manure on the soil if that is what you are using (cow, goat, chicken, pig dung etc.).

Some people make bed for ugu this is also equally very good. The manure should be the ones that are already treated; you can check my post on ‘pepper farming’ to know how you can treat dung. You can do pumpkin vertical farming

HOW TO PREPARE UGU SEED FOR PLANTING

Cut the ugu pod, bring out the seeds and dry them under sun for only a day or two, do not allow them to be over dried in other to preserve the viability of the seed. The drying of the seeds helps them to be resistant to pest which could have eaten them off in the soil, it also prevent them from decaying.

Don’t dry the seeds that have already sprouted, the sun will kill them.

PROPAGATION OF UGU

After dressing the sol the next thing to do is to plant . This should be done very early in the morning or late evening, you can also plant when the weather is cool and calm. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole.

Dig the hole 4-5cm into the soil and plant the ugu by standing it with the mouth buried to the soil. Cover the hole with a little sand; be sure the ugu is well covered in other not to expose it to the sun. The seed spacing should be 500cm-1m. A hectare will require 10,000 seeds while an acre will require 4,000 seeds.

How to get four seedlings from one ugu seed

You can get four seedlings out of one ugu seed. Here is how to do it;

Take a pocket and filled it with compost manure mixed with saw dust put in the ugu seeds and cover bring them out after 5-7 days break the seedlings into 2 sides each and further cut them into 2 with knife but make sure each has roots in them.

Plant them again in the pocket and then transfer them to your farm on the 8 day after they would have germinated.

IRRIGATION IN UGU FARMING

After planting the seeds, start irrigating the ugu farm and its surroundings every two days morning and evening. Except there are rains then you can stop to irrigate but during dry season or drought intensive irrigation is required.

This means you need a source of water either well or bore hole depending on the resources in your hands. But if your farm is close to river this is an added advantage to you. Drip and sprinkler irrigation is good for use.

ugu farming

WEEDING/PEST CONTROL IN UGU FARMING

Early weeding is the best thing to do, when you delay weeding the leaves will turn yellowish because the weeds are feeding on the nutrients on the soil too. Most times when ugu leaves is deficient of nitrogen they change their colour from green to yellow.

The ugu will become a safe haven for insects and pests that are on the weed.. I will advice the use of manual because the use of herbicides may not be successful due to the crawling nature of ugu, it always covers the ground.

Care must be taken not to trample on the ugu plant because during the second weeding you will have to be lifting the ugu up to weed.

Most diseases that affects ugu are airborne and most of the insects are boring ones example is caterpillar. Mix fungicide and insecticide in small quantity and use for pest and insects control, examples of such insecticides to use are sharp shooter, maxi-force, scorpion etc.

Organically, use neem oil mixed with water to spray on your ugu plant or you soak neem leaves in water for 10 or more days and sprinkle on your farm.

FERTILIZER APPLICATION

Apply livestock dung on the farm before planting, after 4 weeks and after 6 weeks. For those who wants to use inorganic fertilizer, NPK 15 15 15 and urea is good to use. But organic fertilizer has proven to be the best and safest.

Since harvesting is done frequently there is need to give the soil enough food to eat so that the ugu can keep growing well.

Is UGU FARMING profitable?

  • You may be tempted to ask, is ugu farming profitable as said? The answer is a capital ‘YES’. Believe me it is a very lucrative business if proper farming management practice are put in place. You can make 100 times over in this business on investment returns.
  • For an acre of land if you spend #300,000 in raising ugu farm you may realise about #800,000 all things being equal. You do the planting once after that you will be harvesting every 3 days or 3 times a week for about 3 months.
  • You can make the money you invested in about a month excluding land and other properties. Everything about ugu is money, the fresh leaves are harvested for sale and the hard leaves can be used for cooking soup as well. This kind of soup is mostly cooked by Akwa Ibom people. The strong ugu is cut, pound and washed with water, leaving only the leaves for cooking. Ugu seeds are boiled and eaten as food
  • The pods are sold for money. You can bring the seeds out and sell it that way. A seed is sold for #50 or more depending on location and season. Imagine realizing 10,000 seeds from your pods. A pod contains averagely 58 seeds; the big pod can be up to 100 seeds and the small pod 40 seeds.
  • In case you are restocking your farm or expanding you won’t have to spend money again on buying seeds you can only take out from your harvested pods.
  • For more profits dry season ugu farming is the best you will make 3 times more than the amount you would have made during raining season. That is why most ugu farmers always prepare themselves for aggressive dry season ugu farming.

WHEN TO CLEAR UGU FARM

Some people plant ugu for only the pods if this is your intention then the harvesting of the ugu should be reduced to only 3 times. For others who are still harvesting even when the pods are out should be careful not to destroy them. At this time you can only cut the ugu which flowers because they will never fruit. You can clear the place after the pods are matured.

How long does it take ugu to mature? Start harvesting two weeks after planting or when the stems are long; use your hand to cut the stem a little distance away from the bottom of the stem position your hands where you have the nodes and cut.

You can use sharp object like knife to cut if you are not experience on hand cutting. The pod is ripe for harvest when the tendrils are dried; sometimes the fall off on their own on the other hand you have to cut them off.

A stem of ugu can produce more than 1 pod and if the pollination was well done there are chances that about 75% of the stem will produce.

MARKETING OF UGU

People will come looking for you to buy because the demand is 10 times higher than the supply. Meanwhile you can locate market women, restaurants, hotels, bukas and eateries to sell to, they buy in bulk.

Feed your ugu plant to grow well because consumers prefer ugu that are fresh, dark green with wide or big leaves.

OTHER VEGETABLES THAT CAN BE PLANTED IN UGU FARM

You can plant waterleaf, scent leaf, curry leaf, spinach etc. on ugu farm this will give additional profits because it doesn’t command different treatment other than the ones given to ugu plant.

If you are planting the hybrid kind of seed you don’t have to trellis the ugu plant because they are well positioned to grow underground but for the local breeds you just have to trellis them if indeed you need the pods.

The pro of the local breed is that they are very resistant to pest and diseases.

BENEFITS OF UGU LEAVES AND SEEDS

Ugu increases haemoglobin concentration in the body, that’s why some people call it ‘blood tonic’.

It contains antioxidants which is very good for the body and also reduces cholesterol.

Ugu contains properties that lowers glucose as such can prevent diabetes.

The oil extracted from the seeds is good in semen improvement.

Some people don’t bother to raise beds which is not bad depending on the kind of soil and environment. In a place like Akwa Ibom State beds may not be necessary. But for proper management and good statistics raising of beds will be very useful.

For instance there is a woman who has 30 beds, she makes #8,000 from a bed in 3 weeks. This is because she carries out her harvest every 3 weeks, 30 multiply by 8000 is equal to #240,000 you too can achieve that even more if you determine.

Need a business plan on ugu farming business?

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  • dry season ugu farming
  • ugu and other vegetables
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Eno Johnson

26 COMMENTS

Thanks for the article, I want to start ugu farming, and require the needed expertise to get me started. Is it something you do? Looking forward to your feedback. Thanks

Yes. What do you want to know?

Wow. Quite enlightening post you have here. I planted my first ugu seeds today. I was surprised when I read that first harvest should be in 2 weeks. Someone said the first harvest usually cause diarrhoea (running stomach as some know it). Pls how true is it? I’ll appreciate a phone number with which to reach you easily. Thanks for your blog.

Thanks@Rico, my number 08035965405 Yes the first harvest sometimes cause running stomach to some people but not everybody. Dry season ugu farming is very lucrative, it is nice you started. You can ask me any question when the need arises, I will be glad to answer them.

Good day sir/ma Am interested in this ugu farming, have gone as far as planting the ugu seed since on the 13th of may 2020, up till now the crops has not germinated. I don’t know what is the cause

Habah! Contact me on 08035965405@Alex lets talk

How do I prepeare my ugu beds before planting

God bless you for this write up is intresting i have been dreaming of this business how can i start like how can one start with

What an interesting article? Keep it up. I want to start ugu farming with 100 seeds @ 1seed/stand by following this article in addition to what I’ve learnt. Hope that will still yield a decent profit?

Go ahead Adekoya

Thanks for this article, it is a great guide. I recently started a little ugu farm, can I please chat you for some questions and concerns? Thank you

Hello @Gowon, you can contact me on 0803965405

Nice one ????

Quite informative! So so go.

Am impress with your article, your explanation is in full details.

THE DRY SEASON FARMING DOES IT REQUIRE ONE SINKING A BOREHOLE AND BUYING OF WATER PUMPING MACHINE IN THE FARM, IF WHERE THE FARM IS LOCATED HAS NO CARNAL.

es it can be borehole or well

I appreciate this teaching. Please what month can I start dry season ugu farming? Thanks chijioke

October is fine

Thank so much ma for the information. I planted my ugu this December 2022 almost all did not germinate and some are just coming out now after 3weeks I didn’t know why.

Maybe the seeds were very hard you probably would have put it in water over night before planting

The article is so interesting and educative I will contact you for more explanation please. Adamu from Kano

kudos Thank you for sharing, comprehensive and well detailed post. Ugu farming still remains one of the vegetable anyone can start and make money from

Thanks@Agricincome for the compliment and input

Thanks so much for the insightful write up!

I am an avid reader of your A gribusiness articles. Please where can I get good Ugu (pumpkin) seeds?

May the good Lord continue to increase you in knowledge and wisdom as you enlighten your teeming followers.

Thanks @Peter, I have responded

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Ugu Farming: A Comprehensive Guide for Small-Scale Agribusinesses

In our last article , we showed our readers how they can actually run a successful Ugu farm in Nigeria. This guide can be applicable in other countries if the tips we showed is applied.

Let us continue reading to find out some of the fertilizers that you can use for your Ugu farm. This article discusses that and more.

Ugu, also known as fluted pumpkin, is a highly valued leafy vegetable popularly cultivated for its nutritious leaves. Originating from Africa, particularly West Africa, ugu farming in Nigeria has gained prominence as a lucrative small-scale agribusiness. This comprehensive guide provides essential insights and best practices for successful ugu cultivation, covering various aspects from seed selection to harvesting techniques.

Seed Selection and Preparation

Table of Contents

One of the fundamental aspects of ugu farming is seed selection. Unlike many other crops, there are currently no developed ugu seed hybrids. Most growers rely on seeds extracted from pods for planting. When sourcing seeds, it’s crucial to ensure they are free from disease and infection to promote healthy plant growth.

Nursery Establishment

Land preparation and soil management.

Ugu production thrives in a secured environment, as open environments may attract animal infringement and damage. Land clearing should precede soil ploughing to create a suitable bed formation for proper root penetration. During bed preparation, it’s essential to mix the soil with compost manure and super phosphate fertilizer to promote robust root development.

Planting Techniques

Depending on preferences and available resources, growers may opt for direct seeding or transplanting seedlings. Direct seeding involves planting seeds extracted from pods directly into prepared soil. Alternatively, growers with established nurseries can transplant seedlings by carefully tearing PVC bags to avoid root constraint.

Weed and Pest Management

Fertilization.

Ugu plants respond well to fertilization, particularly nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. A balanced fertilizer application, such as NPK 20:10:10, two weeks after germination, followed by a mixture of Urea 46:0:0 with NPK 15:15:15 at 20-day intervals, promotes healthy foliage and root development. Deficiency of fertilizer can result in yellowing of leaves, indicating the need for supplementation.

Staking and Support

Harvesting and management.

Ugu leaves typically mature between 3-4 weeks after germination, signaling readiness for harvest. Careful stem cutting using a knife is recommended to avoid damaging the plant nodes. With proper management, ugu harvesting can continue for a period of six months or more, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce.

In conclusion, ugu farming presents promising opportunities for small-scale agribusinesses in Nigeria and beyond. By adhering to best practices in seed selection, land preparation, planting, and management, growers can optimize yields and contribute to the sustainable production of this valuable leafy vegetable.

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Ugu Farming In Nigeria: How to Start, Benefits and Challenges

Things to be discussed in this article:, benefits of starting ugu farm in nigeria, key steps to starting ugu farming in nigeria, challenges of ugu farming in nigeria, how to start ugu farming in nigeria (step-by-step guides).

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How To Start Ugu Farming Business In Nigeria and Make Money

How to start Ugu Farming business in Nigeria  

Ugu farming presents a promising opportunity for farmers in Nigeria and other African countries. 

By applying best farming practices, managing challenges effectively, and accessing suitable markets, farmers can really make money in this profitable and nutritious agribusiness venture .

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In this article, I’ll show you a comprehensive guide on how to start Ugu farming business in Nigeria and become successful in it.

Let’s dive in!

How To Start Ugu Farming Business In Nigeria Successfully

business plan for ugu farming

In this step-by-step guide on how to start ugu farming business in Nigeria, you will gain insights into the many things you need to know or ought to have known.

Below are the given guidelines:

Get a Fertile FarmLand  

On how to start ugu farming business in Nigeria successfully, the first thing that is required of you is to get yourself farmland.

Look for areas with well-drained loamy soil and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, as Ugu thrives best in such conditions. 

It doesn’t matter whether you choose to purchase or lease the land, ensure it has adequate sunlight exposure and easy access to water sources for irrigation.

Buy Your Ugu Seeds or Seedlings

The second process on how to start ugu farming business in Nigeria is to buy ugu seeds or seedlings.

This is a major aspect of ugu farming.

Sourcing for high-quality Ugu seeds or seedlings is essential to ensure a productive harvest. 

Acquire seeds from reputable agricultural suppliers or seed companies, opting for disease-resistant varieties suitable for the local climate. 

Healthy seedlings with well-developed roots are crucial if you prefer transplanting over direct seeding. 

Proper seed selection lays the foundation for robust plant growth and a bountiful yield.

Preparation of Farm Land  

Preparing the farmland is a critical step that sets the stage for successful Ugu farming. 

Clear the land of weeds, rocks, and debris to facilitate proper plant growth. 

Plough or till the soil to improve its structure and create rows or raised beds for planting. 

Adequate land preparation promotes easy access for maintenance and harvesting while enhancing water drainage and nutrient availability.

Preparing Ugu Seeds or Seedlings

Properly preparing Ugu seeds or seedlings ensures healthy germination and early growth. 

If using seeds, soak them in water for about 24 hours before planting to enhance germination rates. 

For seedlings, handle them with care during transplantation to prevent root damage. 

Preparing seeds or seedlings well in advance optimizes their chances of survival and establishment in the field.

Propagation in Ugu Farming

Ugu can be propagated through direct seeding or transplanting seedlings. 

Direct seeding involves sowing the seeds directly into the prepared soil, ensuring proper spacing between them. Alternatively, transplant seedlings into the rows or beds, taking care not to disturb the root system. 

Choose a propagation method that aligns with your resources and the prevailing environmental conditions.

Irrigation of Ugu Farm  

Maintaining adequate moisture levels is essential for the success of Ugu farming, particularly in regions with irregular rainfall.

Installing an efficient irrigation system, such as drip or sprinkler irrigation, ensures a steady supply of water to the plants. Monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust the irrigation schedule based on the plant’s needs and prevailing weather conditions.

Applying Fertilizer to Ugu Plants  

Proper fertilization is crucial for maximizing Ugu yields. 

Conduct a soil test to determine the specific nutrient requirements of your farm. Use organic manure and balanced NPK fertilizers to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth. 

Read:  How To Start Okrika Business In Nigeria

Apply fertilizers at the appropriate stages of the crop’s development to optimize their uptake and utilization.

Ugu Farming in Dry Season

With proper irrigation, Ugu farming can be extended to the dry season in some areas of Nigeria. 

During this period, water management becomes even more critical to avoid water stress on the plants. 

Monitor soil moisture levels closely and ensure that the irrigation system is functioning optimally. 

Employ water-saving techniques and mulching to conserve moisture and maintain crop health.

The last stage of Ugu farming is harvesting.

After your Ugu has grown to its maturity period, then it’s high time you sell to consumers.

Also Read:  How To Start Cement Business In Nigeria Today

Selling to consumers may begin from home but taken to the marketplace make a difference in terms of quick sales.

FAQs On How To Start Ugu Farming Business In Nigeria

Below are some related frequently asked questions on how to start ugu farming business in Nigeria today with answers:

When is the best time to plant Ugu in Nigeria?

The best time to plant Ugu in Nigeria depends on the region and prevailing weather conditions. 

Generally, Ugu is grown during the rainy season when there is sufficient moisture in the soil to support seed germination and plant growth. 

However, if you can do proper irrigation, Ugu farming can be extended to the dry season in some areas.

How do I prepare the soil for Ugu farming?

Preparing the soil for Ugu farming involves clearing the land of weeds, rocks, and debris. 

Plough or till the soil to improve its structure and create planting rows or raised beds. 

Incorporate organic matter into the soil to enhance its fertility and nutrient content. Conducting a soil test can provide valuable insights into the soil’s nutrient status, enabling you to apply the appropriate fertilizers.

Can I grow Ugu in containers or pots?

Yes, you can grow Ugu in containers or pots, making it suitable for urban and small-scale farming. 

Choose large containers with good drainage holes and fill them with a well-balanced potting mix. 

Transplant Ugu seedlings into the containers, and ensure they receive adequate sunlight and water regularly. However, in larger-scale commercial farming, open fields are more commonly used.

How often should I water my Ugu plants?

Ugu is a kind of vegetable that requires consistent moisture throughout its growth cycle, especially during the germination and flowering stages. 

The frequency of watering depends on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. 

In regions with irregular rainfall, adopt an efficient irrigation system and monitor the soil moisture regularly to ensure the plants receive the right amount of water.

How long does it take for Ugu to mature and be ready for harvest?

Ugu usually matures within 6 to 8 weeks after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. 

Harvesting can begin once the leaves are tender and reach the desired size. Frequent and selective harvesting encourages continuous growth and improves overall yield.

Where can I sell my Ugu produce?

You can sell your Ugu produce in local markets, to retailers, or wholesalers. Networking with vegetable vendors and restaurants can also create potential buyers. 

Additionally, consider exploring online platforms and agricultural cooperatives for wider market reach.

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How You Can Be Making As Much As ₦800,000 From An Ugu Farm

How You Can Be Making As Much As ₦800,000 From An Ugu Farm

Why Should You Venture Into The Ugu Farming Business?

Land preparation in ugu farming, preparing ugu seeds for planting, planting of ugu vegetable, irrigation in ugu farm, weeding/pest control, fertilizer application, profitability in ugu farming, how long would it take before clearing my ugu farm, marketability, ugu farming with other vegetables, benefits of ugu leaves and seeds, about the author.

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How to start ugu farming in nigeria.

business plan for ugu farming

Do you want to start ugu farming (pumpkin leaves and seeds farming) in Nigeria and you want to learn how to make millions from it without spending too much as capital? Read this article to the end. In this article, I am going to teach you everything you need to know about Ugu farming in Nigeria.

How to start, by preparing the land, planting the seeds, how to apply fertilizer, how to water, how to harvest your ugu leaves, and how to sell your ugu leaves after harvesting them. The ugu leaf also known as pumpkin leaf is a very important leaf in Nigeria not just in Nigerian homes but to the Nigerian people and this is because it is used for many reasons.

Ugu used to cook different types of Nigerian foods – vegetable soups by different tribes. And it is also used for medical purposes because it is high in nutrients especially potassium as one of its minerals, it also contains magnesium and calcium, and other properties. Ugu can be used to treat infertility, convulsions, obesity, memory loss, low blood in the body, regulate blood pressure, and more.

So the uses of ugu (pumpkin leaves) cannot be underestimated both for cooking and for health purposes.

Is Ugu Farming Profitable?

Ugu farming is one of the businesses you can go into as a Nigerian farmer or Nigerian youth and not blame yourself if you go into the farming business well-informed. It is very profitable because ugu farming requires low capital yet massive profits. Imagine having free land at your disposal and all you have to do is to buy the pumpkin seeds to plant.

You will be yielding over 98% of the profits of money invested in the farm. Another reason why it is highly profitable is that all Nigerians eat it whether by adding it to their food, using it to make Vegetable soup, or by eating it for its health benefits. Ugu also profitable because it is a vegetable that sells itself.

I remember those days my mum planted some seeds in our backyard when I was little. People were begging for ugu to use it to cook and after some time that she saw how high the demands for the vegetables are, so it was not a surprise to everyone that she started selling them.

The step-by-step guide on how to start ugu farming in Nigeria as a beginner.

1. Get a Fertile Farm Land

The kind of land you use for farming really matters, not any land can be used because not all lands have the same type of soil. While some lands have sandy soil, some have clay soil and some have loamy soil. Among all these soils, the best soil needed for successful ugu farming is loamy soil.

However, if you can find land with sandy-loamy soil you can still use it to start your ugu farming in Nigeria. After getting this land you need to inspect it if it has been exposed to chemicals or bush burning. If it has you will need to give the land some time for the rain to wash all these away and the land is fertile again.

After this, you need to check how close the water is to you. If there is, is it a borehole, well or you are going to be relying on rain? If you will be planting the ugu seeds in the dry season you will need 24 hours of water supply.

Depending on the kind of farmland you get this land might be available to you for free and it can be at an expense just make whatever money you are paying for the use of the land whether monthly or yearly is not too expensive. Consider the profits you want to make from the business before considering how much you want to pay for the land.

2. Buy your Ugu Seeds/Seedlings

The quality of the ugu seeds you buy for Ugu farming will always determine how massive your ugu harvest will be. If you buy bad seeds you have a bad harvest if you buy good seeds you will have a good harvest. There are different types of ugu seeds. There are the local ones and the hybrid ugu seeds.

A. Local Ugu Seeds

The local ugu seed is best for subsistence farming – when the ugu is planted for family consumption. The local ugu seeds are not marketable to Nigerian farmers and even if they have marketable their leaves are not good enough because they are susceptible to pests and they do not grow faster.

B. Hybrid Ugu Seeds

The hybrid ugu seeds are much better for commercial farming than the local seeds and this is because they have been worked on over time by farmers to make them resilient to pests and to grow faster. There is financial security when you use hybrid seeds to plant whether vegetables or crops of any kind in commercial agriculture.

You can buy these hybrid ugu seeds from your local farmers’ markets around you or from a trusted seller.

3. Preparation of Farm Land

The preparation of any land for farming is very important especially if the land has not been used for farming before or if it has been long since the land has been used. And the steps to preparing your land for your ugu farming are:

A. Clear the Farm Land

This is when you clear the weeds in the land by uprooting them with hoes. If you cannot do this yourself you can get someone else to assist you alongside. After clearing the land you will need to gather all these weeds in one place. This is to make sure these weeds don’t grow anytime soon.

B. Till the Farm Land

Tilling is very important in any kind of farming. You need to till the farm if you want to use it for ugu farming. Just in case you do not know what tilling means it simply means the digging of soil to expose its inner part outs. This process helps the soil to be soft. It also helps any crop you plant on it grow faster because the roots of the plant will be able to penetrate the soil easily.

4. Preparing Ugu Seeds or Seedlings

Normally ugu seeds are not exposed you will always find them in pods and you will need to bring out these seeds from the pods, dry them in the soil before you can now go-ahead to plant them. If you think you do not have the time to bring out your ugu seeds from the pod. You can simply buy the already dry ones from your local agriculture market around you to plant.

Buying already dry ugu seeds is also profitable if you are going into the small-scale kind of ugu farming in Nigeria.

How to Prepare Ugu Seeds

If you have dry ugu seeds they are already good for ugu farming but if you have to get the seeds from the ugu pods you will have to cut the pods to get the seeds and expose them to the sun for one or two days depending on the on high the temperature of the sun is. The seeds have to be dry so they can be pest resistant and can be prevented from decaying.

And if you already have seedlings do not dry them in the sun rather you plant them directly into the soil.

5. Propagation in Ugu Farming

After preparing your ugu seeds or seedlings for planting the next step you should take is to propagate your ugu seedlings – which is the actual planting or transplanting of the ugu seedlings in specific spots on the farm. When to plant your ugu seeds or ugu seedlings and the right depth it should be in the soil .

The best time to plant your ugu seeds is in the evening when the sun is down or early in the morning before the sun comes out. This time is best for the seeds or seedlings because the humidity in the air helps the roots of the seeds to finds their way gradually into the soil easily. You can plant 2 – 3 seeds or seedlings per hole.

When digging these holes make sure it is not more than 4cm – 5cm. After digging and putting seeds in the soil you can cover each spot with dry leaves to help retain the humidity of the soil to an extent. The seed or planting spacing should not be more than 500cm – 1m.

6. Irrigation of Ugu Farm

Irrigation is very important in farming especially if the farming you are going into is large-scale farming in this case ugu farming. We all know water cannot reach everywhere on a large farm especially if the farm is up to a plot on a minimum and in a maximum acre.

And if you want to use manual labour – getting someone or people to be helping not profitable so the best option here will be to build your own perfect irrigation system that will be watering that farm early in the mornings. If you already have well water on the land you will need to buy a pumping machine to set up an irrigation system and if you have a borehole you need to buy the pipes that will stretch all through your farm.

7. Applying Fertilizer to Ugu Plants

To make your ugu plant grow faster you need to apply fertilizer to them. Adding fertilizer to your crop is just like giving multivitamins to children. It will make them grow fast. In ugu farming harvesting is done regularly so you need to always apply fertilizer or manure to keep it growing well.

The best manure – animal feces you can add are cow dung, rabbit feces, and chicken poop from the poultry. Make sure these feces have dried in other to get the maximum effect. If you apply the feces when they are fresh the ugu plants will die.

8. Ugu Farming in Dry Season

Planting ugu in the dry season is another type of ugu farming for those who like planting in the dry season. In this season or time of the year, you will need a good irrigation system to water your ugu plant so that water will be able to reach all necessary parts of the farm.

At this time of the year, you will also need to be monitoring the ugu leaves making sure they are not starved of water. Ugu farming in the dry season is not for those that are just learning how to farm ugu it is for professionals.

9. Harvesting Ugu Leaves and Sales

After planting your ugu seeds and it starts growing, there will be a time that it will be obvious you can start harvesting its leaves but just in case you are confused you can start harvesting the ugu leaves 2 weeks after planting. Use scissors to cut the stems that are far away from the roots and stay of stems that are growing flowers if you want the plant to grow the pods.

If you are harvesting your ugu leaves to deliver in bulk always make sure you harvest when you are about to deliver the ugu leaves. This is to make sure leaves stay fresh when delivered to customers.

Ugu farming is a profitable farming in Nigeria. It is a business that can make money for you on a regular basis. It would also make you a millionaire if you can do farming on a big land like a plot or an acre. However, it also depends on how disposable this land is to you as I explained earlier.

That’s all on ugu farming. You can send me a mail if you want me to convert the ugu farming article into PDF if you want it as a soft copy and check out our copyright policy before taking any actions as regards our articles.

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How To Start Ugu Farming Business In Nigeria

How To Start Ugu Farming Business In Nigeria

How profitable is ugu farming business in Nigeria?

How to start a successful ugu farming business in nigeria, • selection/preparation of farm site, • get your ugu seeds ready for planting, • planting of seeds, irrigation of the farmland, • weed/pest control, • harvesting your ugu, • marketing, share this story.

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How to Start Ugu Farming Business In Nigeria (Pumpkin leaf)

In this article, you learn the full practical guide How to Start Ugu Farming Business In Nigeria (Pumpkin leaf) and make alot of money from it. Ugu farming is one of utapped business in Nigeria. Ugu farming ( pumpkin leaf) has turned out to be a money spinning business quite recently in Nigeria. Before now majority of people were planting ugu as a subsistence farming only.  But those who have wide eyes have long discovered the business opportunities in ugu farming and have delved into it big time. They are already making reasonable money out of it.

How to Start Ugu Farming Business In Nigeria (Pumpkin leaf)

How profitable is Ugu farming?

You will potentially make a return on your investment 100 times. For example, if you’re spending about N300, 000 on one acre of ugu farming; you can make about N800, 000. It further reaffirms the benefit potential of Nigerian ugu farming. Besides selling ugu leaves you can also make money by selling the seeds.

How long does Ugu take to grow?

about 10-15days Usually ugu seeds germinate in about 10-15days but scarified ugu seeds germinate in less than 10 days. Scarification of the ugu seeds means bruising of the seed coat; this can be done with sands.

Is pumpkin farming profitable?

“If you put a little work into it and manage your crop properly with respect to disease, insect and irrigation control, it can provide as much or more profit than row crops.” Andersen said a good yield for an acre is about 1,000 pumpkins. At 7 cents a pound for an average 20-pound pumpkin, the gross income is $1,400.

See Also: How to Start Onion Farming Business In Nigeria

How do pumpkin farmers make money?

Pumpkin farms make money by selling pumpkins. Normally, pumpkins are sold by size or weight. Some pumpkin farms may offer hayrides or corn mazes for entertainment. Others may sell pumpkin carving stencils and tools.

Ugu is the name Igbos’ gave to pumpkin leave in Akwa Ibom State it is called nkong ubong. It is a vegetable gotten from the planting of ugu seeds. Ugu is mostly used in cooking soup and pottage foods although some people extract fluid from it (mixing it with other things such as milk, malt drink, tomatoes etc.) to drink for health reasons.

There is a ready market for ugu like  pepper  because it is widely consumed; any vegetable that is a day-to-day food is a worthy venture to do.

WHY YOU SHOULD START UGU FARMING BUSINESS

How to Start Ugu Farming Business In Nigeria (Pumpkin leaf)

Vegetables generally are highly demanded because of its rate of consumption. Ugu leave is the most consumed vegetables followed by waterleaf etc as such the market for it is very high.

  • It is a short-term plant meaning you can easily get your money in the shortest possible time.
  • You will always sell irrespective of the season you plant your ugu.
  • It requires little experience to start.
  • You will make good money because you can plant 3times in a year.

LAND PREPARATION IN UGU FARMING

Ugu farming does well on a sandy-loamy soil. Clear the land you are using from every stump and debris. Till the soil if it is hard for easy penetration of roots, good aeration and proper germination of the seed. Pour organic manure on the soil if that is what you are using (cow, goat, chicken, pig dung etc.).

Some people make bed for ugu this is also equally very good. The manure should be the ones that are already treated; you can check my post on ‘pepper farming’ to know how you can treat dung.

HOW TO PREPARE UGU SEED FOR PLANTING

Cut the ugu pod, bring out the seeds and dry them under sun for only a day or two, do not allow them to be over dried in other to preserve the viability of the seed. The drying of the seeds helps them to be resistant to pest which could have eaten them off in the soil, it also prevent them from decaying.

Don’t dry the seeds that have already sprouted, the sun will kill them.

PROPAGATION OF UGU

After dressing the sol the next thing to do is to plant. This should be done very early in the morning or late evening, you can also plant when the weather is cool and calm. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole.

Dig the hole 4-5cm into the soil and plant the ugu by standing it with the mouth buried to the soil. Cover the hole with a little sand; be sure the ugu is well covered in other not to expose it to the sun. The seed spacing should be 500cm-1m. A hectare will require 10,000 seeds while an acre will require 4,000 seeds.

See Also: Fast Growing Crops In Nigeria You Can Harvest Within A Year

How to get four seedlings from one ugu seed

You can get four seedlings out of one ugu seed. Here is how to do it;

Take a pocket and filled it with compost manure mixed with saw dust put in the ugu seeds and cover bring them out after 5-7 days break the seedlings into 2 sides each and further cut them into 2 with knife but make sure each has roots in them.

Plant them again in the pocket and then transfer them to your farm on the 8 day after they would have germinated.

IRRIGATION IN UGU FARMING

After planting the seeds, start irrigating the ugu farm and its surroundings every two days morning and evening. Except there are rains then you can stop to irrigate but during dry season or drought intensive irrigation is required.

This means you need a source of water either well or bore hole depending on the resources in your hands. But if your farm is close to river this is an added advantage to you. Drip and sprinkler irrigation is good for use.

WEEDING/PEST CONTROL IN UGU FARMING

Early weeding is the best thing to do, when you delay weeding the leaves will turn yellowish because the weeds are feeding on the nutrients on the soil too. Most times when ugu leaves is deficient of nitrogen they change their colour from green to yellow.

The ugu will become a safe haven for insects and pests that are on the weed.. I will advice the use of manual because the use of herbicides may not be successful due to the crawling nature of ugu, it always covers the ground.

Care must be taken not to trample on the ugu plant because during the second weeding you will have to be lifting the ugu up to weed.

Most diseases that affects ugu are airborne and most of the insects are boring ones example is caterpillar. Mix fungicide and insecticide in small quantity and use for pest and insects control, examples of such insecticides to use are sharp shooter, maxi-force, scorpion etc.

Organically, use neem oil mixed with water to spray on your ugu plant or you soak neem leaves in water for 10 or more days and sprinkle on your farm.

FERTILIZER APPLICATION

Apply livestock dung on the farm before planting, after 4 weeks and after 6 weeks. For those who wants to use inorganic fertilizer, NPK 15 15 15 and urea is good to use. But organic fertilizer has proven to be the best and safest.

Since harvesting is done frequently there is need to give the soil enough food to eat so that the ugu can keep growing well.

See Also: How To Start Sweet Potato Farming In Nigeria

PROFITABILITY IN UGU FARMING

  • You may be tempted to ask, is ugu farming profitable as said? The answer is a capital ‘YES’. Believe me it is a very lucrative business if proper farming management practice are put in place. You can make 100 times over in this business on investment returns.
  • For an acre of land if you spend #300,000 in raising ugu farm you may realise about #800,000 all things being equal. You do the planting once after that you will be harvesting every 3 days or 3 times a week for about 3 months.
  • You can make the money you invested in about a month excluding land and other properties. Everything about ugu is money, the fresh leaves are harvested for sale and the hard leaves can be used for cooking soup as well. This kind of soup is mostly cooked by Akwa Ibom people. The strong ugu is cut, pound and washed with water, leaving only the leaves for cooking. Ugu seeds are boiled and eaten as food
  • The pods are sold for money. You can bring the seeds out and sell it that way. A seed is sold for #50 or more depending on location and season. Imagine realizing 10,000 seeds from your pods. A pod contains averagely 58 seeds; the big pod can be up to 100 seeds and the small pod 40 seeds.
  • In case you are restocking your farm or expanding you won’t have to spend money again on buying seeds you can only take out from your harvested pods.
  • For more profits dry season ugu farming is the best you will make 3 times more than the amount you would have made during raining season. That is why most ugu farmers always prepare themselves for aggressive dry season ugu farming.

WHEN TO CLEAR UGU FARM

Some people plant ugu for only the pods if this is your intention then the harvesting of the ugu should be reduced to only 3 times. For others who are still harvesting even when the pods are out should be careful not to destroy them. At this time you can only cut the ugu which flowers because they will never fruit. You can clear the place after the pods are matured.

Start harvesting two weeks after planting or when the stems are long; use your hand to cut the stem a little distance away from the bottom of the stem position your hands where you have the nodes and cut.

You can use sharp object like knife to cut if you are not experience on hand cutting. The pod is ripe for harvest when the tendrils are dried; sometimes the fall off on their own on the other hand you have to cut them off.

A stem of ugu can produce more than 1 pod and if the pollination was well done there are chances that about 75% of the stem will produce.

MARKETING OF UGU

People will come looking for you to buy because the demand is 10 times higher than the supply. Meanwhile you can locate market women, restaurants, hotels, bukas and eateries to sell to, they buy in bulk.

Feed your ugu plant to grow well because consumers prefer ugu that are fresh, dark green with wide or big leaves.

OTHER VEGETABLES THAT CAN BE PLANTED IN UGU FARM

You can plant waterleaf, scent leaf, curry leaf, spinach etc. on ugu farm this will give additional profits because it doesn’t command different treatment other than the ones given to ugu plant.

If you are planting the  hybrid  kind of seed you don’t have to trellis the ugu plant because they are well positioned to grow underground but for the local breeds you just have to trellis them if indeed you need the pods.

The pro of the local breed is that they are very resistant to pest and diseases.

BENEFITS OF UGU LEAVES AND SEEDS

Ugu increases haemoglobin concentration in the body, that’s why some people call it ‘blood tonic’.

It contains antioxidants which is very good for the body and also reduces cholesterol.

Ugu contains properties that lowers glucose as such can prevent diabetes.

The oil extracted from the seeds is good in semen improvement.

Some people don’t bother to raise beds which is not bad depending on the kind of soil and environment. In a place like Akwa Ibom State beds may not be necessary. But for proper management and good statistics raising of beds will be very useful.

For instance there is a woman who has 30 beds, she makes #8,000 from a bed in 3 weeks. This is because she carries out her harvest every 3 weeks, 30 multiply by 8000 is equal to #240,000 you too can achieve that even more if you determine.

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i dried my ugu seed for three days but is not growing

Did you follow the above description?

Thanks a million for this encouraging information free of charge. My question is this. Can I start with a quarter plot of land and if yes how can I maximize my output. Thanks!!!

You are welcome, i am glad you found this useful.

you must be strategically proactive to maximize output.

Thank you so much for this financial knowledge. I found all the information in this blog very important.

Thank you sir.

I look forwards to mentorship from you in vegetable farming sir.

You are welcome, I am glad you found this useful.

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Ugu Farming in Nigeria

Ugu Farming in Nigeria – How To Start

business plan for ugu farming

Hello and welcome back to the blog, we would be looking at Ugu Farming in Nigeria.

If you are looking to start a profitable farming business in Nigeria, ugu farming is worth considering. 

I have this post to the fullest and made it easier than it should.

Ugu, also known as fluted pumpkin, is a highly nutritious vegetable that is widely consumed in Nigeria and many other African countries. 

In today’s post, we will provide you with all the information you need to know to start ugu farming in Nigeria.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why Ugu Farming in Nigeria is Profitable

Several factors make ugu farming a good way to make money. First of all, ugu is a very healthy and popular vegetable in Nigeria and many other African countries. 

It has a lot of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, so people who care about their health often choose it. 

Secondly, ugu is easy to grow and doesn’t need a lot of help. 

Ugu Farming in Nigeria

It can grow in sandy loam, loamy soil, and clay soil, among others, and does not require much water. Because of this, it is a great crop for small farmers who may not have a lot of land or water. 

Third, it only takes about 70 days for ugu to grow, so farmers can get more than one harvest per year.

How to Start Ugu Farming in Nigeria

It is not too tough to get started with ugu farming in Nigeria. The steps that need to be followed are as follows:

Choose a Suitable Location

The selection of an appropriate area is the first thing that needs to be done when farming ugu. 

Ugu is most successful in regions that have a temperature that is warm and humid, as well as soil that drains well. 

It is essential to select a spot that gets an adequate amount of sunlight and offers adequate drainage to avoid the risk of waterlogging.

Prepare the Soil

Once you’ve found a good spot, the next step is to get the soil ready. Ugu grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage. 

To get the soil ready, get rid of all the weeds and trash on the land and plow it to a depth of about 20 to 30 cm. 

If the soil is not fertile, you can make it more fertile by adding things like compost or manure.

Now let’s get to the real deal, why we are here. Lol.

The second stage, which follows the preparation of the soil, is to plant the ugu seeds. There are two options for planting ugu: either in the ground or in seed trays. 

When planting straight into the ground, make holes that are approximately 2 centimeters deep and spaced 60 centimeters apart. 

Put one or two seeds in each hole, then cover them up with the surrounding soil. 

If you will be planting in seed trays, first fill the trays with dirt, and then place one seed in each hole. Immediately after sowing, water the seeds thoroughly.

Maintenance

After the ugu seeds sprout, the next step is to take care of the crop . This means giving the plants enough water and fertilizer and keeping pests and diseases at bay. 

Ugu needs to be watered often, especially when it’s hot, so it doesn’t wilt. Fertilizers should be put on the soil to help the crop grow and produce more. 

Aphids, caterpillars, and powdery mildew are some of the pests and diseases that can affect ugu. Pesticides or natural methods like neem oil can be used to get rid of these.

Ugu is ready for harvest about 70 days after planting. The signs that ugu is ready for harvest include yellowing of the leaves and drying of the stems. 

To harvest ugu, cut the stem about 5 cm above the ground using a sharp knife. Leave the roots in the soil as they help to improve soil fertility. 

After harvesting, ugu can be sold.

Marketing Ugu in Nigeria

In the ugu farming sector here in Nigeria , sales are a vital component. In Nigeria, marketing ugu can be done in a few different methods, including the following:

Selling to Local Markets

Selling ugu in local markets is one of the most straightforward ways to put it on the market. Local markets can be found in the majority of Nigerian towns. 

These marketplaces allow farmers to sell their goods directly to consumers. Farmers can sell their ugu at a price that is competitive by erecting a stall in the market and selling it there.

To bring in more customers, it is essential to make sure that the ugu is both fresh and of high quality.

Retail Wholesalers

Ugu can also be marketed by selling it to wholesalers, who then sell it to retailers like supermarkets and dining establishments. 

In most cases, wholesalers are willing to purchase big quantities of ugu at a favorable price. 

But, to attract wholesalers, farmers need to make certain that their ugu is of high quality and complies with all of the necessary regulations.

Internet Marketing

Farmers in Nigeria now have the option of selling their ugu on the internet thanks to the expansion of the country’s e-commerce sector. 

Farmers who want to display their ugu and attract new consumers might do so by creating a website or a social media page. 

The use of online marketing is an effective method for expanding one’s customer base and generating more revenue.

What is ugu farming?

Ugu farming is how people in Nigeria grow ugu, which is also called fluted pumpkin. Ugu is a popular vegetable in Nigeria because it is healthy and can be used in many different ways in the kitchen.

What are the benefits of ugu farming?

Nigerian farmers can get a lot out of growing ugu. It doesn’t cost much to grow, doesn’t need many resources, grows quickly, and gives a high return on investment . 

Ugu is also a crop that has a lot of nutrients, which makes it a popular choice for people who care about their health.

What is the best time to plant ugu?

The best time to plant ugu in Nigeria is from March to September when it rains most of the time. Ugu needs a lot of water to grow, which is why it grows best during the rainy season .

Is ugu farming profitable?

Yes, growing ugu can be a good way for Nigerian farmers to make money. Ugu has a high return on investment because it is nutritious, grows quickly, and requires few resources. 

But farmers may face problems like pests and diseases , trouble getting money, and problems selling their crops.

Ugu Farming in Nigeria provides numerous advantages to Nigerian farmers.

 Ugu is a great crop for small-scale farmers because of its high nutritional content, quick growing cycle, and minimum inputs. 

Farmers can achieve success in ugu farming and contribute to the expansion of the Nigerian economy by following the procedures given in this book and adopting measures to counteract the hurdles.

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How To Start A Lucrative Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business In Nigeria and Africa: The Complete Guide

Ugwu Vegetable, also known as Fluted Pumpkin, is a highly nutritious and popular vegetable in Nigeria and other African countries. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is used in various dishes, soups, and stews. The Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business is a lucrative and sustainable venture for farmers in Nigeria and Africa due to its high demand and nutritional value.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Nigeria is the largest producer of Ugwu Vegetable in the world, with an annual production of about 20 million metric tons. The vegetable is widely cultivated in Nigeria, particularly in the southern part of the country, and is an essential part of the local diet.

In addition to its local demand, there is also a growing global market for Ugwu Vegetable. The global market for African traditional vegetables, including Ugwu, is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2023, driven by the increasing demand for healthy and nutritious foods.

Export opportunities for Ugwu Vegetable are also growing, with Nigeria being the major exporter to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and some European countries. This presents a great opportunity for farmers and agro-businesses in Nigeria and Africa to tap into the international market and increase their revenue.

In conclusion, Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business is a profitable and sustainable venture for farmers in Nigeria and Africa. With the high demand for this highly nutritious vegetable both locally and internationally, farmers can take advantage of the growing market and increase their income while contributing to the health and nutrition of their communities.

See Also:  50+ Lucrative Farming and Agricultural Business Ideas In Nigeria And Africa

What Is Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin)?

Ugwu vegetable, or fluted pumpkin, is a green leafy vegetable commonly grown and consumed in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. Its scientific name is Telfairia occidentalis. Ugwu is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a popular ingredient in local dishes and also increasing its demand in international markets. It is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments.

See Also:  How To Start A Lucrative Mango Farming Business In Nigeria and Africa: The Complete Guide

What Is The Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business In Nigeria and Africa  About?

Ugwu vegetable, also known as fluted pumpkin, is a tropical leafy vegetable that is widely cultivated and consumed in Nigeria and Africa. It is known for its high nutritional and medicinal value, which has attracted attention from both farmers and researchers. Studies have shown that Ugwu is a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibers that can help prevent and manage various diseases.

Ugwu farming business has become increasingly popular in Nigeria and Africa due to the high demand for the vegetable in local and international markets. The vegetable is relatively easy to grow, and its production yield can be increased with proper farming techniques, such as the use of organic manure, proper spacing, and regular irrigation. Farmers can also take advantage of the increasing demand for Ugwu in the global market by exporting to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, where it is considered a specialty vegetable.

Ugwu farming business is a lucrative venture for farmers in Nigeria and Africa, given the high nutritional and medicinal value of the vegetable, its increasing demand, and the potential for export. With proper farming techniques and research support, farmers can improve their yield and contribute to the sustainable production of this valuable crop.

See Also:  How To Start A Lucrative Foodstuff Supply Business in Nigeria and Africa: The Complete Guide

Benefits of The Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business In Nigeria  and Africa

  • Income Generation: Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) farming can be a profitable business venture that can generate significant income for farmers in Nigeria and Africa.
  • Employment Opportunities: The cultivation and marketing of Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) provides employment opportunities for farmers, traders, marketers, and other stakeholders in the value chain.
  • Food Security: The cultivation and consumption of Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) can contribute to food security in Nigeria and Africa, as it is a nutritious and locally available vegetable.
  • Soil Improvement: Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) is known to improve soil fertility and structure, which can benefit other crops in the rotation.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) is an environmentally friendly crop that does not require excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides.
  • Reduced Importation: Increased production of Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) in Nigeria and Africa can reduce the importation of vegetables and increase domestic consumption.
  • Value Addition: The production of value-added products such as dried Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) leaves and oil can create additional revenue streams for farmers and processors.
  • Export Opportunities: The demand for Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) is increasing in the global market, creating opportunities for farmers to export their produce.
  • Health Benefits: Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can provide health benefits to consumers.
  • Drought Tolerance: Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) is a drought-tolerant crop, which can survive in areas with low rainfall.
  • Crop Diversification: Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) farming can be a good way to diversify a farmer’s income and reduce their dependence on a single crop.
  • Marketability: Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) has a good market value due to its high demand and nutritional benefits.
  • Sustainable Agriculture: The cultivation of Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) promotes sustainable agriculture practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and reduced use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
  • Economic Development: Increased production of Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) can contribute to the economic development of rural areas in Nigeria and Africa.
  • Government Support: The government of Nigeria and other African countries provide support and incentives for farmers to engage in Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) farming, making it a viable business opportunity for many people.

See Also:  How To Start A Lucrative Peanut Butter Production Business in Nigeria and Africa: The Complete Guide

Health Benefits of Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin)

  • Boosts Immunity: Ugwu vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are essential for boosting the immune system.
  • Promotes Eye Health: The high content of vitamin A in Ugwu vegetable supports eye health by preventing cataracts and macular degeneration.
  • Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of Ugwu vegetable help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent chronic diseases.
  • Regulates Blood Sugar: Ugwu vegetable contains compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes.
  • Supports Bone Health: The calcium and phosphorus present in Ugwu vegetable help support bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
  • Aids Digestion: The high fiber content in Ugwu vegetable aids digestion and prevents constipation.
  • Reduces Risk of Cancer: The antioxidants and phytochemicals in Ugwu vegetable help reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.
  • Promotes Healthy Skin: The vitamins and minerals in Ugwu vegetable help promote healthy skin by preventing acne, wrinkles, and other skin problems.
  • Supports Heart Health: The potassium and magnesium present in Ugwu vegetable help regulate blood pressure and promote heart health.
  • Anti-Ulcer Properties: Ugwu vegetable has anti-ulcer properties that help prevent stomach ulcers and other digestive problems.
  • Boosts Brain Function: The iron, folate, and other nutrients in Ugwu vegetable help boost brain function and prevent cognitive decline.
  • Relieves Menstrual Pain: The analgesic properties of Ugwu vegetable help relieve menstrual pain and cramps.
  • Supports Pregnancy: The high folate content in Ugwu vegetable makes it beneficial for pregnant women, as it helps prevent birth defects.
  • Boosts Energy: The iron and other nutrients in Ugwu vegetable help boost energy levels and prevent fatigue.
  • Improves Overall Health: The combination of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in Ugwu vegetable helps improve overall health and prevent chronic diseases.

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Business opportunities in the ugwu vegetable (fluted pumpkin) farming business in nigeria and africa.

  • Production and Sale of Ugwu Vegetable Seeds: One of the most profitable business opportunities in Ugwu vegetable farming is the production and sale of Ugwu vegetable seeds to farmers and seed companies.
  • Processing and Packaging of Ugwu Vegetable Leaves: Processing and packaging of Ugwu vegetable leaves into different forms like dried leaves, frozen leaves, or vegetable powder is another business opportunity.
  • Exportation of Ugwu Vegetable Products: There is a high demand for Ugwu vegetable products like fresh leaves, dried leaves, and vegetable powder in foreign markets. Exportation of these products can be a lucrative business.
  • Production of Ugwu Vegetable Oil: Ugwu vegetable seeds contain oil that can be extracted and processed into cooking oil. This presents a business opportunity for investors.
  • Cultivation and Sale of Ugwu Vegetable Seedlings: Seedlings are needed for the establishment of a successful Ugwu vegetable farm. Therefore, the cultivation and sale of high-quality Ugwu vegetable seedlings can be a profitable venture.
  • Organic Farming of Ugwu Vegetable: Due to the growing demand for organic products, organic farming of Ugwu vegetable is a lucrative business opportunity.
  • Production of Ugwu Vegetable Juice: The high nutritional value of Ugwu vegetable makes it ideal for the production of vegetable juice. The production and sale of Ugwu vegetable juice can be a profitable business.
  • Livestock Feed Production: Ugwu vegetable leaves can be used as feed for livestock. Therefore, the production and sale of livestock feed can be a profitable venture.
  • Production and Sale of Ugwu Vegetable Flour: Ugwu vegetable leaves can be dried and processed into flour for use in different food products. This presents a business opportunity for investors.
  • Supply of Ugwu Vegetable to Restaurants and Hotels: Restaurants and hotels are major consumers of Ugwu vegetable. Supplying fresh or processed Ugwu vegetable products to these establishments can be a profitable venture.
  • Agro-Tourism: Establishing an agro-tourism center on a Ugwu vegetable farm can be a profitable venture. Visitors can be educated on the benefits of Ugwu vegetable, and the farm can generate revenue from the sale of produce and other products.
  • Consultancy Services: Experienced Ugwu vegetable farmers can offer consultancy services to new and established farmers. This presents a business opportunity for investors.
  • Partnership with Supermarkets: Partnering with supermarkets to supply Ugwu vegetable products can be a profitable venture.
  • Production of Ugwu Vegetable Snacks: Ugwu vegetable leaves can be processed into snacks like chips or crackers. This presents a business opportunity for investors.
  • Production of Ugwu Vegetable Cosmetics: The high antioxidant content of Ugwu vegetable makes it ideal for use in cosmetics. Therefore, the production and sale of Ugwu vegetable cosmetics can be a profitable venture.

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Facts About The Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business In Nigeria and Africa

  • Ugwu vegetable (fluted pumpkin) is a highly nutritious and widely consumed leafy vegetable in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.
  • It is a member of the Telfairia genus and is botanically known as Telfairia occidentalis.
  • Ugwu is a major source of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E.
  • It is also rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, which can help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
  • Ugwu is easy to cultivate and can grow in a wide range of soils and climatic conditions.
  • The plant is fast-growing and can be harvested within 60-90 days of planting.
  • Ugwu leaves are used in a variety of dishes such as soups, stews, and sauces, and are also used as a garnish.
  • The seeds of the Ugwu plant are also edible and can be roasted, boiled, or fried.
  • Ugwu is a highly valued vegetable in the Nigerian market, and farmers can earn significant income from its cultivation.
  • The demand for Ugwu is high all year round, making it a profitable crop for farmers.
  • The vegetable has a long shelf life and can be stored for up to 2 weeks without refrigeration.
  • Ugwu farming can be done on a small or large scale, making it accessible to both rural and urban farmers.
  • The cultivation of Ugwu promotes sustainable agriculture practices and contributes to the conservation of the environment.
  • The vegetable is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, malaria, and gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Ugwu is a versatile crop that can be intercropped with other vegetables, such as okra and tomatoes, to increase yield and profitability.
  • The production of Ugwu has the potential to create jobs and boost the economy in rural communities.
  • The export market for Ugwu is growing, providing opportunities for farmers to expand their customer base beyond the local market.
  • Ugwu farming can be an important source of income for women, who are often marginalized in rural communities.
  • The cultivation of Ugwu can also improve soil fertility and help prevent soil erosion.
  • The leaves of the Ugwu plant can be used to make tea, which has a mild flavor and is believed to have health benefits.
  • Ugwu farming can be integrated with livestock production, as the vegetable can be used as a feed supplement for animals.
  • Ugwu can be grown year-round in Nigeria, making it a reliable crop for farmers.
  • The vegetable is low in calories and can be included in a healthy diet for weight management.
  • Ugwu can be processed into different products such as powder, puree, and frozen leaves, which can increase its shelf life and value.
  • The production of Ugwu contributes to food security and can help reduce the incidence of malnutrition in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

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Types Of Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) In Nigeria and Africa

There are different types of Ugwu vegetable that can be used for Ugwu vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) business, including:

  • Telfairia occidentalis: This is the most common type of Ugwu vegetable in Nigeria and is widely cultivated due to its high yield.
  • Telfairia pedata: This type of Ugwu vegetable is less commonly grown but is highly valued for its medicinal properties.
  • Telfairia mosaic virus-resistant varieties: These are hybrids that have been bred to resist the Telfairia mosaic virus, which can devastate Ugwu vegetable crops.
  • Local varieties: These are traditional varieties that have been cultivated by local farmers for generations and are adapted to the local growing conditions.
  • Improved varieties: These are varieties that have been developed through breeding programs to improve yield, disease resistance, and other desirable traits.
  • Dwarf varieties: These are varieties that have been bred to have a shorter stature, making them easier to manage and harvest.
  • High-yielding varieties: These are varieties that have been bred to produce a higher yield of Ugwu vegetable per acre.
  • Early-maturing varieties: These are varieties that mature quickly, allowing farmers to harvest their crop earlier in the season and potentially get a higher price in the market.
  • Late-maturing varieties: These are varieties that mature later in the season, extending the harvesting period and potentially increasing the overall yield.

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The Peak Season For The Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business In Nigeria and Africa

Ugwu vegetable, also known as fluted pumpkin, is a highly nutritious and popular vegetable in Nigeria and Africa. The peak production season for Ugwu vegetable in Nigeria is during the rainy season which occurs between April and September, while the peak supply season is during the dry season which falls between October and March. The vegetable can be grown all year round with irrigation in suitable conditions. The demand for Ugwu vegetable increases during the peak supply season because it is when the vegetable is most readily available, fresh and affordable.

The high demand for Ugwu vegetable is due to its numerous health benefits and its use in traditional Nigerian cuisine. The vegetable is a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are important for maintaining good health. The peak demand for Ugwu vegetable coincides with the festive seasons in Nigeria, such as Christmas and Easter, where it is commonly used in preparing traditional dishes. Entrepreneurs in the Ugwu vegetable business can take advantage of the peak production and supply seasons to ensure adequate supply and distribution of the vegetable to meet the increasing demand during the festive periods.

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How To Start The Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business In Nigeria and Africa: Step-By-Step Guide

Starting an Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) business in Nigeria and Africa requires careful planning and execution. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

  • Conduct market research: Before starting an Ugwu Vegetable business, conduct market research to identify potential buyers, competitors, and market trends.
  • Choose a suitable location: Ugwu grows well in warm climates with well-drained soil. Choose a location that receives plenty of sunshine, has adequate water supply and fertile soil.
  • Prepare the land: Clear the land and plow it to loosen the soil. Add organic matter and fertilizer to improve soil fertility.
  • Select the right seed: Choose high-quality seeds from reputable seed companies.
  • Planting: Sow the seeds directly into the soil or transplant seedlings. Plant in rows with a spacing of 60cm by 60cm.
  • Irrigation: Irrigate the plants regularly to ensure they get enough water, especially during the dry season.
  • Fertilization: Apply fertilizer according to the plant’s requirements.
  • Pest and disease control: Control pests and diseases by using approved pesticides and fungicides.
  • Harvesting: Harvest the Ugwu leaves when they are tender and dark green. Cut the leaves close to the base of the stem.
  • Processing and packaging: Clean, sort, and package the leaves for sale.
  • Marketing and sales: Develop a marketing strategy to sell the product to potential buyers.

Starting an Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) business can be profitable if done right. By following these steps, you can start your own successful Ugwu Vegetable business in Nigeria and Africa.

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How To Process Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) In Nigeria or Africa

Processing and packaging of Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) in Nigeria and Africa involves several steps to ensure the product is safe for consumption, retains its nutrients, and has an extended shelf life. Here are the steps involved:

  • Sorting: The first step is to sort the Ugwu leaves and discard any leaves that are damaged or discolored.
  • Washing: The leaves are then washed thoroughly with clean water to remove any dirt, sand, or debris.
  • Blanching: The leaves are blanched in boiling water for a few seconds to stop enzyme activity and preserve their green color.
  • Cooling: The leaves are then immediately cooled in cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Drying: The leaves are dried under shade or in a dehydrator until they are completely dry.
  • Milling: The dried leaves are milled into a fine powder using a grinder or milling machine.
  • Packaging: The powdered Ugwu vegetable is then packaged in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags.

To ensure the safety and quality of the product, it is important to follow good manufacturing practices and maintain good hygiene during the processing and packaging process.

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Types Of Equipment & Tools Used In The Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business In Nigeria or Africa

To process, package, and supply Ugwu vegetable (fluted pumpkin) in Nigeria and Africa, the following equipment can be used:

  • Harvesting knives: These are used to cut the mature leaves of the Ugwu plant during harvesting.
  • Sorting table: This equipment is used to sort and select the leaves according to size, quality, and color.
  • Washing tanks: These are used to clean the leaves to remove any dirt, debris, or impurities.
  • Blanching equipment: This is used to dip the leaves in boiling water for a short time to stop enzyme action and retain color.
  • Drying equipment: After blanching, the leaves are dried to reduce moisture content and increase shelf life.
  • Packaging materials: These can be plastic bags, cartons, or containers, which are used to pack the dried leaves.
  • Labeling and sealing equipment: This equipment is used to label and seal the packaged product to prevent contamination and maintain freshness.
  • Transportation equipment: This can be a vehicle for transporting the packaged Ugwu leaves to the market or storage facility.

Proper use of equipment can improve productivity, reduce processing time, and increase the quality of the final product.

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Target Market For The Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business In Nigeria or Africa

Target Customers for Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) in Nigeria and Africa:

  • Households: Households are a major target market for Ugwu vegetable because it is a staple vegetable used in many Nigerian and African dishes. Households are always in demand of fresh and quality vegetables, making them a consistent market for Ugwu farmers.
  • Restaurants and Hotels: Restaurants and hotels are also key target customers for Ugwu vegetable as they use it to prepare various meals. These businesses require large quantities of Ugwu to meet their daily demand, making them an excellent market for Ugwu farmers.
  • Food Processing Companies: Food processing companies that produce packaged vegetable products are also a target market for Ugwu vegetable. These companies require large quantities of Ugwu to meet their production needs and can offer long-term contracts to reliable Ugwu farmers.
  • Exporters: There is also a growing demand for Ugwu vegetable in international markets, making exporters a target market for Ugwu farmers. Exporters require high-quality Ugwu that meets international standards and can offer premium prices for top-quality produce.

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How To Sell or Market Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) In Nigeria or Africa

  • Local markets: Selling fresh Ugwu vegetables in local markets is a popular way to market them in Nigeria and Africa.
  • Online marketplaces: Online marketplaces like Jumia, Konga, and Jiji can be used to sell Ugwu vegetables.
  • Supermarkets: Contacting local supermarkets or grocery stores can help you sell Ugwu vegetables in bulk.
  • Restaurants: Restaurants that specialize in healthy foods can be a good market for Ugwu vegetables.
  • Food processing companies: Selling Ugwu vegetables to food processing companies for use in canned or frozen foods.
  • Organic stores: There is a growing market for organic products, including vegetables like Ugwu.
  • Export: Ugwu vegetables can be exported to other countries, such as the UK, the US, and other African countries.
  • Direct sales: Setting up a roadside stand or a direct selling approach to customers can help to build customer loyalty.
  • Community-supported agriculture (CSA): A CSA program allows customers to buy a share of your farm’s produce, including Ugwu vegetables, for a set period of time.
  • Social media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be used to market and sell Ugwu vegetables.
  • Farm-to-table programs: Partnering with farm-to-table programs can help to connect farmers with local restaurants and consumers.
  • Mobile markets: Mobile markets are becoming more popular, and they can help to reach a wider audience.
  • Schools and universities: Marketing Ugwu vegetables to schools and universities can help to promote healthy eating habits.
  • Community events: Participating in community events like farmers’ markets, fairs, and festivals can help to increase brand visibility and attract new customers.
  • Cooperatives: Joining a cooperative of farmers can help to expand your marketing reach and reduce costs.
  • Business-to-business (B2B) sales: Selling Ugwu vegetables to businesses that sell or use them in their products can be a profitable market.
  • Health food stores: Selling Ugwu vegetables in health food stores can attract health-conscious customers.
  • Non-profit organizations: Partnering with non-profit organizations that focus on healthy eating can help to promote your brand.
  • Free samples: Offering free samples can encourage potential customers to try Ugwu vegetables.
  • Direct mail: Sending promotional materials or coupons through direct mail can help to reach potential customers.
  • Loyalty programs: Offering loyalty programs to frequent customers can help to build customer loyalty and increase sales.
  • Referral programs: Referral programs can incentivize current customers to refer new customers to your business.
  • Bulk sales: Offering discounts for bulk purchases can encourage customers to buy more Ugwu vegetables.
  • Radio and TV advertising: Radio and TV advertising can help to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience.
  • Billboards: Billboards can be used to promote Ugwu vegetables to drivers and pedestrians

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Challenges Of The Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business In Nigeria and Africa

  • Lack of access to finance: Farmers may face difficulty in obtaining loans to start or expand their farming business.
  • Limited market access: There may be a limited number of buyers for Ugwu vegetables, making it difficult to sell produce at a reasonable price.
  • Pest and disease management: The vegetable is susceptible to pests and diseases, and farmers need to implement effective management strategies to prevent damage and loss.
  • Limited access to inputs: Farmers may face challenges in accessing quality seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs necessary for successful crop production.
  • Land use conflicts: Land use conflicts may arise due to competition for land with other crops or industrial activities.
  • Climate change: Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature may affect crop production and quality.
  • Poor transportation infrastructure: Poor roads and transportation networks make it difficult to transport produce from farms to markets.
  • Lack of storage facilities: Farmers may face challenges in storing their produce after harvest, leading to spoilage and waste.
  • Low productivity: Low yield per hectare is a significant challenge that affects profitability.
  • Limited knowledge and skills: Many farmers lack the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage their farms and increase productivity.
  • High post-harvest losses: The perishable nature of Ugwu vegetables makes it susceptible to losses, especially during the post-harvest stage.
  • High cost of inputs: The cost of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides may be prohibitively expensive for many farmers.
  • Limited access to information: Farmers may not have access to information on best practices, new technologies, or market trends.
  • Limited access to credit: Farmers may struggle to obtain credit to purchase inputs, invest in their farms, or expand their operations.
  • Lack of government support: The government may not provide sufficient support, including infrastructure, subsidies, and incentives to promote the growth of the sector.
  • Poor irrigation systems: Inadequate irrigation infrastructure may affect crop production, especially during the dry season.
  • Inadequate processing and storage facilities: The lack of processing and storage facilities may affect the quality and shelf-life of the produce.
  • Limited access to extension services: Farmers may not have access to extension services to learn about new farming technologies or best practices.
  • High cost of labor: The high cost of labor may make it difficult for farmers to maintain profitability.
  • Limited access to markets: Farmers may face challenges in accessing markets, particularly for export markets.
  • Lack of value addition: The lack of value addition means that farmers may not be able to maximize profits from their produce.
  • Inadequate infrastructure: Poor road networks, electricity supply, and water supply may affect farming operations.
  • Inadequate policies: The lack of policies that promote the growth of the sector may hinder its development.
  • Inadequate research: Limited research may affect the development of new technologies and practices to improve productivity and quality.

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To Sum It Up

In conclusion, Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business is a viable and profitable venture for farmers in Nigeria and Africa. It is a staple vegetable in many African households and has significant nutritional and medicinal benefits. However, the industry faces several challenges, including poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and limited access to markets, among others.

To address these challenges, farmers need to adopt modern farming technologies, invest in research and development, and collaborate with other stakeholders to increase market access and improve the value chain. Governments in Nigeria and Africa should provide favourable policies, subsidies, and grants to support the Ugwu vegetable farming industry’s growth and profitability.

Overall, the Ugwu vegetable farming business in Nigeria and Africa has significant potential for growth and offers opportunities for farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the agribusiness sector’s growth. With proper planning, investment, and support, the industry can overcome its challenges and become a major contributor to the economy.

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Trying To Secure A Business Loan? Finance? Or Investment? You can now greatly increase your chances of geting the loan/investment you need with our bank and investor ready professional MBA standard business plan writing service Writing a bank and investor ready professional Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business plan can be challenging. If you need a professional and affordable business plan service, StartupTipsDaily’s MBA standard professional business plan writing service  is perfect for your small business. All you have to do is request an understanding of your proposed business model, and you’d have a professional MBA standard business plan ready for you in anywhere from 5 to 14 days.  You can click here to get started with using StartupTipsDaily’s professional business plan writing service to create the perfect business plan that’d get accepted anywhere.

What are your thoughts on how to start a Ugwu Vegetable (Fluted Pumpkin) Farming Business in Nigeria and Africa? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Stan Edom

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Nigerian Finder

Ugwu Farming in Nigeria: Step by Step Guide

Ugwu is known as the Fluted Pumpkin. It is a vine plant that is native to West Africa and quite popular and heavily consumed in many parts of Nigeria. At least a quarter of Nigerians eat ugwu leaves. Whether rich or poor, ugwu is an affordable option for many families. It can be used to prepare popular soups like egusi, ogbono and edi kain kong. Also, it is also used in the preparation of herbal medicines and can be used to treat common ailments like malaria and anemia. The seeds are edible and the oil from these seeds can be used for cooking and soap making.

Consuming ugwu leaves in your meals comes with many natural benefits. Ugwu is a natural hematinic due to its iron content as well as an immune booster. The leaves also have blood sugar reducing effects and can be included in the diet of diabetics. Also, ugwu plant contains high level of phosphorus and can help prevent kidney diseases.

business plan for ugu farming

This vegetable has antibacterial effects particularly the root of the plant produces antiplasmodial and schizonticidal effects; hence it can be used to treat parasitic infections like malaria. The raw leaves can be combined with milk to help individual that have low blood levels. Also, the seeds can be eaten whole or grounded to be used to prepare soup or porridge. The seed is rich in protein and very nutritious. The pumpkin seed oil contains anti-oxidative properties which have been linked to treating infertility.

Now that you know a few things about this amazing vegetable plant, the next logical step for you is to find ways to cultivate it. Interestingly, it’s not so difficult a task and we’ve made it easy for you through this step by step guide. With these 5 concise steps, you can easily become a commercial ugwu merchant. But if you don’t want to go that route, you can still plant as much ugwu that your family needs for life with very little upfront investment.

So the question you should be asking is – how do I go about it ?

Site Selection

You need a piece of land with certain features. First, the pH of the soil should be neutral i.e 6.5-7. You can use a pH meter to confirm the soil pH. Also, the land should have adequate sunlight exposure. These two factors are very critical factors for the growth of your ugwu plant.

You may be wondering what the size of your harvest should be irrespective of your farmland. Well, the size of your harvest is generally dependent on the size of your land. But you don’t need to have a large piece before you start planting, you can start with what you have.

One unique thing about ugwu is that it can be planted virtually anywhere in the country. Although there are ideal conditions for optimal growth, the ugwu plant has a unique ability to tolerate drought and even thrive in a poor soil. However, one important soil factor is that it must be well drained. Ugwu doesn’t do well in waterlogged soil.

Land Preparation

After selecting your site, you’ll need to clear the farmland and apply organic manure 2 weeks before the start of planting. If you are using fertilizer, apply one month after your seeds have started germinating. A nitrogenous fertilizer such as urea is the best to be applied on the farm. The urea promotes massive growth of the leaves. Another option is applying the NPK fertilizer at the ratio of 15:15:15.

Seed Sourcing and Preparation

The next step is to buy the seeds you need. You can either obtain the pod containing the seeds or you can buy the dried seeds at the local market. You can also get it from other farmers that have ugwu farms. After obtaining your pumpkin pods, you can scoop the seeds from the pods in preparation for planting. You can get as much as a hundred seeds from one pumpkin pod. The seeds often have some juicy flesh and strings around them.  You’ll need to remove this flesh before planting. Failure to do this can lead to the seed getting rotten in the soil. The removal can be done by putting the seeds in a strainer while running water through it. As you do this you should use your finger to remove the juicy flesh and strings. However, this is only applicable to fresh seeds. If you bought the dried seeds then you can skip this part.

Sun drying is the next step. The process can last for as long as 7 days. Adequate sun drying is very important prior to planting. The process helps to reduce the moisture content and promotes germination.  Also, you can treat the seeds with insecticide-fungicide mixture to prevent insect and fungi attack.

The ideal planting season of the ugwu plant is between April and May. During this period the rains are minimal and the plant does quite well in such rainy conditions. You should plant the seed into the soil at a distance of one foot apart. The seed should be placed vertically into the soil with the pointed edge inserted in to the soil and the exposed part facing upwards. The depth of planting shouldn’t be too deep. A dimension of between 15 and 25cm deep is ideal for your seed.

You will need to water your seeds everyday for at least 2 weeks. Typically, plants begin to germinate after 1 to 2 weeks. Also, weeding should be done every 2 weeks to ensure that the growing plant isn’t starved of water and the vital nutrients.

Additionally, you should protect your farm from goats and herbivores. These animals are notorious for destroying ugwu farms. Also, there are some common pests that destroy ugwu leaves. These include grasshoppers, beetles, aphids, thrips and green shield bugs. Diseases that affect the leaves include the white leaf spot disease and the telferia mosaic virus disease. During storage, some fungal diseases may affect the seeds and render them useless. You can spray the seeds with insecticide-fungicide to prevent attacks of insects and fungi.

Once the plant starts to germinate, use a stick preferably of 1 – 2 meters length and place it close to the plant. After a while, the plant will begin to climb around the stick. Generally, plants that are assisted in growth with sticks tend to do better than the unassisted ones. This process of staking helps to prevent diseases especially during the rainy season however, staking isn’t necessary in commercial ugwu farming.

An important cultural activity in ugwu farming is topping of the vine. This is done to increase the offshoot and lateral growth of the vine. A good way to do this is by counting 8-10 leaf notches starting from the top, and then you cut it off with a knife. This is usually done 3 weeks after planting or 3 to 5 weeks after germination. This process is very important as it helps to increase productivity and yield on your farm. An alternative to this method is general pruning one month after germination. This will also improve growth as well as the quantity of your harvest.

You can start harvesting your ugwu leaves 1 month after planting. However in commercial quantities, it is best you harvest you wait for 60 days before you start harvesting.. The plant can be harvested repeatedly for 8 months. This can be done at intervals of 15 days. The Ugwu plant doesn’t produce seeds until 6 months after planting.

Wrapping up

We’ve put together 5 important things you should always remember from this step-by-step guide

  • Ugwu is a widely consumed vegetable in Nigeria and is an important staple among the Yoruba and Igbo tribes.
  • This plant has several health benefits both in the raw form and in the cooked form and has been shown to help anemics and diabetics.
  • You don’t need to be a farmer before you can cultivate this plant; you just need to be rightly informed on how to do it.
  • The plant is generally ready for harvest 1 month after planting and you can keep harvesting for as long as 8 months after the initial harvest.
  • Ugwu farming is very affordable and you’re sure to enjoy great returns on your initial investment whether you’re planting for subsistence or commercial purpose.

16 thoughts on “Ugwu Farming in Nigeria: Step by Step Guide”

Good writeup , simple and straightforward

I appreciate your write up but can you give estimate on return on investment on say one acre. Someone said one should put wood ashes on the under the ugu because of heat

Thanks a bunch

I love this guide it’s simple and strait forward.

1)what is the man power required to maintain 1 acres of farm land 2)How much expected sales for one acres of ugwu farmland

Anyone that needs info on Ugu or in plantain farming, should consult me. I will help to clarify you, both on d profit u can make.

Hello Sunday please can u help me to clarify it for me . thanks

Pls how do I get started here Is my contact 09020960523

Thank you a lot for this guide, will like to have you contact, in case I need some other clarifications.

1)What is the number of man power required to maintain one acre of ugwu farm land 2)what is the expected sale on one acre of ugwu

Good day ,please I need to know the capital required for uqwu plantation on one hectare of land. Would appreciate response as soon as possible. Thanks

Well said. Thank you

Ur contact Market for this product

HOW DO I GET UGU SESDS PLEASE

please give me your contact. Mine is 08064468114.I need your asisstance. Thanks

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Business Plan

How to Start Commercial Vegetable Farming in Nigeria / Vegetable Business Plan

by BusinessPlan 3 Comments

Commercial Vegetable Farming in Nigeria – Not all businesses require buying and selling, vegetable farming is arguably one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria, regardless of how you see it. Vegetables are a major aspect of virtually every soup in all the different tribes of the country, they are also seen as major condiments used in preparing both local and continental dishes.

Also Read: Tomato Farming Business Plan in Nigeria

Mostly, farming is associated with unsuccessful, illiterate and poor individuals, overtime, this has proved to be a wrong notion as most farmers today are the direct opposite. If you must knowing, farming is a honorable occupation with great prospect for the future. By now you have noticed that several economies are seeking ways to return to agriculture as their main stay, Nigeria inclusive.

Vegetable farming happens to be one of the easiest forms of agriculture to engage in as it requires little or no expertise just a willingness to be involved and an ability to learn fast on the job.

Nutritional Benefits of Vegetables

There are several kinds of vegetables and each of these different kinds possess their unique nutritional values, even though they all have certain nutrients present in all of them. Several people are in a grey area about the fact that the different colors on different vegetables are existent because of the predominant vitamins present in such vegetable. Greenish color in vegetables signifies that they are rich in vitamin B9 or vitamin C, while red or orange color signifies abundance of Pro-vitamin A. Leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, cabbage, chard are known to contain high levels of vitamin B9 as well as vitamin C and Pro-vitamin A, even though they have low energy content. Root vegetables on the other hand, like carrots and radishes carry large amounts of Pro-vitamin A, they also rich in fiber content and they possess very low calorie content.  Seed vegetables are high in calorie content but are very rich in iron, magnesium and fiber content, while pods are rich in fiber content, vitamin B9 and vitamin C with low calorie content. Other vegetables like flower or bud vegetables are equally low in calories but are fibrous in nature, examples of these are broccoli, artichokes, cauliflower, etc.

Observing the nutrient content of vegetables, it is little wonder that they are major part of virtually every meal. It is evident that one of the major ingredients one can consume to stay healthy is vegetables, and that should be done frequently.

Profitability of Vegetable Farming in Nigeria

Vegetable farming even though it is really overlooked in this part of the world and seen as an occupation for the non-elite, is quite lucrative and highly rewarding when it comes to profit yield. The reason for this being that the farmer can start with the lowest of incomes and with diligence and consistent hard work and innovation build on this to turn it to a mega business. For example, I met a farmer who started a small jute (ewedu) farm at her backyard by buying seeds of less than a thousand naira (#1,000), yes you read that right, a thousand naira, in a few weeks she was making about two thousand naira from the farm every few days. She did this without any special effort, just cultivating her backyard, planting the seeds and watching them grow, then getting a few customers to patronize her. Did I forget to state that vegetables grow really fast, as long as the soil and all other parameters are conducive, you can be sure to always have great turnover. Presently in Nigeria, there are over 30 million families, each of these families consume vegetables one way or another every week, business intelligence tells us that we are at a shortage of vegetable farmers to satisfy this growing demand for vegetables.

How to Start a Vegetable Farm in Nigeria

I am sure by now you must be wondering how you can start your own vegetable farm. Friend, it is really not difficult to farm vegetables, it is one of the easiest forms of agriculture there is till date as it requires little effort and capital. Most species of vegetables can do well on their own and can keep propagating even after harvest without replanting. Here are a few steps however you should consider when starting your farm:

  • Develop your market . I am sure you must be wondering why this is the first step, because usually, you create the product before looking for where to sell it. In the case of vegetable it is quite different, this is because vegetables grow very fast and at the same time are highly perishable food crops, which means they get spoilt very easily. It is therefore important that the farmer seeks out people he is intending to sell to before production. He needs to decide whether he wants to sell to middlemen or directly to the end consumer, if he is selling to middlemen, he should seek them out and strike a deal with them. On the other hand, if he wants to sell to the consumer directly, he should put into consideration a market that will ease the sale of his crops fast enough before they start to spoil.
  • Startup capital . Just like most businesses, the capital required to begin vegetable farming is largely dependent on the scale the farmer wants to operate. In Nigeria today, it is estimated that you need between #50,000 and #60,000 to start a vegetable farm on an expanse land of about one or two hectares, depending on your location. This amount of money covers major inputs like seedlings, labor, manure, pesticides, farm implements, etc. But a farmer that wants to start on a small scale, probably at his backyard, will just be needing #5,000 or less, far less in fact, depending on the size of the yard.
  • Site selection . It is imperative that the farmer takes proper care in studying the land he wants to use to cultivate, especially if he has an intention of going beyond backyard vegetable production. Several soil attributes like the topography, water content and retention capacity, soil type, etc. should be studied intently before delving into production.

The topography deals basically with the physical outlook of the soil such as the presence of slope, how prone the soil is to erosion, presence of rocks or other underlying materials, presence of tree cover, etc. These can in one way or the other affect the growth rate and survival of the vegetables.

The best soil type for vegetables is loam soil or humus soil as they contain high amounts of nutrients needed by the vegetables for quick growth. However, the soil can be augmented by the addition of manure (most advisably organic manure). Vegetables also need considerable amount of water, the site chosen must be one that has access to water, though the water retention must be average as too much water could lead to erosion and consequent loss of the crops.

  • Most profitable vegetables to grow in Nigeria . This is one of the most important factors to consider and a prior feasibility study will help the farmer answer this question. There is a plethora of vegetables that the farmer can invest in but he must put into consideration his ready market, his resources and most of all the kind of diseases that affect vegetables in his environment. Vegetables are highly susceptible to pest and disease outbreaks, if you remember in Nigeria some years back there was scarcity of tomatoes caused by tomato blight attack on farms in the north, the major supplier of tomatoes to the rest of the country. The farmer must consider which vegetables are most resistant to the prevalent pests and diseases in his location and invest in such, except if he is ready to spend heavily in trying to combat such pests and diseases.

Once all these are sorted out, you are ready to start your farm, wait a while and start making tremendous profit.

Common Names of Vegetables in Nigeria

There are scores of vegetable species cultivated in different parts of Nigeria, on subsistence and commercial levels as people are gradually coming to the realization that vegetable farming is very lucrative and it requires very little capital. Some of the most common vegetables farmed in Nigeria are briefly enumerated below:

Fluted Pumpkin . This is statistically the most consumed leaf vegetable in Nigeria as several tribes use it as a major part of most meals. It is popularly known as Ugwu leaf and it is loved not just for it rich nutrient when cooked but also its blood enhancing abilities when consumed raw. It has a high tolerance for drought and can grow even on the poorest of soils, it can thus be cultivated in any part of the country.

Okra . It is known as lady’s finger in most English speaking countries, it is a green pod vegetable known for its high nutrient content. It is rich in Vitamins A, C, K, and some varieties of vitamin B complex. It is also well known for its antioxidant properties, okra is a hardy vegetable that can withstand almost any kind of soil.

Cabbage . This is a very popular vegetable in Nigeria, used as the major condiment for salad and coleslaw. Unlike other vegetables, it is quite expensive because it requires a lot more input in the production process. Cabbage thrives better in cold climate, requiring about 6 hours of sunlight daily and a well-drained and properly fertilized soil.

Cucumbers . A very popular vegetable in Nigeria as it is used for a variety of dishes. It is also used as a beauty/cosmetic product as its hydrogen content which is very similar to that of the human skin, makes it suitable for the curing of skin related problems. For this purpose, it is in high demand by cosmetic companies as well as beauticians. It grows on a well-drained soil which is rich in organic content, it also requires a substantial amount of daily sunlight. Other than these, it is relatively easy to cultivate.

Jute leaf . This is the most popular vegetable among the Yoruba tribe of the western part of Nigeria. It is rich in vitamin B9, A and C. It is also a hardy crop which grows in almost any condition, however for optimal results it is best to grow it on a soil rich in organic content and average water supply.

Tomatoes . This is the most popular vegetable in Nigeria, even though most people do not even recognize that tomatoes are vegetables. There is scarcely any meal that does not required tomatoes as part of the recipe. Tomatoes require fair, warm weather for a period of about 3 to 4 months to produce optimally. They also require minimal water, so the farm needs not be water logged at any point.

Asides these vegetables, there are several others to choose from to start your farm, one good business ethic is, think out of the box, do not do what everyone is doing but create a niche for yourself.

Challenges of Vegetable Farming in Nigeria

Vegetable farming like any other venture engaged in by man, has its own peculiar challenges. The major challenge is vegetable glut which is simply a period where the market is saturated with vegetables to a point where the prices are at a major dip. This leads to farmers selling their goods at ridiculously low prices just to let them go and avoid spoilage.

Another major challenge faced by vegetable farmers in Nigeria is preservation . This is closely related to the vegetable glut problem, if there was a way to properly preserve the vegetables, the farmer will not need to sell ridiculously, all he needs to do is preserve the goods till when he can sell. This challenge has to a large extent been overcome in most developed countries but still lingers in third world countries till date.

TIPS FOR NIGERIAN VEGETABLE FARMERS

Below are a few success tips for vegetable farmers in Nigeria.

  • Make good targets, sell beyond the farm. Do not just restrict yourself to middlemen but look for your own market. Restaurants, supermarkets, caterers, etc. could be very good targets as they will always be in need of your product.
  • Use organic manure, especially poultry manure to boost your vegetables. They make them grow faster and look more attractive.
  • Be close to your market. In siting your farm, look for a place not too far from your proposed market, or at least has unhindered accessibility to the market. It is an added advantage.
  • Use pesticides when necessary.

Order for our sample Vegetable farming business plan in Nigeria. Here is the table of contents for our business plan

1.0 Executive Summary (These includes: Objectives, Mission, Keys to Success).

2.0 Company Summary and Ownership.

3.0 Products.

4.0 Market Analysis Summary (These include: Market Segmentation, Target Market Segment Strategy, Industry Analysis, Competition and Buying Patterns).

5.0 Strategy and Implementation Summary (These include: SWOT Analysis, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats, Competitive Edge, Marketing Strategy, Sales Strategy and Milestones with chart).

6.0 Management Summary and personnel plan.

7.0 Financial Plan (These include: Start-up Funding, Break-even Analysis, Projected Profit and Loss, Projected Cash Flow and Projected Balance Sheet).

To place your 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 us your email, name and topic of choice (e.g. vegetable farming business plan in nigeria) to 07033378184. Upon confirmation of your payment you will get the business plan immediately.

Learn More: How to Write a Business Plan and Make Sense

How to Start Commercial Vegetable Farming in Nigeria / Vegetable Business Plan © www.businessplan.com.ng

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This is so detailed, thanks.

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WE have a big farm of vegetable in Liberia, the name of the Mcdonald production farming

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Thank you for this. I am currently planning to start a vegetable farm. Now I have an idea where to start from.

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Melon (egusi) farming in nigeria: how to earn in millions.

Melon (egusi) farming

Melon (egusi) farming is fast enriching farmers in Nigeria and you shouldn’t be left behind on this opportunity. If you are confused on which agribusiness to venture into, then consider melon (egusi) farming in Nigeria. In Nigeria, the melon is known by different local names by the different ethnic groups. In Yoruba, it is called efo elegusi, the Igbo call it egusi, while the Hausa people call it miyan gushi.

This only informs you that melon is widely accepted in Nigeria, thus making melon (egusi) farming very profitable. Aside from using it to make soup, the nutritional benefits are just so many. One good thing about melon (egusi) farming is that you can grow it easily with very little stress. Unlike other crops in Nigeria, it will interest you to know that melon is very resistant to most pests and diseases.

The main objective of this article is to give you all the information you need to start a successful melon (egusi) farming business in Nigeria. In this article, you will be provided with quality information regarding:

  • Melon yield per hectare in Nigeria
  • The husbandry of melon farming
  • How to plant melon
  • The production of melon per hectare

These and many more information will be availed to you in the course of this article. All you need to do is just relax and keep reading for I know you will be glad you did.

How Profitable Is Melon (Egusi) Farming In Nigeria?

Are still in doubt of the profitability of melon farming in Nigeria? If your answer is yes, then let us look into the profitability of melon (egusi) farming proper. Just as I mentioned earlier, it is widely accepted in Nigeria, Africa, and the world in general. If it is generally accepted, then you should know that the market is large.

Aside from using the melon to make soup, you can also extract oil from the seed. You can use the oil for cooking or salad oil, it is all about your choice. There is also the opportunity for you to export the seeds to Europe as it is processed into vegetable oil. You can see now that there is money to be made from melon (egusi) farming in Nigeria. All that is required is your ability to get the right information.

This right information is what this article will supply you with. If you are interested in venturing into melon (egusi) farming in Nigeria, here are the guidelines that you need.

The Guidelines To Starting Melon (Egusi) Farming In Nigeria

Have a good melon (egusi) farming business plan.

For you to stand a chance at success in your melon (egusi) farming business, a business plan is very important. You need this business plan, especially when you are starting a commercial melon farming business. The business plan can be neglected if you are just cultivating melon for your personal consumption.

Aside from being your guide, the melon (egusi) farming business plan also helps you to access government agricultural loans. It can also assist you in attracting investors to your farming business in Nigeria.

Land selection and preparation

The melon seeds thrive very in soft and fertile soils. You must choose farmland that has good soil fertility and good water retention capacity. After you have selected your farmland, the next step is to plow or till the ground in preparation for planting. At this point, you can also add compost manure to the farmland to improve your melon yield per hectare.

How to plant your melon

The planting time for melon is usually between the months of April and June. You should raise some beds on which to plant your melon seeds. Avoid cultivation your melon in an open field, rather in places that they will be sheltered by some trees. While planting, it is recommended that you plant at least 3 seeds in a hole and a maximum of 5 seeds.

You should have a spacing of about 20 inches between the planting holes. Once the seeds start growing into vines, you should support the vines with stakes. It will interest you to know that the maturity time for melon is maximum of 7 months. Just a single melon stem can yield up to 10 heads, sometimes 15 depending on the variety and soil quality.

You can also carry out your melon (egusi) farming with other crops like maize or yam. After planting your melon seeds, make sure to water them on regular basis. It is expected the melon seeds germinate within a maximum period of a week.

How to harvest your melon

Melon (egusi) farming

Melon is usually harvested between the months of October and December. After harvesting your melon gourds, the seeds can be stored as long as you want. You just have to be aware that the seeds are prone to fungal disease causing agents like Penicillium and Aspergillus species.

The melon is harvested once the stems dry or the melon gourds or fruit turns from green to yellowish-white in color. After harvesting your melon gourds, you break it open and leave for a maximum of 2 weeks to decompose. After this decomposition, you can start collecting your melons seeds.

Once you are done with collecting your melon seeds, you can then take them to the market for sale. As explained earlier, melon (egusi) farming business have a readily available market all around Nigeria. Why not consider this business today and join the happy Nigerian farmers that melon (egusi) farming business has made millionaires.

Here at Entrepreneur Nigeria, we provide you with excellent business plan writing services that you can always depend on. Give us a call today on +234 7037281050. Terms and conditions apply

For your contributions and questions on melon (egusi) farming business in Nigeria, kindly make use of the comment box provided below for you. THANKS

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Ginger farming

Okaria Odili Frankline

Visionary, and Passionate entrepreneur who believes that greatness lies not in what you see, rather, it depends majorly on how you see. I'm that diligent and determined guy that sees things very differently. Let's make a difference people.

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Thanks by the way, production per hectare was not mentioned as highlighted by you. What’s the yield per hectare? How is it by per ton? Regards

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Depending on the type of soil, melon variety, and cultural practices, you can get between 600 to 2000 cases of melon per hectare. Thanks

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Thanking for the summarized lesson, remain Blessed by the Almighty God. I got a nice view of the business to come.

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Thanks for your article. You did not mention how much the farmer should sell their product in the market and what quantity? Kindly do let me know.

As a farmer, you are the one that knows the amount of money spent in producing your product. It is best to set your price having in mind the cost of production and the competition in the market.

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Sero OMASAN

Please I wish to know the months egusi is out of the market, buy making the price higher

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COMMENTS

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    The ugu farming business is so lucrative that you can be assured of 100% of your capital withing a few months of setting up the farmland. Apart from selling the ugu leaves, you can also make money from selling the seeds as well. Depending on your locality, an ugu seed can sell for anything between ₦30 to ₦50. Now imaging having up to ...

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