By Usman Salami
Here It goes, five cash crops that are high in demand across Nigeria
Back in the days, before the discovery of crude oil in Nigeria, agriculture was the mainstay of the economy, and since the discovery of crude oil, Africa Nigeria national seems to have lost track of agriculture
That many persons, among them mostly youths do not regard agriculture anymore as they used to, the Federal Government has on their own not done much in reviving the agricultural stream across Nigeria
They the government in few ways has been trying to sensitize its people, the people of Nigeria about the importance of agriculture and the impending economic catastrophe that may occur in the course of being over-dependent on oil or other natural resources only.
The crude oil was a blessing and as well, a problem because it increased Nigeria’s GDP and constituted the larger chunk of the GDP.
But on the other hand, the spillage of the oil into rivers and lakes where residents consume from had caused pollution to the water and thereby making it unsafe for drinking and another purpose.
The aquatic habitats too are not left out in this menace as the pollution saw some of them die, reducing their population, which is not good for livestock farming.
Before agriculture took the back seat, there were several cash crops cultivated back in the days, before oil, which include rubber from the South-South region, groundnut, hide, and skin from the north, coffee, and cocoa from the western region of the country
It is not that these crops are not relevant anymore; they are, but some other cash crops—which were not considered cash crops before now
Have gained recognition and have become part of if not topping the list of cash crops before the oil boom. Among them are these crops
Cashew Nuts:
Over the last decade, cashew nuts have gained dominance among cash crops in Nigeria. The country generates over $198,000,000, that’s about N71 billion, annually.
Cashew nuts are used for different purposes which include alternative dairy such as cashew milk. The crop can also be used to cure skin problems, stomach ailments, and other health problems.
Cashews are mainly in the following states: Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, and Kwara.
You can never go wrong when you have this yearly money-remitting crop as one of your crops. The crops take a minimum of 5 years to mature and bear fruits, so plant one today and be patient, then you will begin to reap the fruit of your labor in five years.
Oil Palm:
The usefulness of oil palms cannot be overemphasized as it serves many economic functions. Palm kernel was one of the cash crops that had high exportation rates alongside cocoa, rubber, groundnut, and other cash crops from way back
And it is still very relevant today. The oil gotten from oil palms is used for cooking and the kernels could be exchanged for raw cash.
Maize
Everyone knows how important the maize crop is in our daily consumption. Maize produces so many derivatives such as cereal for infants, it is eaten boiled or roasted.
It is also used to make pap. You might not necessarily export it but you can grow enough for yourself and sell off the excess to make money here in Nigeria.
Your closest market is your best bet when considering selling your maize.
Maize is grown during the early rainy season and harvested from June or July till November, depending on the time of your planting.
Cassava:
Cassava is another cash crop to consider because of its economic importance. Crops like cassava do not become irrelevant because of their essentiality in our daily consumption.
Cassava is used to produce the flake popularly known as garri that is largely consumed by Nigerians and other African countries. Also, cassava flour is made from fermented cassava which is used as a meal for consumption in some parts of the country.
During the tenure of the former president of Nigeria, cassava bread was introduced; a bread completely made from cassava flour. Cassava takes up to one year to mature, but for maximum result, you could leave it for more than a year.
Yam:
Yam is widely consumed by every region in the country so this makes it in high demand and a cash crop. Having a large yam farm is akin to being a rich person.
Yam is consumed by a vast majority of people across Africa, this means whoever is in yam planting and production will certainly get so much reward for their labor.
Yam is planted by cutting the top of the yam and immersing it in the soil during the rainy season. Although you might need to make a small house over it where its tendrils can climb, and coil around.
Given the less relevance of crude oil since the advent of electric cars and other new technologies, it is just a matter of time before people begin to patronize agriculture once again.
Yes, technology has come and has taken the world by storm, but never say never. the future is still tired of agriculture, so think agro, starting from now
Don’t put agriculture away, there are so many cash crops to consider, these crops are in high demand and have the potential of making you stay rich.
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READ: Understanding The rice market industry in Nigeria, Episode 1
This topic ‘Five Cash Crops That Are High In Demand Across Nigeria’ is too important if you can come to self reasoning, and see what the future holds for agriculture, then you will never think twice but find a way to start your agro farm
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Usman
I'm a prolific content and creative writer with over 10 years experience. My books and articles have been published in many self publishing platforms including Okadabooks and Draft2digital. I'm impeccable too, when it comes to proofreading and editing contents. In conclusion, I have a natural flair for words!
