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About one million hectares (2.5 million acres) of garlic produce about 10 million metric tons of garlic
globally each year. China is the world’s largest producer of garlic. They produce about 2,197,131
metric tonnes of garlic, India follows with approximately 1,400,000 metric tonnes. China is
responsible for 80% of the world’s supply of garlic. In terms of garlic exportation, China holds about
US$1.4 billion (66.8% of total garlic exports). On the other hand, the largest importing countries for
garlic are the USA and Thailand. The USA import about 3.77 USD Million worth of garlic and
Thailand 1.54 USD Million worth of the herb.
Commercial garlic farming in Nigeria is widely cultivated in Northern states like Kaduna, Kano
Sokoto and others, but this leaves so much room for more development. A considerable percentage
of garlic farming is done using just basic tools, and this prevents the full maximisation of the garlic
plant in production.
Even with a local method of approach, garlic farming is still highly lucrative. This, therefore, proves
that with adequate modern machinery, garlic production and commercial value would also increase.
The government and agricultural investors could choose to take full advantage of this opportunity. If
you’re planning to start a garlic production business, here is a guide to help you through.
See Also: How To Start A Lucrative Ginger Production Business in Nigeria: The Complete Guide
What Is Garlic?
Garlic is a plant species in the genus, Allium. It is a close ‘relative’ of onion, shallot, leek, chive, and
Chinese onion, and a native of Northeastern Iran and Central Asia.
Types Of Garlic
There are several species of garlic but two major types, which include:
1) Softneck Garlic:
Softneck garlic is named from the multilayered covering of the entire bulb, which forms a soft, pliable
stalk suitable for braiding. Softneck garlic possesses several layers of cloves surrounding the central
portion of the garlic bulb. Two types of this particular garlic are most plentiful among others.
3). Planting:
Carefully remove the cloves from a fresh garlic head to avoid damaging it because any damage
could prevent the garlic from growing. Point the tip of the cloves upward and insert them in the soil
about 2 inches deep. Cover the planted cloves with mulch. Fertilization is required after planting to
ensure the best growth and survival.
2). Plant maintenance:
The garlic plant requires tender care and maintenance after planting. Therefore, you should water
the plants just about enough to keep them moist. Try to avoid dampness as that would kill the
growing plants. Watering should only be most necessary in case of drought or absence of rainfall for
a limited time. As the plants begin to mature, watering should be reduced to the barest minimum.
Garlic requires a hot, dry summer to enable the bulbs to mature. You should also apply pesticides to
keep insects such as aphid away from the plants.
3). Harvesting:
Garlic is ready to be harvested once the leaves turn yellow or brown and the cloves can be felt in the
bulb. Some warm climates enable the garlic to mature faster and ready for collecting more quickly
than others.
4). Storage:
After harvesting, garlic should be stored in a cool and dry environment to prevent spoilage. Garlic
bulbs can be kept in a garlic keeper, and individual cloves pulled off. Garlic cloves can be preserved
by putting in oil or vinegar, but for the best quality and to prevent bacteria, refrigerate and quickly
consume.
To Sum It Up
Needless to say that garlic is one of the most used spices, as a lot of its uses and benefits have
been laid out. This is undoubtedly a good part of farming to start up because the spice is one of the
spices used for various food recipes in Nigeria. It continues to grow in demand nationwide and
globally.
The garlic production business in Nigeria can be a lucrative and profitable venture to start-up, due to
its vast market demand and on your ability to build a wide supply chain network. If you’re looking for
a supply chain business to venture into, the garlic business in Nigeria is a great option to explore.