Maize is one of the commonest foods in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. With the fast-growing population in Nigeria, maize farming in Nigeria is promising. When I say the commonest food, I mean maize is the food that both the wealthy and the poor rely on.
It is also known as corn and it grows virtually in all states of Nigeria. Therefore, if you’re thinking of going into maize farming in Nigeria, then this post is for you.
There are various ways to prepare maize meals, which is why nobody in Nigeria will say he or she doesn’t eat corn. It is processed as pap, popcorn, flour. Also, it can be eating roasted, cooked and fried. Therefore it is for everyone, which is why maize farming in Nigeria is a very lucrative one.
In this post, I am going to cover a business plan for commercial maize farming in Nigeria and the best season for maize farming in Nigeria. In other words, this is a comprehensive maize farming guide for Nigerians.
Maize Farming in Nigeria – Business Plan
Most Nigerian farmers are peasant farmers, which means they only farm for food. So, this maize farming business plan is for those considering going into commercial maize farming in Nigeria. This is a plan for a hectare of land in the northern part of Nigeria.
Research has shown that one hectare of land can produce 150,000 curb of corn. So, have that in mind while we calculate what it will cost you to have such a harvest.
Outright Purchase of land (15 plots)……………………………………………………….N2, 000,000
Clearing………………………………………………………………………………………………….N300, 000
Cost of hybrid corn………………………………………………………………………………….N150, 000
Cost of Fertilizer………………………………………………………………………………………N480, 000
Workmanship (Planters & Weeders)………………………………………………………..N700, 000
Harvesting and carriage…………………………………………………………………………..N250, 000
Miscellaneous………………………………………………………………………………………….N150, 000
Total………………………………………………………………………………………………………..N4030, 000
Note: Leasing of land will make the expenses very less, because leasing will cost between N400, 000 and N500, 000
This cost is valid as at the time of writing this business plan. It may vary as time goes on. So bear that in mind while studying the business plan.
From the figures above, it means you need a minimum of N4, 000,000 (Four Million Naira) to cultivate a hectare of maize farm.
Expected Sales
As I earlier stated, research shows that you can make up to 150,000 cubs of corn from a hectare. And the least you can sell a cub is N50. Therefore your expected sale will be:
150,000 * N50 = N7, 500,000
Expected Return on Investment
N7, 500,000 – N4030, 000 = 3,470,000
As rewarding and lucrative this venture can be, it comes with big challenges that may affect the profitability. In fact, in some cases, maize farmers lose their money to maize farming in Nigeria. Having said that, let’s look at problems of Maize Farming in Nigeria
Maize Farming in Nigeria- Problems
One of the major reasons investors lose money in this venture is the lack of adequate or proper information. Information is power. Yes, you need a reliable teacher to put you through in all areas of corn production.
I didn’t say you need a mentor. No, you need a teacher who will practice or who will take you by hand to get it done. So, how do you get such a teacher?
The best way to get one is to visit either the state or federal ministry of agriculture in your state. Believe you me; they have the most reliable information on their disposal on how to go for a commercial maize farming in Nigeria.
In fact, the ministries have the most recent research report and information on any agricultural products you want to go for in Nigeria. In addition, they have professional farmers or educated farmers who are willing to teach you as long as you are ready to work with them.
The second problem of maize farming in Nigeria is an attack by the pest, locust, and birds. To solve this problem, you need to use the right pesticide at the right time. As for the bird or locust, you need the services of able-bodied men that will be guiding the farming usually in the day time.
Last but not least is weather condition. Sometimes the weather does not favor maize farming in Nigeria. There could be short rainfall or excess rainfall, therefore, you should be prepared for irrigation. Also, you should design the farm with the right drainage system in case of overflow.
Also Read: 10 Problems of Agriculture in Nigeria
How to Get the Best From Maize Farming in Nigeria
To get the best from maize farming, you should learn to plant at the right time. Above all, you should plant hybrid maize. I encourage planting the hybrid because they have high resistance to disease. In addition, they have high yielding results and low turn around periods.
Hybrid seed survives both in raining season and dry season making it viable all year round. For early-season planting, I suggest you go for
Yellow Open Pollinated Varieties. Western Yellow 1: TZSR-Y-1 (Streak Resistant)
DMR-LSRY (Downy Mildew & Streak Resistant).
Yellow Hybrids Varieties: 8425-8; 8329-15
White, Open Pollinated Varieties: TZPB (FARZ 27); TZB (FARZ 34); TZSR-W-1;
ZPBSR (Streak Resistant); DMR-LSRW (Downy Mildew & Streak Resistant).
DMR-LSRW (Downy Mildew & Streak Resistant).
White Hybrids: 8321-18; 9022-19; (Striga Resistant).
For late-season planting you can go for:
Yellow Open Pollinated Varieties: TZESR-Y; DMR-ESRY (Downy Mildew and
Streak Resistant).
White, Open Pollinated Varieties: TZESR-W; DMR-ESRW (Downy Mildew and Streak Resistant)
Maize Farming in Nigeria – Conclusion
Without any doubt, maize farming in Nigeria is a very lucrative agricultural business you can start today. The market is readily available. It can be consumed in various forms, which is why the demand will always be higher than the supply.
Though, very rewarding but it comes with lots of challenges, that is why I strongly suggest you get the right information on how to about it. The state and federal ministries of agriculture is the best place you can visit for proper guide on how to start profitable commercial maize farming in Nigeria.
I hope you are clear on the basics of starting maize farming today.