A list of commercial farming ideas in Nigeria, if exhaustive, would be really long. I have carefully considered many farming types and list those I believe will be the most practical and profitable in Nigeria.
Farming was the mainstay of the Nigerian economy before oil was discovered. Clearly, there is a renewed interest in farming in Nigeria, particularly in commercial farming.
If you are up for it, there’s no better time to get into commercial farming. But to be successful, you have to first decide what kind of a farmer you want to be.
What is commercial farming?
Broadly speaking, a farm can be subsistence or commercial. Subsistence farming is the type of farming that grows food for personal consumption.
Commercial farming, as the name suggests, is the type of farming intended for generating substantial profit. Commercial farmers sell most, if not all, of their farm produce. Subsistence farmers eat most, if not all, of their farm produce.
Why start a commercial farm in Nigeria?
There are probably more farmers in Nigeria than there are in most developed countries. However, unlike Nigeria, farmers in those countries are often able to feed its population and have surplus for export.
So why start a commercial farm in Nigeria? Answer: Because there is a need for it! In the sections below, I provide a list of profitable commercial farming ideas you could undertake in Nigeria.
1.Fishery
Fish is a popular nutritious delicacy in Nigeria. You can’t go wrong with a fish farm if planned carefully. To start a simple home fishery, all you need is a fish pond, a water supply system, fish feed, and of course some fingerling.
Starting a commercial fishery is probably not much different, except in scale. For a more in-depth guide on how to start a fishery, check out this in-depth article on starting a fish business.
According to many academic and industry reports, due to overfishing, there is a gradual, but fast, decrease in the availability of fish in oceans, rivers, and lakes. One way to stop overfishing in the wild is to increase commercial fish farming.
Goat farming in Nigeria
2. Goat farming in Nigeria
It is rare to find a home in Nigeria where goat meat is not consumed. To get a sense of the popularity of goat in the country, walk into any restaurant and ask for the kind of meat they have on the menu. There is a good chance that goat meat will be one of them.
Many Nigerians, especially those in the villages, raise goat for subsistence. If you have extra space in your compound, you can build a goat shed to start a small commercial goat farming. Apart from the shed, you must arrange for water, feed, and veterinary care.
With adequate resources, you can, of course, increase the scale of your commercial goat farm.
If you are interested in commercial goat farming, take a look at this comprehensive guide. Even though it is put together for farmers in Canada, there is a lot you can learn from it.
I do not think sheep farming warrants a separate section in this list of commercial farming ideas in Nigeria because it has a similar approach to goat farming.
3. Cattle rearing
There has been much debate about the best way to rear cattle in Nigeria. Traditionally, Cattle rearing is usually undertaken by nomads who openly graze their herds over a long traveling distance. This is probably not the best practice in commercial cattle rearing.
Consider starting a cattle ranch if you have space for it. Cattle ranching is not much different from goat farming. You will need a constant source of clean water, feed (or green leaves), veterinary care provider, in addition to a ranch.
This report will tell you almost everything you need to know about cattle ranching in Nigeria.
4. Pig farming
Pig farming is probably the easiest of the livestock. Pork is a popular delicacy in Nigeria, though not as much as goat or beef. Like goat farming, you need fenced space, feed, water, and vet care.
Pig farming is a bit easier than goat farming because they can eat almost anything. They also have a very high reproduction rate.
Consider starting a cassava farming along with pig farm. You can feed your pig with peels and other by-products from your cassava tubers.
Here is a great article on economic analysis of pig farming in Nigeria that you learn a lot from.
Wikihow has also put together a great step-by-step resource on pig farming that you should definitely check out before starting a commercial pig farming.
Poultry
A poultry.
5. Poultry farming
Poultry definitely ranks high on the list of profitable commercial farming ideas in Nigeria. Cattle rearing, poultry, goat keeping, and sheep rearing are probably the oldest type of livestock rearing in Nigeria. It is not uncommon to see chickens being raised in family compounds.
Commercial poultry is also the most common livestock production in Nigeria. Poultry requires the setting up of poultry cages, feed, water, and vet care.
Poultry is a very lucrative commercial farming idea in Nigeria as you can make money from the sale of the eggs, chicks, rooster, and hen. CLICK HERE for a more in-depth commercial poultry.
6. Grasscutter farming
Grasscutter used to be only sourced from the wild, hence it is often referred to as “bush meat.” Grasscutter farming can be very lucrative.
Grasscutter farming, like pig farming, has the advantage of being easy because of their high rate of procreation. Consider this type of livestock farming, if you are thinking of starting commercial livestock farming in Nigeria.
This article will tell you a lot you need to know about starting a lucrative commercial grasscutter farming in Nigeria.
7. Snail farming
Snail farming is also very profitable. To get a sense of this, go into a restaurant where snail meat is offered and order a few to see how expensive they are.
Snail farming could be a lucrative commercial farming venture as people are finding more use for it other than the meat.
Snail slime is now used for cosmetics and people consider the eggs to be a special delicacy. If you want a step-by-step guide on starting a profitable commercial snail farming in Nigeria, check out this guide.
8. Honey farming or Beekeeping
Starting a honey farm or a beehive for honey production is probably one of the most lucrative businesses that many Nigerians don’t take advantage of.
Honey is expensive because it well consumed in Nigeria. But the importance of honey is far beyond the consumption of the syrup. Honey can be used in so many ways, including for medicinal treatments.
Check out this article for the usefulness of honey.
Bizfluent has great article on starting beehive for making honey. Check them out here.
9. Maize farming
Maize farming is common in Nigeria because it is very lucrative. However, many maize farmers are subsistence.
Commercial maize farming requires a significant investment in land, farming equipment, and labor. However, if you can get past this hurdle, you are golden because maize is a major staple in Nigeria.
Maize is used in many ways. Think of the popcorn you consume while watching your favorite movie, or that sweet corn cob you waffle down with a cup of cold water. Yes, you guessed it, they are maize products.
Many brands of cereal, corn flour, and starchy foods are made from maize. Maize products are also used in making alcoholic beverages, pharmaceutical products, textile products, etc.
If you have a livestock farm, having maize farm can save you a ton of money because you can use the by-products to feed for your livestock. I hope you see how maize farming should be top in the list of profitable commercial farming ideas in Nigeria to consider.
This post is a great guide for maize farming to get you started.
10. Plantain plantation
Another plant that should be top in the list of lucrative commercial farming ideas in Nigeria is Plantain. Plantain is very well grown and consumed in Nigeria.
Plantain plantation requires a sizeable portion of land. It is also expensive to cultivate. However, once you start harvesting, a well-managed plantain plantation is a huge source of income.
Plantain is used and consumed in a variety of ways. You can fry, boil and roast plantain for consumption. Plantain flour is used to make a popular Nigerian delicacy known as amala.
Beyond food consumption, plantain has many industrial and pharmaceutical uses. If you are looking to start a plantain farm in Nigeria, check out this post.
cassava farm
Cassava Farm.
11. Cassava farming
Cassava is one of the most consumed tuber crops. Hence it is one of the most common types of farming in Nigeria. Cassava farming generates a lot of money for families in rural Nigeria, but usually only on semi-subsistence level.
There are great opportunities for full fledge commercialization of cassava farming in Nigeria. If you are interested in this type of farming consider the investment in land, labor, and processing.
If you ask me to rate, I will say cassava is top of the list of lucrative commercial farming ideas in Nigeria. Quoracles has an article with a comprehensive guide for CASSAVA FARMING that you should definitely check out.
12. Palm plantation
There is no way one can compile a list of profitable commercial farming ideas in Nigeria without including palm plantation.
There is a good reason why many Nigerian farmers refer to palm trees as the king of crops! Virtually all parts of the palm tree are useful! The root, the trunk, the sap, leaves, etc. are useful and can be monetized.
Of course, the palm nut is the most valuable because it is what is used for making such things as palm oil, cosmetic products, sweet beverages, animal feed, mulch, etc.
Palm plantation is one of the most expensive kinds of farming. That’s the bad news! The good news is that it is one of the most lucrative kinds of farming once production starts. You need investment in farming land, labor, equipment, etc.
Check this post for more info on starting a palm plantation.
13. Rubber plantation
Rubber plantation, like palm plantation, is expensive to cultivate. It takes a long time for the trees to mature to allow for the harvesting of the rubber sap. However, a rubber plantation is very lucrative.
Rubber plants produce the sap for making rubber and plastic products used worldwide. Think of the products you have used today or even that you have on you right now, there is a good chance that rubber product is in at least one of them.
National Geographic has a great report on the importance of rubber products to get you started on your research.
14. Timber Production
Timber production is mostly done by cultivating wild timber. However, the source of wild timber is fast diminishing. As a result, many companies are cultivating their own timber plantations. This trend is gradually picking up in Nigeria.
The downside of this type of farming is the huge investment and the time it takes before the products can be harvested. However, timber cultivation is a very lucrative commercial farming idea. Think of how expensive wood furniture and materials are to get an idea!
This post provides good information on how to start a profitable timber production.
15. Cocoa farming
Ah, cocoa! A cocoa plantation is top in the list of lucrative commercial farming ideas in Nigeria to consider. But like other perennial crops, it is expensive to cultivate. It requires a sizable land, equipment, ongoing labor cost, etc. But once harvesting starts, cocoa production is very lucrative.
Cocoa is used for making caffeine and chocolate beverages. That should tell you all you need to know about its importance!
Check out this post for how to start a cocoa plantation in Nigeria.
16. Pepper/Spice farming
Some of you readers may be wondering why I included spice/pepper in this list of profitable commercial farming ideas in Nigeria. Well, the reason is simple: Spice/Pepper cultivation can be very profitable.
The pepper plant is sort of perennial as you can keep harvesting it, at least for a good while, once they reach maturity.
Every household uses spice condiments in one form or the other. Pepper/spice can also be exported, so starting it on a commercial level can be very profitable.
Consider investment in processing and storage when starting this type of farming.
Check out this post if you are considering starting a commercial spice/pepper farming.
17. Tomatoes farming
Tomatoes production is a good business to start on a commercial basis. The crop is widely consumed in Nigeria and other countries. As a result, it is top in my list of lucrative commercial farming ideas in Nigeria to consider.
One advantage of tomatoes farming is that it can be combined with other crops. A ready market and good processing/storage facility are necessary for success in this type of commercial farming.
You can get additional information about starting a lucrative commercial tomatoes farming from this post.
commercial rice farming in Nigeria
Commercial Rice Farm.
18. Rice Farming
Rice farming is a huge moneymaker! That is because rice is a staple for many people all over the world. So starting a commercial rice farming in Nigeria is serious revenue earner.
I have an in-depth article on commercial rice farming in Nigeria that you should check out.
19. Vegetable farming
I don’t think there is any need to convince you of the usefulness of vegetables. Vegetable farming can be lucrative. Period!
The advantage of this type of farming is that it can be combined in mixed cropping. If you have a ready market and can process vegetable for storage, you can do a lot well in the business.
20.Yam tuber farming
I considered combining yam farming with cassava and potatoes farming in this list of lucrative commercial farming ideas in Nigeria. It became quickly clear to me that these tubers are more different than they are similar.
Yam tuber farming, like cassava farming, is very common in rural Nigeria. However, it is not often done on a commercial scale. You can make a good profit from commercializing yam farming.
You do require a sizeable land, equipment, labor, and processing facilities for a success yam tuber farming.
21. Potatoes farming
An alternative to yam tuber farming is potatoes farming. While yam is consumed much more in Nigeria, potatoes farming takes less time to cultivate. A sizeable land, equipment, labor, and processing facilities are also essential for commercial success.
I believe many farmers underestimate the profitability of potatoes farming, hence its inclusion in this list of profitable commercial farming ideas in Nigeria.
22. Tobacco Farming
Tobacco is widely used in Nigeria and other countries around the world. In fact, tobacco products are some of the most profitable commercial products. Tobacco products range from simple chewing leaves and inhalable snuff to commercially produced cigarettes and cigars. If you are interested in this commercial farming idea, check out this post about tobacco cultivation in Nigeria.
23. Orange/Citrus Farming
This a great commercial farming idea. The products cannot only be consumed locally, they can be exported to different countries. It is true that cultivation takes a long time, but once harvesting starting, and things are done right, it is like having a money milling machine!
Factors to consider when starting a commercial farm in Nigeria
If you are planning to start a commercial farm in Nigeria, whether it is livestock farming, cash crop, or perennial crop farming, there are some important factors to consider. Here are the most important:
Experience and Knowledge
You can definitely invest in any commercial farming without much knowledge or experience. That is because you can hire someone who does. However, like any other business, it helps tremendously to have experience.
The good news is that you can gain experience and knowledge quickly by using available online and offline resources.
Start-up finance
To start any farm on this list of profitable commercial farming in Nigeria, you need money. How much you need will depend on the type and size of farm you are interested in.
There are different ways you can raise money to start a commercial farm. They include personal savings, loans from friends and family, loans from banks, grants from supporting organizations and government programs, etc.
Land/location
Usually, the first consideration in venturing into any of the farms discussed above is securing land for your farm.
If you have personal or family land to use for farming, you are golden. If not, you have to find a way to lease or buy land for your farm.
When acquiring land for your farm, consider the suitability of the location. Is the land good for the type of farming you are planning? Is it accessible?
Equipment
Depending on the farm you are planning to start, you will need certain tools and equipment. You have the option of buying or renting farm equipment.
Labour
Well, you need people to work on your farm! Labour is cheaper in rural areas. Consider labor cost when deciding a farm location.
Processing and storage capability
One of the banes of commercial farming in Nigeria is the lack of processing and storage ability. Products perish and a great deal of money is lost because of lack of proper processing and storage facility.
Take a look any of the farms in the list of commercial farming ideas in Nigeria discussed above, you will see that being able to process and store the products is vital for the commercial viability of the farm.
Market for products
Where would you sell your products? That is a critical question that many new farmers do not give enough thought to until it is too late.
I sincerely believe this should be the first thing to consider when planning to start any farm on the list I have discussed here.
Other types of crop farming to consider
Groundnut farming
Cashew farming
Sugar cane farming
Beans farming
Concluding remarks
If you are thinking of starting a commercial farm in Nigeria and you have the resources to do so, this a great time to start. If you have suggestions of a profitable commercial farm idea I should add to this list, please add it in the comments below.
Source
https://quoracles.ng/lucrative-commerci ... n-nigeria/