Post by Trade facilitator on Feb 27, 2023 10:05:48 GMT 1
Coconut Production in Nigeria: Great Export Potentials and Opportunities Available For You
Nigeria can earn over N20 billion annually from coconut and its derivatives; according to The Guardian Nigeria.
Coconut oil has been described as the “healthiest oil on earth” because it contains healthy fatty acids that are good for the body and properties that make it good for the hair and skin.
You don’t need to be a coconut farmer before you can key into the export of Coconut and Its derivatives.
Coconut Farming And Production In Nigeria:
Coconut is one of the most important palms in the agrarian economy of the world, providing food, drink, shelter, and raw materials for industries. The Coconut palm is regarded as one of the most economically important palms globally because it is used both as an ornamental and as a food crop.
The coconut palm, including its seed or its fruit, is of great economic importance. More than 90% of Nigeria’s coconut belt is a continuation of the plantations or grooves along the West African Coast running from Cote d’Ivoire and southeast towards Ghana, Togo, and Benin to Lagos State in Nigeria.
The wide range of industrial applications of most agro-produce like the coconut would greatly benefit the country’s economy. What the country needs is the political will and economic empowerment to pull through.
Although the coconut palm (botanically called Cocos Nucifera) is not indigenous to Nigeria, it grows well in areas with an average annual temperature of 25–28 degrees Celsius and an annual rainfall of 200mm.
The country is blessed with coconut trees that could be harnessed for industrial development, which can create employment and create a better standard of living for many. Coconut is very valuable because each of its components is relevant and can be processed for use or used on its own.
Potentials in the Coconut Industry:
The estimated total world production for coconuts as of 2021 stood at 63.7 million metric tonnes. Nigeria grows coconut on over 10,000 hectares of land in the country with the potential to generate 1 billion dollars per year in coconut exports in the country. But even with such a great prospect, coconut farming is grossly untapped in the country.
Nigeria currently generates more than $2.5 million return on coconut farming investment but is still behind its production abilities.
Components of the Coconut Palm:
The coconut plant is generally classified into two types: the tall and dwarf categories. A tall coconut palm tree can yield up to 75 fruits per year on very fertile land but more often yields less than 30 fruits, largely due to poor cultural and agricultural practices.
Coconut Fruit:
The coconut fruit is botanically known as a drupe, meaning it is not a true nut. The fruit, like other fruits, comprises three layers; exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp. The mesocarp of the coconut fruit, which is the second layer, is commercially exposed as the outer layer because it is the main outer layer; the exocarp is usually removed before being sold.
The mesocarp (shell) of the coconut is composed of fibres called coir which have many traditional and commercial uses.
Economic Importance of the Parts of Coconut:
1. Nutmeat:
Nutmeat of The Coconut:
This white, rich food is lined on the inside of the coconut seed. It is nutritious (one nut contains as much as ¼ lb of protein) and high in calories. In the US, Over 72 million pounds of nutmeat of coconut is used each year in candies and confectioneries.
2. Coconut Oil:
Coconut Oil of Coconut:
Coconut oil, also known as copra oil, is extracted from the dried nutmeat of mature seeds. The oil is white, glycerin rich, Semi-solid and lard-like fat. It is stable in the air and remains bland and edible for several years. It is used in soaps, candy, chocolate, ice cream, baking, candles, dyeing cotton, ointments and hair dressings, toothpaste, paints, insecticides, plastics, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and so much more.
The fat in coconut oil is unique from all other fats and possesses many health-giving properties. Coconut oil has been described as the “healthiest oil on earth” because it contains healthy fatty acids that are good for the body and properties that make it good for the hair and skin.
3. Coconut Water:
Coconut Water in Coconut:
The water of the coconut is the watery fluid that is contained within immature nuts. A 5-month-old nut produces about two glassfuls of coconut water. It is clear, colourless, and contains about two tablespoons of sugar along with vitamins and minerals. Coconut water can be used in emergencies in place of glucose for IV solutions because of its high level of purity and sterility.
Coconut water has been marketed as sports drink because it is a refreshing drink full of electrolytes and free of fat and cholesterol.
4. Coconut Milk:
This white liquid is squeezed from the nutmeat of the coconut seed. It is rich in oils and various nutrients and is used for sauces and prepared foods.
5. Fruit Husk
Coconut Husk:
The fruit husk is composed of tightly packed fibres known as the coir. When soaked in saltwater, they separate and can be woven into various items, including rope, mats, twine, rugs, chairs, and cushion stuffing.
6. Seed Shell:
Coconut Seed Shell:
The shells of the coconut can be fashioned into cups, ladles, pots, eating utensils, buttons, and rings. The shells are also used extensively as fuel in the tropics as they burn essentially without smoke. The coconut shell is also useful in the production of charcoal.
6. Leaves:
Coconut Leaves:
Coconut leaves can be used for roofs and fences in the tropics. Thin leaf strips are used in weaving clothing and furnishings, while the stiff midribs are used as cooking skewers, kindles, and arrows. When bound together, the leaves can be fashioned into brooms and brushes; they can be used for thatched roofs used in covering homes, making baskets, masks etc.
We have seen that Coconut is one of the most important sources of vegetable oil in the rural areas of the rainforest zones of West Africa and the world generally. The coconut has several nutritional, medicinal, and economic benefits; thus, many countries rely on the coconut palm for their livelihood and increase the GDP of their economy.
Addendum:
Our company is one of the best companies in Agro-Export Business in Nigeria today. We train individuals and corporate organizations on how to do Export Business the right way; if you are interested, please contact the admin of this forum now for further details.
Nigeria can earn over N20 billion annually from coconut and its derivatives; according to The Guardian Nigeria.
Coconut oil has been described as the “healthiest oil on earth” because it contains healthy fatty acids that are good for the body and properties that make it good for the hair and skin.
You don’t need to be a coconut farmer before you can key into the export of Coconut and Its derivatives.
Coconut Farming And Production In Nigeria:
Coconut is one of the most important palms in the agrarian economy of the world, providing food, drink, shelter, and raw materials for industries. The Coconut palm is regarded as one of the most economically important palms globally because it is used both as an ornamental and as a food crop.
The coconut palm, including its seed or its fruit, is of great economic importance. More than 90% of Nigeria’s coconut belt is a continuation of the plantations or grooves along the West African Coast running from Cote d’Ivoire and southeast towards Ghana, Togo, and Benin to Lagos State in Nigeria.
The wide range of industrial applications of most agro-produce like the coconut would greatly benefit the country’s economy. What the country needs is the political will and economic empowerment to pull through.
Although the coconut palm (botanically called Cocos Nucifera) is not indigenous to Nigeria, it grows well in areas with an average annual temperature of 25–28 degrees Celsius and an annual rainfall of 200mm.
The country is blessed with coconut trees that could be harnessed for industrial development, which can create employment and create a better standard of living for many. Coconut is very valuable because each of its components is relevant and can be processed for use or used on its own.
Potentials in the Coconut Industry:
The estimated total world production for coconuts as of 2021 stood at 63.7 million metric tonnes. Nigeria grows coconut on over 10,000 hectares of land in the country with the potential to generate 1 billion dollars per year in coconut exports in the country. But even with such a great prospect, coconut farming is grossly untapped in the country.
Nigeria currently generates more than $2.5 million return on coconut farming investment but is still behind its production abilities.
Components of the Coconut Palm:
The coconut plant is generally classified into two types: the tall and dwarf categories. A tall coconut palm tree can yield up to 75 fruits per year on very fertile land but more often yields less than 30 fruits, largely due to poor cultural and agricultural practices.
Coconut Fruit:
The coconut fruit is botanically known as a drupe, meaning it is not a true nut. The fruit, like other fruits, comprises three layers; exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp. The mesocarp of the coconut fruit, which is the second layer, is commercially exposed as the outer layer because it is the main outer layer; the exocarp is usually removed before being sold.
The mesocarp (shell) of the coconut is composed of fibres called coir which have many traditional and commercial uses.
Economic Importance of the Parts of Coconut:
1. Nutmeat:
Nutmeat of The Coconut:
This white, rich food is lined on the inside of the coconut seed. It is nutritious (one nut contains as much as ¼ lb of protein) and high in calories. In the US, Over 72 million pounds of nutmeat of coconut is used each year in candies and confectioneries.
2. Coconut Oil:
Coconut Oil of Coconut:
Coconut oil, also known as copra oil, is extracted from the dried nutmeat of mature seeds. The oil is white, glycerin rich, Semi-solid and lard-like fat. It is stable in the air and remains bland and edible for several years. It is used in soaps, candy, chocolate, ice cream, baking, candles, dyeing cotton, ointments and hair dressings, toothpaste, paints, insecticides, plastics, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and so much more.
The fat in coconut oil is unique from all other fats and possesses many health-giving properties. Coconut oil has been described as the “healthiest oil on earth” because it contains healthy fatty acids that are good for the body and properties that make it good for the hair and skin.
3. Coconut Water:
Coconut Water in Coconut:
The water of the coconut is the watery fluid that is contained within immature nuts. A 5-month-old nut produces about two glassfuls of coconut water. It is clear, colourless, and contains about two tablespoons of sugar along with vitamins and minerals. Coconut water can be used in emergencies in place of glucose for IV solutions because of its high level of purity and sterility.
Coconut water has been marketed as sports drink because it is a refreshing drink full of electrolytes and free of fat and cholesterol.
4. Coconut Milk:
This white liquid is squeezed from the nutmeat of the coconut seed. It is rich in oils and various nutrients and is used for sauces and prepared foods.
5. Fruit Husk
Coconut Husk:
The fruit husk is composed of tightly packed fibres known as the coir. When soaked in saltwater, they separate and can be woven into various items, including rope, mats, twine, rugs, chairs, and cushion stuffing.
6. Seed Shell:
Coconut Seed Shell:
The shells of the coconut can be fashioned into cups, ladles, pots, eating utensils, buttons, and rings. The shells are also used extensively as fuel in the tropics as they burn essentially without smoke. The coconut shell is also useful in the production of charcoal.
6. Leaves:
Coconut Leaves:
Coconut leaves can be used for roofs and fences in the tropics. Thin leaf strips are used in weaving clothing and furnishings, while the stiff midribs are used as cooking skewers, kindles, and arrows. When bound together, the leaves can be fashioned into brooms and brushes; they can be used for thatched roofs used in covering homes, making baskets, masks etc.
We have seen that Coconut is one of the most important sources of vegetable oil in the rural areas of the rainforest zones of West Africa and the world generally. The coconut has several nutritional, medicinal, and economic benefits; thus, many countries rely on the coconut palm for their livelihood and increase the GDP of their economy.
Addendum:
Our company is one of the best companies in Agro-Export Business in Nigeria today. We train individuals and corporate organizations on how to do Export Business the right way; if you are interested, please contact the admin of this forum now for further details.