The Nation Newspaper

Tag: fruit

  • Saving the fresh fruit industry

    Saving the fresh fruit industry

    The fresh fruit sub sector in Nigeria has great potential for driving growth and rural development. However, to fully capitalise on the opportunities in the industry, it is necessary to address various challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, post-harvest losses, and limited market access. As a result, stakeholders are calling for strategic policies, investments, and partnerships, to help the farmers transform the agricultural landscape to make Nigeria a leading exporter of fresh fruits DANIEL ESSIET reports

    With its wide range of climates and landscapes, Africa’s fresh fruit industry  is able to  cultivate a diverse selection of fruits, including avocados, mangoes, papayas, bananas, and grapes.

      Utilising  multi- and bilaterial  trade agreements, the top continental fruit producers gain access to markets in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Top fresh fruit producers include Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Uganda, Algeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Ghana, Tanzania and Nigeria.

    Exploring its proximity to major European markets and its adherence to high quality standards in production, Morocco exports a considerable amount of its fresh fruit produce.

     Some of the major fruits grown in Morocco include oranges, lemons, and clementines, bananas, apples, grapes, watermelons, and strawberries.

    In the last 10 years, the  Moroccan government has been implementing policies and initiatives to support the fresh fruit industry, including investment in agricultural infrastructure, research and development, and export promotion programmes.These efforts aim to boost production, improve quality, and increase market access for Moroccan fruit growers.

    Overall, the fresh fruit industry plays a significant role in Morocco’s agricultural sector and economy, contributing to employment, rural development, and foreign exchange earnings through exports. Nigeria’s potential in fruit farming is immense given its climate and fertile lands. Mangoes, bananas, plantains, oranges and other citrus fruits, pineapples, pawpaw, watermelons, and guavas are among the major fruits produced across the country.

    The top export markets for fresh produce are the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar.The country’s advantage lies in being a low-cost producer of fruits and vegetables because of a combination of factors such as favourable agroclimatic conditions, availability of labour, and low input costs.  Nigeria’s agricultural fresh product export business has grown significantly in the last few years; in 2021, shipments are expected to be worth $1.2 billion, up 57.01 per cent from the year before.

    This demonstrates the enormous potential and market demand for Nigerian agricultural goods worldwide, generating a great deal of opportunity for exporters and farmers alike.Even with this opportunity, Nigeria accounts for under  one per cent of the world’s vegetable and fruit commerce.Export growth is being undermined by production, marketing challenges, inadequate transport infrastructure, fragmented supply chains, and insufficient storage facilities.

    SBM Intelligence reported a notable increase in attacks on agricultural communities in Nigeria, resulting in over 690 fatalities and 130 injuries. The analysis specifically pointed out targeted assaults by bandits from January, last year to February, this year.

    According to analysts, the processing capacity in Nigeria’s fresh fruit industry has not seen considerable growth and modernisation over the years. Despite a large portion of the country’s fruit being consumed  locally and exported, there is a lack of processing facilities for value-added products such as fruit juices, jams, dried fruits, and frozen fruits.

    Benue is a huge fruit economy. Farmers  grow fruits in abundance.The state boasts of fruits such as oranges, mangoes, guava and pear. Despite the abundance of agricultural resources, challenges faced by fruit farmers in Benue State are truly disheartening. Farmers struggle to achieve prosperity  because bandit attacks not only endanger their  safety  but also disrupt supply chains and discourage potential investors.

    Regrettably, fruit farmers have been engaged in a prolonged struggle against wastage due to the lack of adequate facilities in the state to process the abundant harvest of these fruit

    The absence of irrigation has proven  critical  during periods of dry spells or droughts, resulting in the withering and death of crops due to inadequate water supply. Also, the persistence of disease and pests poses a continuous challenge to horticultural crops,  in the North or South.

     Climate change, including shifting weather patterns, droughts, floods, and natural disasters, has caused crop failures and losses, impacting the industry’s overall output. Analysts emphasise the importance of addressing these challenges to sustain industry growth and maximise economic benefits for the country.There are few schemes aimed at promoting the food processing industry, including the creation of cold chain infrastructure, agro-processing clusters, backward and forward linkages, preservation infrastructure, and mega food parks. Few farming estates exist that provide various facilities to food processing units, such as storage, testing labs, and logistics.

    Over the last one year, the Benue State Governor, Revd Fr. Hyacinth Alia has taken a deep dive into complaints hampering the growth of the sector. The state boasts a large array of agricultural products suitable for export. Nevertheless, the primary challenge for local businesses and farmers lies in meeting the necessary criteria such as expanding cultivation areas, improving packaging facilities, ensuring food hygiene and safety, adhering to plant quarantine regulations, and fulfilling all technical specifications. The   governor has reiterated his commitment to emphasing agriculture. He believes that this is a vital measure to unlock more prospects for businesses and farmers.

    The government has urged  farmers to take advantage of the demand nationwide where  fruits and vegetables are desirable because of their sweetness and fresh taste.

    To explore the export markets for fruits, the state Ministry of Agriculture is promoting and monitoring growing areas and packaging facilities to meet plant quarantine and food safety requirements specified in the protocols.

    Indeed, experts  have highlighted the critical role that enhanced storage and transport facilities can play in boosting fruit exports in Nigeria.

    Executive Secretary, Agricultural Fresh Produce Growers and Exporters Association of Nigeria (AFGEAN), Adetiloye Aiyeola  indicated that adequate storage and transport facilities are crucial  in maintaining the quality and freshness of the produce but also enable efficient distribution and exportation, ultimately boosting the country’s fruit exports.

     His words: “We boast a favourable climate for growing a wide variety of fruits, including citrus, mangoes, pineapples, and many more.   However, several challenges are hindering the industry from reaching its full potential; one of our most significant hurdles is excessive post-harvest waste. Fresh produce are highly perishable, and without proper storage, transport, and processing infrastructure, significant portions spoil before reaching consumers.”

    He continued: “With limited local processing factories mean that much of our fruit leaves farming communities in its raw form, with reduced value-addition potential.”

    Read Also: Tinubu’s reforms bearing fruits, says Bagudu

    Aiyeola noted that Nigeria has immense potential in the fresh fruit and horticultural industry. He  said: “To strengthen the fresh fruit industry, we need to tackle waste. What is the point of producing more food if we are going to waste them? We need to invest in post-harvest operations such as cold chain infrastructure and packhouse systems.”

    Nigeria has experienced a decline in the export of fresh fruits and vegetables compared to other ECOWAS countries over the past six years, resulting in significant losses for farmers and the country in terms of revenue. Concerns have been raised by industry stakeholders due to the minimal volume of fruit and vegetables being exported. This situation has led to airlines leaving the country without exportable goods, ultimately causing a loss of foreign exchange.

    Last year, the  Senior Project Manager, COLEACP, Wester Schepers, gave a graphical illustration of African countries performances. According to him, Nigeria’s export of these commodities has decreased since 2016, with Niger Republic and Côte d’Ivoire emerging as the top exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables in the sub-region by 2019. Nigeria processes less than 10 per cent of its agricultural output, highlighting the vast potential for increasing processing levels and attracting investments in this sector.

    Experts have kicked against Nigeria’s penchant for imported fruit juices, arguing that the nation should rather be at the fore front of nations exporting same at least to other African countries.

     For them, Nigeria has a big opportunity to produce and export more fruits if it could attract the right foreign direct investment and modernise its production base.

    One of them is the Director-General, African Centre for Supply Chain, Dr. Obiora Madu, who has seen Nigeria suffer huge   wastage of fruits and vegetables due to inadequate cold storage, supply chain infrastructure and lack of food processing in agri-sector.

    Madu’s observation about Nigeria’s fruit and vegetable wastage highlights the urgent need for improvements in cold storage, supply chain infrastructure, and food processing within the agricultural sector. To him, addressing these challenges is essential for maximising the value of Nigeria’s agricultural output and enhancing its competitiveness in international markets.

    Globally, fruit and vegetable consumption is increasing by over 15 per cent a year.

    However, to remain competitive in the fresh fruit markets, farmers need to develop processed products that meet international standards.The Lagos Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, is urging farmers and processors to strive towards producing processed fruit products that meet these standards, as it is crucial for accessing global markets.

    Achieving this goal, requires collaboration among farmers, processors, and relevant authorities to ensure quality control and compliance with regulatory standards.

     Olusanya has observed a notable increase in fruit and vegetable consumption due to the rising awareness of their health benefits.

     Fortunately,  Nigeria’s varied geographic and climatic conditions enable it to grow a diverse range of fruits and vegetables, giving it great export potential. For her, investing in processing would increase the added value of vegetables and fruits and boost exports. However, experts said there is still a lot of work needed for Nigeria’s  agricultural products to secure a firm foothold in the international market with stringent requirements on labelling, food safety and trace of origin.

    According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, to boost agricultural exports, enterprises should have a better understanding about requirements and business practices of the market. Indeed, production and processing of fruits has been identified as a viable investment opportunity in Lagos. 

    For this reason, the government is striving to further increase fresh fruit production  and join the billion-dollar export industry. The recent rise in food prices caused by the severe shortages presented an opportunity to boost local food production and increase the country’s self-sufficiency level. The government is pushing the agricultural sector in this direction through food security strategies that are already bearing fruits.

    Lagos Fresh Food Agro-Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin has been established following the significant demand for fruit consumption for consumers and businesses alike. Trade in fresh vegetables and fruits takes place at the hub involving farmers and consumers at the end of the chain. Technology and facilities have been installed to guarantee the product are properly chilled and fresh, source and import directly from farmers.

    For the Commissioner, the agrihub has since bridged the gap between both ends of the agricultural product chain, benefiting farmers and consumers, and contributing towards the future of agriculture.The market benefits and turnovers of marketing agricultural produce are significant. For Olusanya, there is enormous potential to increase fresh fruit production, thus boosting economic growth, generating employment and creating opportunities for income generation in rural areas.

  • Fruit, vegetable traders seek govt’s assistance

    Fruit and vegetable traders at Mile 12 and Ikosi-Ketu markets have asked the Lagos State Government for preservation and storage facilities to prevent their goods from getting spoilt.

    The markets’ leaders made the appeal when operatives of the Lagos State Consumers Protection Agency (LASCOPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and the Market Development Board visited the markets, at the weekend.

    They were led by an Assistant Director in LASCOPA, Mr. Deji Badejo.

    Officials of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Agency for Food & Drug Administration & Control (NAFDAC) were absent because of logistic reasons.

    The collaboration of the state and Federal Government agencies is to execute LASCOPA’s project on protecting consumers from buying harmful products. The project is named “Fruits, vegetables handling and packaging”.

    The traders said they were having challenges with preserving and storing the perishable fruit/vegetable products.

    Saying that fruits and vegetables come directly from the farm to the markets, the Financial Secretary of Mile 12 Market Association, Alhaji Shehu Usman, wanted the government to train them in storage and preservation of products.

    Among the challenges he identified in the fruit/vegetable market were logistics, transportation, deterioration/waste of products and climate issues.

  • Watermelon: The super fruit

    Watermelon: The super fruit

    The founder of Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories, Rev. Father Anselm Adodo, answers the first question. A magnet-therapist,  Dr Cyril Omisande of Cyrillic Holistic Health Clinic, answers the second.

    The Harmattan is a season in the West African subcontinent, which occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. It is characterised by dry and dusty north easterly trade wind, of the same name, which blows from the Sahara Desert over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea.

    Have you ever wondered why so many people crave for watermelon and why it is a favourite fruit for many? It is because watermelon is a super nutritious fruit in every sense of the word, an all season fruit.

    Watermelon, botanically known as citrullus lanatus, is a native of Africa, originating in the Southern African region. It is a popular fruit in Nigeria. Watermelon grows well in temperate regions, which explains why it grows very well in northern Nigeria such as Plateau State where the climate is less hot. However, watermelon can be cultivated in any part of Nigeria if adequate soil moisture is maintained. It is said that watermelon grew wildly in the African forest over 1000 years ago, from where it was transported to Asia and America, and other parts of the world. Watermelon has been selected and produced as a hybrid, which has resulted in the bigger and sweeter variety that is popular today.

    The outer rind of watermelon fruit is green, hard and thick and slightly sour in taste, while the interior is red or pink, succulent and sweet, but not sugary in taste, and contains many seeds. Watermelon is most nutritious when it is fully ripe. For this reason, very ripe watermelon is best if one wants to get its full medicinal values.

    Watermelon is known to be very high in Beta-carotene and lycopene when it is very ripe. The rind is also said to be edible, preferably after boiling. A lot of people have asked me if it safe to blend the rind and seeds of watermelon and drink. The answer is yes, there is no harm in blending both the seeds and the rinds of the ripe watermelon fruit. Note, however, that apart from the fibre and roughage, there is little nutrients in the rinds. The ripe interior is the most nutritious and beneficial part of the fruit.

    Watermelon is rich in vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, magnesium, protein, potassium, niacin and thiamine. However, lycopene, which is also present in tomato, is the most well-known phytonutrient present in watermelon. Watermelon is made up of 92 per cent water, has little or no fat, is low in sodium and also low in calories.  Fruits like watermelon allow the human body to function optimally because of the high contents of antioxidants. Antioxidants are good protection against cancer, arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure, while Amino Acids boost the body’s immune system, thereby protecting against all forms of diseases.  Lycopene, which is also present in tomatoes, grapefruits and guava, is beneficial for a healthy heart, strong bone, and helps to prevent prostate cancer.

    To really maximise your lycopene intake, let your watermelon fully ripen. The redder your watermelon gets, the higher the concentration of lycopene becomes. Beta-carotene and phenolic antioxidant content also increases as the watermelon ripens. Watermelon seeds are also very nutritious, especially if they are sprouted and shelled. They are high in protein, magnesium, vitamin B and good fats. But do not substitute the seeds or the rinds for the fruit itself. Other benefits of watermelon are:

     

    Prevents heat stroke

    Watermelon is effective in reducing both your body temperature and blood pressure. Many people in tropical regions eat this fruit every day in the afternoon during summer to protect themselves from heat stroke. The high amount of water in watermelon also stimulates a release of excess liquid in the body.

     

     Treats kidney disorders

    Watermelons contain a lot of potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning out the toxic depositions in the kidney. Moreover, they are helpful in reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of kidney damage and the formation of renal calculi in that organ. In addition to this, being high in water content, watermelons induce frequent urinating, which is again helpful for cleaning of the kidneys. Also, the antioxidants present in watermelon ensure good health of the kidneys for a long time and reduce signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots on the skin.

     

    Regulates blood pressure

    The amount of potassium and magnesium present in watermelons is very beneficial in terms of lowering blood pressure. Potassium is considered a vasodilator, meaning that it releases the tension on blood vessels and arteries, thereby stimulating blood flow and reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. The carotenoids present in these fruits also prevent hardening of artery walls and veins, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure and the chances of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.

     

    Prevents cancer

    Watermelons have gained a lot of attention in recent years, primarily because of their impressive level of lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient compound that is increasingly being linked to cancer prevention. Lycopene has been shown to significantly reduce the risks of prostate, breast, colon, lung, and endometrial cancer. All in all, between the antioxidant potential of vitamin C and the impact of lycopene, watermelon is a great anti-cancer fruit!

     

    Controls diabetes

    Diabetics, who are supposed to have a low energy and low sugar diet, often complain about starving since they don’t get to eat their staple diets, which gives them the feeling of being half-fed. Watermelons can be a good supplement for them. In spite of being sweet in taste, a thick wedge will give them very few calories, since ninety-nine percent of its total weight is composed of water and roughage. Moreover, the vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium help in proper functioning of insulin in the body, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Arginine, another component found in watermelons, is very effective at enhancing the impact of insulin on blood sugar. Diabetics can also have curries, steaks, and salads made from watermelon rinds, which are even lower in sugar.

     

    Heart friendly

     

    Lycopene, a carotenoid found in abundance in watermelon, improves cardiac functions. Beta-carotene, known for its great antioxidant and anti-aging properties, keeps you young at heart and prevents age-related cardiac problems. The roughage in watermelon, along with vitamin C, carotenoids, and potassium (potassium cuts the risk of a heart attack), helps to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart safe from many dangerous conditions.

    The best way to eat watermelon is to eat it. It’s as simple as that. Just make sure you go for the very ripe fruit. If you prefer to squeeze out the juice to drink, no problem. Some people prefer to blend the whole fruit: seeds and rinds inclusive, that is also good, provided you keep in mind that the fruit itself is the most nutritious and beneficial, not the seed or the rinds. Want to give yourself a treat? Avoid the temptation to rush to the nearest fast-food shop. Go rather to the nearest local market where you can get yourself a healthy ball of watermelon, which is cheaper than a loaf of bread. Your body will be happy you did.

  • Watermelon: The super fruit

    Watermelon: The super fruit

    The founder of Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories, Rev. Father Anselm Adodo, answers the first question. 

    1) Harmattan is here and my family members are becoming hydrated, coupled with sore throat, what do you suggest I do?

    The Harmattan is a season in the West African subcontinent, which occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. It is characterised by dry and dusty north easterly trade wind, of the same name, which blows from the Sahara Desert over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea.

    Have you ever wondered why so many people crave for watermelon and why it is a favourite fruit for many? It is because watermelon is a super nutritious fruit in every sense of the word, an all season fruit.

    Watermelon, botanically known as citrullus lanatus, is a native of Africa, originating in the Southern African region. It is a popular fruit in Nigeria. Watermelon grows well in temperate regions, which explains why it grows very well in northern Nigeria such as Plateau State where the climate is less hot. However, watermelon can be cultivated in any part of Nigeria if adequate soil moisture is maintained. It is said that watermelon grew wildly in the African forest over 1000 years ago, from where it was transported to Asia and America, and other parts of the world. Watermelon has been selected and produced as a hybrid, which has resulted in the bigger and sweeter variety that is popular today.

    The outer rind of watermelon fruit is green, hard and thick and slightly sour in taste, while the interior is red or pink, succulent and sweet, but not sugary in taste, and contains many seeds. Watermelon is most nutritious when it is fully ripe. For this reason, very ripe watermelon is best if one wants to get its full medicinal values.

    Watermelon is known to be very high in Beta-carotene and lycopene when it is very ripe. The rind is also said to be edible, preferably after boiling. A lot of people have asked me if it safe to blend the rind and seeds of watermelon and drink. The answer is yes, there is no harm in blending both the seeds and the rinds of the ripe watermelon fruit. Note, however, that apart from the fibre and roughage, there is little nutrients in the rinds. The ripe interior is the most nutritious and beneficial part of the fruit.

    Watermelon is rich in vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, magnesium, protein, potassium, niacin and thiamine. However, lycopene, which is also present in tomato, is the most well-known phytonutrient present in watermelon. Watermelon is made up of 92 per cent water, has little or no fat, is low in sodium and also low in calories.  Fruits like watermelon allow the human body to function optimally because of the high contents of antioxidants. Antioxidants are good protection against cancer, arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure, while Amino Acids boost the body’s immune system, thereby protecting against all forms of diseases.  Lycopene, which is also present in tomatoes, grapefruits and guava, is beneficial for a healthy heart, strong bone, and helps to prevent prostate cancer.

    To really maximise your lycopene intake, let your watermelon fully ripen. The redder your watermelon gets, the higher the concentration of lycopene becomes. Beta-carotene and phenolic antioxidant content also increases as the watermelon ripens. Watermelon seeds are also very nutritious, especially if they are sprouted and shelled. They are high in protein, magnesium, vitamin B and good fats. But do not substitute the seeds or the rinds for the fruit itself. Other benefits of watermelon are:

     

    Prevents heat stroke

    Watermelon is effective in reducing both your body temperature and blood pressure. Many people in tropical regions eat this fruit every day in the afternoon during summer to protect themselves from heat stroke. The high amount of water in watermelon also stimulates a release of excess liquid in the body.

     

     Treats kidney disorders

    Watermelons contain a lot of potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning out the toxic depositions in the kidney. Moreover, they are helpful in reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of kidney damage and the formation of renal calculi in that organ. In addition to this, being high in water content, watermelons induce frequent urinating, which is again helpful for cleaning of the kidneys. Also, the antioxidants present in watermelon ensure good health of the kidneys for a long time and reduce signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots on the skin.

     

    Regulates blood pressure

    The amount of potassium and magnesium present in watermelons is very beneficial in terms of lowering blood pressure. Potassium is considered a vasodilator, meaning that it releases the tension on blood vessels and arteries, thereby stimulating blood flow and reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. The carotenoids present in these fruits also prevent hardening of artery walls and veins, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure and the chances of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.

     

    Prevents cancer

    Watermelons have gained a lot of attention in recent years, primarily because of their impressive level of lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient compound that is increasingly being linked to cancer prevention. Lycopene has been shown to significantly reduce the risks of prostate, breast, colon, lung, and endometrial cancer. All in all, between the antioxidant potential of vitamin C and the impact of lycopene, watermelon is a great anti-cancer fruit!

     

    Controls diabetes

    Diabetics, who are supposed to have a low energy and low sugar diet, often complain about starving since they don’t get to eat their staple diets, which gives them the feeling of being half-fed. Watermelons can be a good supplement for them. In spite of being sweet in taste, a thick wedge will give them very few calories, since ninety-nine percent of its total weight is composed of water and roughage. Moreover, the vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium help in proper functioning of insulin in the body, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Arginine, another component found in watermelons, is very effective at enhancing the impact of insulin on blood sugar. Diabetics can also have curries, steaks, and salads made from watermelon rinds, which are even lower in sugar.

     

    Heart friendly

    Lycopene, a carotenoid found in abundance in watermelon, improves cardiac functions. Beta-carotene, known for its great antioxidant and anti-aging properties, keeps you young at heart and prevents age-related cardiac problems. The roughage in watermelon, along with vitamin C, carotenoids, and potassium (potassium cuts the risk of a heart attack), helps to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart safe from many dangerous conditions.

    The best way to eat watermelon is to eat it. It’s as simple as that. Just make sure you go for the very ripe fruit. If you prefer to squeeze out the juice to drink, no problem. Some people prefer to blend the whole fruit: seeds and rinds inclusive, that is also good, provided you keep in mind that the fruit itself is the most nutritious and beneficial, not the seed or the rinds. Want to give yourself a treat? Avoid the temptation to rush to the nearest fast-food shop. Go rather to the nearest local market where you can get yourself a healthy ball of watermelon, which is cheaper than a loaf of bread. Your body will be happy you did.

  • Ramadan: Big boost for fruit markets

    The annual Islamic fasting period, otherwise known as ‘Ramadan’, presents  an opportunity for increased fruit sales. This is why in spite of an appreciable increase in the prices of fruits,retailers are experiencing increased sales, TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

    Fruits are said to be of high nutritional value because they contain several minerals and vitamins needed for man’s healthy growth. This is why there has been an intense campaign to ensure that Nigerians include fruits in their daily diet.

    This campaign may not have recorded the best of results, especially when the cost of fruits is high compared to buying a regular meal. The biting economic reality has also not helped matters in this regard.

    However, one season Nigerians have found fruits a necessity is during holy months of Lent and Ramadan. These months are set aside for fasting by Christians and Muslims.

    For instance, Arafat Ibrahim and her family had joined their muslim counterparts across the world to observe this year’s Ramadan. For them, when it is not Ramadan, they do not see the nutritional benefit of adding fruits to their daily meals, they rather see it as a waste of money. Ibrahim, like many muslims, patronise fruit sellers only during Ramadan because she would need to break her fast first with fruits and then, her meals.

    Aware that the last six months have seen price-sensitive, markets across Lagos suffer from higher food costs. She, like many fruits merchants, agreed that this higher prices have not affected the demand for fruits this Ramadan period.

    As she visited some fruit markets in Lagos, she discovered that yearly , the holy month keeps turning into boom time for fruit sellers who are enjoying high demand presently.

    Hear her: “Every year, there is a surge in spending before, during and after Ramadan, with increase in prices of food items and fruits in the traditional markets across the country. But market survey has showed that demand for fruits tend to increase by around 50-60 per cent during Ramadan compared to other months,” she said.

    However, fruit traders have revealed that demand for fruit is up this Ramadan despite significantly higher prices compared to last year’s regardless of price hikes.Market sources say the supply of fruits to the metropolis has risen by between 50 and 55 per cent in wholesale fruit markets particularly in Ketu fruit market. However, they have said it usually goes up further in the course of the 30-day fasting period.

    It was also discovered that demand for fruits such as apple, citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerine, water melon, pineapple and banana  considerably increases during fasting periods but sellers say patronage remains high notwithstanding.

    Speaking on the development, the market leader of Ketu fruit market, Chief MrsAmopeAdesanya said, fruit markets record brisk sales whenever  Ramadan period was in the air and that her market has experienced very high sale in the last two weeks following the commencement of the holy month. According to her, at this time, it is not new to the trade. Traders of the commodity are always expectant that the season would cause a boom for them once again. “The fact that some prices of fruits have gone up and the quantity of some reduced doesn’t make patronage low for us. There are few people however  who have reduced the amount and quantity of fruits. At weekends, the Christians who buy to eat and traders who buy to resell in bits, also buy in smaller quantities. But our Muslim customer’s, particularly the traders, buy more than they did at this time last year.

    Amope added: ”There is increase in the supply of fruits in this market because we are aware that this is a major market for all kinds of fruit in mainland apart from Idi Oro market at Mushin. We have stock up varieties of fruits and we are seeing huge patronage from customers. We are selling more oranges, water melon, pineapple and apple now. We get apple from Cotonou and other fruits from the north.”

    At the market, baskets of orange ranged from N900, N1000, N1, 100, 1, 200, N1, 300 respectively depending on the size. A dozen of Pineapple ranges from N1, 600, N2, 000, N2, 500 and above also depending on size.

    The Watermelon section of the market was the busiest with more customers buying when The Nation Shopping visited.  Mr Isiaka Olarenwaju sells the item in large quantity, he testified that sale is on the high side, stating that Muslims prefers to break their fast with watermelon more compare to other fruits. According to him, the size of the fruit is an advantage. It is big and can go round many people at once. A Dozen cost 1, 500, N2, 000, N2, 500 and more. He said the price is determined by the size.

    Also, a bag of raw groundnut cost N2, 500, N3, 000 and a paint container measurement cost N350. A trader who sells it at the same market, Mr. Shola Kolawole, said the price of groundnut is not too expensive compared to other fruit because it is in its season now

    Mrs. AbeniGbadamosi, a pear seller, said 50pieces of it cost N700. It is one of the most expensive  now compare to other fruits but it is in high demand.

    For KemisolaIshola, a fruit seller at Mile 12 market, not too far from the fruit market at Ketu, she has reached her best sales this week. “I am busier than I used to be since Ramadan  began. Most times now,  it is hard to find a good time to eat lunch. I think people are more enlightened about the importance of fruits to the body and they have decided to take advantage of the season.”

  • Chivita hits fruit juice market with Active Vegetable

    Chi Limited has hit the fruit juice market with a new brand, Chivita Active Vegetable & Fruit Nectar. The product, according to its handlers, combines the power of vegetable and fruit with a blend of vitamins, fibre and nutrients.

    “Chivita Active vegetable and fruit nectar is a healthy and tasty way to get the antioxidants and stamina required for a healthy active lifestyle,” the brand handlers said.

    In a consumer taste survey, the brand owners revealed that Olumide Ajagun, a manager in one of the banks, testified to the health benefits of the product.

    He said: “I bought a blender about two years ago to make healthy drinks as an easy way of getting huge amounts of micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals and cancer-preventing antioxidants that my body needs for healthy living, but I can assure you that the process of getting the vegetable from the market, washing them and blending is a task I do not relish. With Chivita Active Vegetable & Fruit Nectar, I can now enjoy the lip smacking goodness of fruit and the benefits of no cholesterol and low fat from vegetables all in a pack.”

    Accordingly, the product is produced with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and is available in three exciting variants–Carrot Orange, Beetroot Grape and Beetroot Apple.

    The Managing Director of Chi Limited, Roy Deepanjan,  said: “We are once again pioneering a new segment of the juice market with the Chivita Active Vegetable & Fruit Nectar in line with our market penetration strategy. As an innovative company, we are always looking for new ways to excite and invigorate the market, which is why we will continue to develop the right products, that meets market expectation of consumers who are health conscious, in the years ahead.”

  • For fruit sellers, Ramadan is boom time

    For fruit sellers, Ramadan is boom time

    Fruits are essential commodities during the holy month of Ramadan. This is because Muslims use them to break their fast in the evenings. Fruit sellers across the Lagos metropolis say this is boom time for them as they now make bountiful sales. In spite of an appreciable increase in the prices of fruits, they say demand for them is on the rise too, TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

    Last week, Nigerian Muslims joined their counterparts across the world to start observing this year’s Ramadan fast. When it is not Ramadan, some of them do not see the nutritional benefit of adding fruits to their daily meals. Some say they patronise fruit sellers only during Ramadan when they have to break their fast first with fruits and then, their meals.

    However, the last two months have seen price-sensitive markets across Lagos suffer from higher food costs. This higher prices have not affected the demand for fruits  in Lagos.

    Visits to some fruits market in Lagos showed that the holy month  has turned into boom time for fruit sellers who are enjoying high demand. Every year, there is a surge in spending before, during and after Ramadan, with increase in prices of food items and fruits in the traditional markets across the country. Market survey showed that demand for fruits tend to increase by around 60 per cent during Ramadan compared to other months.

    Fruit traders have revealed that demand for fruit is up this Ramadan despite significantly higher prices compared to last year’s regardless of price hikes.

    Market sources say the supply of fruits to the metropolis has risen by between 35 and 40 per cent in wholesale fruit markets particularly in Ketu fruit market. However, they have said it will go up further in the course of the 30-day fasting period.

    It was also discovered that demand for fruits such as apple, citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerine, water melon, pineapple and banana have considerably increased but sellers say patronage remains high.

    Speaking on the development, Ketu fruit Market Association President, Madam Adebayo Balogun said: “There is increase in the supply of fruits in this market because we are aware that this is a major market for all kinds of fruit in mainland apart from Idi Oro market at Mushin. We have stock of varieties of fruits and we are seeing huge patronage from customers. We are selling more oranges, water melon, pineapple and apple now. We get apple from Cotonou and other fruits from the north.”

    For Adebayo Bello, a fruit shop owner in Agege, Ramadan  has been a boom time. Bello neatly packed fruits in different basket sizes and displayed them as ‘fruit hampers’. According to him, before the Ramadan, his shop usually sells about 10 baskets of fruit per day. Sales have jumped up to about 50 baskets over the past few days because of Ramadan .

    “I have reached my best sales this week. I am busier than I used to be since Ramadan  began. Most times now,  it is hard to find a good time to eat lunch. I think people are more enlightened about the importance of fruits to the body and they have decided to take advantage of the season.”

    Bello’s story is not alone in this holy month of bountiful harvest. His colleague, Aruna Muritala, said prices have gone up thanks to the rising demand. With an average shopper spending N15, 000 or more to buy fruits that will last his household for two weeks, it is really a boom time.

    “The fact that prices of fruits have gone up and their quantity reduced doesn’t make patronage low for us. There are few people however  who have reduced the amount and quantity of fruits. At weekends, the Christians who buy to eat and traders who buy to resell in bits, also buy in smaller quantities. But our Muslim customer’s, particularly the traders, buy more than they did at this time last year.”

    Kafayat Jimoh, a roadside fruit seller who operates at the retails end of the business along Awolowo Way, Ikeja, agrees no less with Muritala. She said:  “By yesterday, a basket of small-sized oranges increased from N300 to N600 per basket. Prices for lime has however remained the same, standing at N150 per paint container. “I believe that fruit prices will return to normal after the Ramadan.  This is the usual change in price that occurs yearly and we are used to it,” Jimoh said.

    At Mile 12 market in Kosofe, demand for fruits as well as other food items has risen from 20 to 25 per cent.  A source also told The Nation Shopping that Ramadan  is also a great boom for some companies specialising in beverages, saying more than half of beverages annual sales happen during the month of Ramadan.

    A farmer who transports fruits from the north, Abubakar Sanni, said last year, he and his team brought 20 trailers of fruits to Ketu fruit market in Lagos. This year, the number of trailers increased to 40 loads because of demand for fruits. “We are receiving many more orders for Ramadan this year than last year; people are making very good profits selling fruits during Ramadan.Dates, apples, orange, pears, grapes and bananas are the most popular fruits consumed  during Ramadan,” he said

    Several other market fruit vendor The Nation Shopping spoke to reported similar increases in business.

    At Mushin, a fruit seller simply known as Iya Mariam who sells fruits in small sizes of N50, said she makes sales better than she made last year. She said it is common with the Ramadan season. “Sales this Ramadan  is better than what it was last year. I am counting my gains. I have more Muslims patronising me to break their fast daily with fruits before their meal. I think it is better to buy fruits in bit because of its preservation and affordability. Here, you can get fruits worth N50.

    “I make profit of N5,000 daily on all the fruits I sell and I finish selling them before night. I buy from Ketu fruit market and Arena market in Oshodi because I am sure of getting cheap bargains at these markets because they stock fruits in large quantity.”

    Iya Mariam  cannot afford to buy in large quantities, so she buys in dozens. According to her, a dozen of water melon costs N3,500, a dozen of pine apple-N1,200, 30 pieces of orange-N1,300, a medium-size bunch of banana-N3,000 and N4,000 respectively.

    Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, an orange vendor, attributed the increase to the high cost of transporting the items from where they are supplied.

    “The cost of transporting these fruits is high; therefore, we increase our prices. This is coupled with the security challenges in most parts of the north which has made movements difficult. If you can’t be daring, you can’t be in the business, because soldiers harass us on the road when we go up North to buy the fruits. So we end up spending more money and more days on the road, and you know all these will be eventually included in the final cost of the goods,” he said.

    Also speaking, Suraju Shuabu, a water melon seller, said the high cost could be attributed to the cost of supply.

    According to him, their suppliers in the north have increased their prices. But Malam Oseni, who said he was in the market to buy oranges and water melon, attributed the situation to the “simple economics principle of ‘the higher the demand, the higher the price.”

    According to some Muslims, people consume a lot of fruits during Ramadan  due to the change in the digestive system as well as the spiritual blessings of consuming it before breaking the fast.

    So they believe that when sellers see that the demands are higher, they increase the prices too. However, water melon happens to be the most expensive fruit in the market, as the increased demand keeps raising its prices beyond the N500 and N700.

  • Lack of storage facilities puts fruit growers in danger

    Lack of storage facilities puts fruit growers in danger

    Lack of storage, marketing and infrastructure development facilities are the major obstacles to ensuring fair prices of seasonal fruits, a  don, Dr   Ademola  Adeyemo   has  said .

    Farmers have been producing tonnes of various kinds of fruits, harvesting   huge quantities of fruits, but they could not get fair prices due to absence of storage and transport facilities, Adeyemo, Deputy Director, Department  of  General Administration, Agricultural and Rural Management Institute (ARMTI)  Ilorin said.

    He  said   farmers  have  counted heavy losses  following  absence  of  storage  facilities, which made them   sell their fruits at throwaway prices.

    Every year tonnes of different kinds of rotten seasonal fruits l such   mangoes,  pineapples, watermelons, oranges, tomatoes, bananas, papaya and guavas worth over millions of Naira   are being perished due to lack of cold storages, fruit processing plants, marketing and transport facilities.

    He  called  on  the  government  to  support   farmers  set up cold storages, fruits processing plants, modern road and marketing facilities.

    This, he  explained,  would  have  farmers  that   could not carry their fruits to other markets for lack of adequate transport facilities. He  noted  that  transportation  is  key  to rural  farmers  ferrying   their produce  to the  towns, adding  that  they  cannot  achieve   success if  they   fail to transport their  fruits to  consumers.

    He said  farmers   are  facing  serious infrastructure and logistic problems, includinglack of cold storage and transport facilities.

    He  said  there is   no way  the  fruit industry will  grow  without  much improved infrastructure in the supply chain, mostly an effective cold chain from harvesting products to sale to the end consumer.

    According  to him  ,the  most effective way of preserving and keeping food items fresh after harvest is to store those in suitable temperatures, and  freezing produce straight after harvest is also a common method used around the world mostly for highly perishable produce.

    This, he  explained,  provides a very long shelf life, but it requires an effective cold chain infrastructure.