INVESTING IN CULTIVATION OF HERBAL PLANTS IN NIGERIA.

The growing of herbal plants on a commercial scale compared to crops like cocoa,cassava and other food cropsis still very low in Nigeria. There are very few herbs plantations in Nigeria compared to some other African countries.
The opportunities in growingherbs is enormous. Global trends toward healthier lifestyles have resulted in a tremendous expansion in demand for herbs and spices.As a result, there are lucrativeopportunities for investors who wish to invest in the production of any exportable herbs and spices. Nigerian farmers and investors have the opportunity to get involved in the production, processing and marketing of herbs and spices.
The market for herbs and spices can be divided into four segments. These are: culinary uses including fresh and dried powdered products, medicine and supplement applications, essential oils, and pharmaceuticals
Medicinal, herbal and aromatic plants constitute a large segment of the flora, which provide raw materials for use by pharmaceutical, cosmetic, fragrance and flavour industries.
India is considered a treasurehouse of valuable medicinal and aromatic plant species. Ithas 15 agro-climatic zones, 47000 different plant speciesand 15000 medicinal plants. About 2000 native plant species have curative properties and 1300 species are known for their aroma and flavour. The Indian system of medicines, popularly known as Ayurveda, has identified 1500 medicinal plants, of which 500 species are mostlyused in the preparation of drugs.
The medicinal plants contribute to 80% of the rawmaterials used in the preparation of drugs.
In Nigeria, there is also a growing demand for natural products including items of medicinal value/ pharmaceuticals, food supplements and cosmetics inboth domestic and international markets.
Tips on starting:
Educate yourself about herbs.Read books about them. You can't have too much knowledge when it comes to growing any type of plant successfully. Know each herb's specific requirements so you'll be able to meet them.
Climate and Market: The first thing to do is to find out what kinds of herb farms already exist in your area. Talk to the farmers and find out what the climate is like, and which herbs grow best there.
Find out what the local market for produce from your herb farm will be. How are other herb farms doing financially? Is there market for herb farm? How do others sell their produce? Do they sell herbal products as well as herbs? What equipment is needed to makethose products? All these youcan learn at our 1st exposition seminar on investment in herbs, coming up this Saturday in Ibadan.
Just as you would with any business, do a thorough market analysis before deciding to start herb farm.
Land for herb farms: There are several things to considerwhen you start to look for land. How much land do you need? Do you want cleared orwooded land? Do you want previously cultivated land?
Choose the herbs you'd like to grow. You can buy the seeds or seedlings or cuttings. Seedlings will grow faster than seeds or cuttings. For seed, it can sometimes take several months from the sprouting stage to full grown.
Marketing
For effective marketing of herbal plants and herbal products do a comprehensivewrite up on the medicinal values and uses of the plant or product and distribute to prospective buyers.
Make some business cards. Hand your business cards outat every opportunity. List your contact information. Friends and families are greatsources to help you obtain business or sell your product.
Go to fairs and events and display your herbs.
Talk to supermarkets that might be interested in purchasing your products. Visit local tea shops, herb stores, flower shops, health food stores or other places that might be interested in herbs
Advertise and promote your business. Place an ad in your local newspapers advertising your herbs. It may take a little time for people to become aware of your business, but don't give up. Growing herbs and creating herb products can be fun andfinancially rewarding. It will just take a little time and patience.
Happy Farming! (Tribune sourced)