How to Start Watermelon Farming in Nigeria- See Latest Guide

Filed in Articles by on May 11, 2022

– Watermelon Farming in Nigeria –

Watermelon Farming in Nigeria: Not only is it an ideal fruit because of its ravishing looks it is for its nutritional value. Look, the watermelon fruit contains 91% of water contains 6% sugars and is low in fat.

Steps on How to Start Watermelon Farming

I wouldn’t want it to look bogus to you which is why I am going to simplify everything. Trust me, this business is a very lucrative business you would thank me later if you heed these principles.

Make a Plan:

Business plan is essential for a good start; you’ll realize later that you’re spending more than expected but a business plan helps direct you and curtails your expenses.

In this plan, you can write about your objectives, the land location. This is really going to be helpful to guide you so you don’t get lost at the point when you can’t figure out you are exactly.

Consult Experts:

The thing is, I would have just advised you to proceed to the next step but you can’t escape this particular step.

You don’t need experts because you’re a novice rather note not every detail about the watermelon is online thus, you’ll need the advice of those who’ve been in the business for a while and understand the dos and don’ts.

They’ll tutor you about things you may face as you’ll be venturing into the business. Believe me, you’ll be glad you met them.

Location:

Watermelons are tropical or subtropical plants and need temperatures higher than about 25 °C (77 °F) to thrive. So, you need to find a location can is best for the plant so you don’t be at loss at the end of the day.

Clear The Land And Get Ready:

The land purchased may not be readymade so you’ll be the one to clear and make the land ready for cultivation.

Go: Start planting the seeds you bought either at the market or at grocery shops. Note: On a garden scale, seeds are usually sown in pots under cover and transplanted into well-drained sandy loam with a pH between 5.5 and 7, and medium levels of nitrogen.

Weed and Apply Pesticides:

Major pests of the watermelon include aphids, fruit flies, and root-knot nematodes. In conditions of high humidity, the plants are prone to plant diseases such as powdery mildew and mosaic virus.

Some varieties often grown in Japan and other parts of the Far East are susceptible to fusarium wilt. Grafting such varieties onto disease-resistant rootstocks offers protection.

Thus, at the sight of any pest, pesticides should be applied carefully as not to affect the flowers.

Growth:

Watermelons have a longer growing period than other melons, and can often take 85 days or more from the time of transplanting for the fruit to mature.

Farmers of the Zentsuji region of Japan grew cubic watermelons by growing the fruits in metal and glass boxes and making them assume the shape of the receptacle.

The cubic shape was originally designed to make the melons easier to stack and store, but cubic watermelons maybe triple the price of normal ones, so appeal mainly to wealthy urban consumers. Pyramid-shaped watermelons have also been developed and any polyhedral shape might be used.

Harvest:

Watermelons don’t sweeten after they are picked, so harvest time is important. They ripen over two weeks so keep your eye on them. Thump it. If the watermelon sounds hollow, it’s ripe. Look at the color on the top.

The watermelon is ripe when there is little contrast between the stripes. Look at the color on the bottom. A green watermelon will have a white bottom; a ripe melon will have a cream- or yellow-colored bottom.

Stems should be cut with a sharp knife close to the fruit.

FAQs on Watermelon Farming in Nigeria

Below are the frequently asked questions on Watermelon Farming in Nigeria

1. Is watermelon farming profitable in Nigeria?

Budgetary analysis revealed a profitability of watermelon with a gross margin of ₦2.18 is realized for every ₦1 invest on watermelon per hectare.


2. How long does it take watermelon to grow in Nigeria?

It takes 3 months for watermelon to mature in readiness for harvest. This means you can plant up to 3 times in a year.


3. How many months does it take to grow a watermelon?

Watermelons require 80-90 days from seed sowing to grow a full-size watermelon. Some smaller-sized watermelons (like Sugar Baby) can reach maturity in closer to 70 days.


4. What is the best time to plant watermelon in Nigeria?

Farmers in the northern and north-central parts of Nigeria, Dr Ajayi advised, could plant around mid-May and late August.


5. How much is a truck of watermelon in Nigeria?

A truck (Canter) load of the fruit cost as much as N120,000 while a measure called “Kinarya” comprising 100 pieces is sold at N14,000–N15,000 depending on the type and size.


6. How many watermelons are in a hectare?

Watermelon plants should be spaced 50 to 75 cm apart in rows that are 150 to 200 cm apart. Plant quantity varies between 8 000 and 15 000 plants per hectare.


7. How do you start a watermelon farm?

Watermelon farming requires extensive soil preparation before planting, in order to be profitable and lead to high yields.


8. Which state in Nigeria produces melon?

Niger state


9. Can Golden melon grow in Nigeria?

Yes, there is golden melon in Nigeria


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CSN Team.

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