Cotton Farming In Nigeria: Guide on How To Start (2024)
Do you want to start a cotton farming business in Nigeria and you don’t know how to start? Then read this article, it will walk you through the steps of how to start a cotton farm in Nigeria.
Cotton farming business is one business you should engage in if you have the capital to invest. Yes, it is capital and labour intensive and if any of these are not a hindering factor to you then try your hands on it, you will be glad you did.
At a time in Nigeria, cotton accounts for 25% of the country’s export in terms of GDP contribution. However, with the discovery of oil and subsequent concentration on it, cotton’s contribution to Nigeria’s export now sits at 5% all thanks to the oil syndrome.
However, this figure can still be raised and that depends on farmers willing to take the challenge and one good thing about it is that its highly lucrative. It is used for making of fiber materials while the oil can be gotten from the cotton seed. Are you interested in this business? follow the steps below.
Land Acquisition
About 18 out of the 36 states in Nigeria have environments that favours the cultivation of cotton. However, out of all the 18 states, the quality of cotton produced in Ogun is the best.
Sadly, this state is not one of the top cotton producers in Nigeria. Like I stated earlier, cotton production is capital and labour intensive and one of the things that makes it capital intensive is the cost of acquiring a land for cotton farming if you are going the commercial route.
However, since you are doing this for business, pay professionals and get them to carryout test on the soil to make sure it is viable for the cultivation of cotton. One thing you should watch out for is that the farm must be exposed to sunlight.
Planting & Post Planting
After acquiring a land, buy cotton seeds from trusted sellers and farmers. This is important because the productivity of your farm depends largely on the nature of the seeds planted.
After buying the seed, plant it during the cotton planting season. After planting, give the plant the attention it deserves. You can find more resource on cotton farming here.
Weed the farm at least once in two months and watch out for diseases and pest. If you notice anything, speak to the nearest specialist or experienced cotton farmer.
Harvesting
Cotton are ready for harvest when they are a year old. Blossoming of the bud and cotton flower becoming visible are the indicators for harvest.
When you see these signs, employ labourers to pick the flowers for you. One thing you should know about this is; before you harvest or immediately after harvesting your cotton flower, get a client and sell them off, there’s a post-harvest disease that affect them.
This is why you need to carry out a visibility study on the viability of a cotton farming in your intended market before you start.
Conclusively, I want you to know that this is a business, you need to learn before you start and reading online is not the best option. Get advice from experienced farmers you know when you need help to farm cotton in Nigeria.
