Guideline on how to start Ogbono farming in Nigeria.

Ogbono farming is mostly done in African countries such as Congo, Angola, Cote d’ voire, Cameroun, Ghana, Togo, Benin republic and Uganda. In Nigeria it is cultivated in orchards by few states; Edo, Ebonyi, Cross River and Benue. Ogbono plants are mostly grown for their nuts, the fruit is like mango, oval in shape and can be eaten same way.. Their juice is used in the production of jams, wine, jelly, etc. Ogbono is used for soup more than other drawing soup. This a kind of soup that is so loved by many, it has great taste and amazing flavour. That’s one of the reasons ogbono demand is always on the increase.

The scientific name is irvingia gabonensis, English name is African mango, wild mango or bush mango. Ogbono grows naturally in the wild and the fruits fall on their own when the matures. The fruits are then allowed to decay or eaten for the seeds that are broken for the nut.

There are different varieties of ogbono in Nigeria; the draw and the non draw type. Ogbono tree can grow up to about 40m in height with a temperature between 20-37°C; annual rainfall is between 120-150cm. They are planted in deep soil and also a seasonal crop. Studies shows that it is only aged persons that are into ogbono farming

Only very little has been done to increase their cultivation. This effort is from FG and Abia State Government who provided incentives and empowerment to ogbono farmers and intending farmers. But there is still a wide gap between supply and demand; the ogbono seeds we have is not enough to go round mainly because of population increase. Entrepreneurs and investors are forced to go to other African countries in other to meet up with the high demands.

LAND PREPARATION

Acquire land in a farm area. Mechanized the land with tractor and harrow. Make the place ready for planting by clearing the debris. Ogbono is best planted in a sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. They are planted in deep soil of about 150cm, with acidic PH of 4.5-7.0.

CULTIVATION

It can be propagated through seeds and grafting, marcoting, cutting, air layering and budding. But propagation through seed is difficult and may likely fail except you are well experience or have a technical know how on how to go about it. Research carried out shows that you have to dry the seeds in an ambient temperature and then soaked them in water for a day. This kind of method guarantees 100% germination and maturity of the trees may not take up to10 years. However, gra

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN OGBONO FARMING

Ogbono farm can be managed quite like any other economic tree. Such as; weeding, irrigation, fertilization and disease control.

HARVESTING

It flowers from March-June and has two fruiting seasons; April-July and September-October. The fruit is greenish when ripe with a bright orange pulp. It can be harvested by plucking the fruits manually by hand.

Ogbono yield is determined by; the size management of trees, the kind and amount of fertilizer used and finally, the labour applied. Processing of the seed has been a very big challenged but NIHORT has produced nut cutter that can easily cut the seeds shell. And the seeds will come out neat and fast.

You have to dry your ogbono nuts to make sure they are properly dried before storing. I have already provided emphasis on ogbono storage in ogbono business post.

MARKETING

Most times, is the buyers that will be looking for you to buy the ogbono seeds. Locate traders to supply to. Others are cosmetics company, juice industries etc.

Advertise your product online for more patronizers and larger market.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF OGBONO

• It is high in protein, fibre and essential fats
• Ogbono provided calories which are rich in fatty acids and are essential in performing many body functions such as;; strengthening the nervous system, muscles and ligament.
• The oil from ogbono seeds are rich in beta-carotene which is powerful in protecting the body against heartburn, high blood pressure, infertility, cancer, mental disorders etc.
• The seeds are very helpful in achieving weight lost.
• It is used for cardiovascular health and enhances immune.
• The bark of ogbono tree is a good remedy for relieving pain.
• It promotes libido, improves sleep and memory.
• Ogbono contains anti-oxidant, anti bacterial and anti-inflamatory analgesic.

OTHER USES ARE:

• The oil can be used for soap or cosmetics
• For margarine used in cooking
• Their wood is very hard and can be used in construction such as ship deck making, railway ties etc. The wood is also good in charcoal production.
• The pulp is used in the production of black dye

WHY YOU SHOULD START OGBONO FARMING

• It is highly profitable, the seeds are sold at a high price in the market; higher than any soup cooking produce.
• The demand is high; meaning the business is lucrative
• Ogbono farming business is sustainable.
  
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