How To Start, Succeed In Pineapples Farming Business

By Nadira Iwu

Pineapples rank second on the list of the most consumed fruits in the world and constitute up to 20 % of the world’s production of all tropical fruits. Approximately 70 % of all grown pineapples are eaten fresh by residents of the countries where they grow. Brazil and Paraguay are homelands for this fruit, and these was where pineapple was discovered for the first time. It is still unknown how it managed to reach Africa.

The leading producers of pineapple are Nigeria, Brazil, China, Thailand, the Philippines, India, Mexico, Costa Rico, Indonesia, and Kenya. These countries are responsible for the production of pineapples for global use. Hawaii is one of the world’s largest producers and suppliers of the fruit. It mainly supplies the USA and Japan.

Since the 1960s, the level of pineapple farming has increased dramatically. The fruit popularity in the whole world can be explained by the breeding of new species, in particular, one that is referred to as ‘Gold’. This sort was ‘born’ in Hawaii and became widely popular in the 1970s. Since then, the global volume of canned pineapples trade doubled.

Nowadays one of two ripe fruit is sold. The rise of consumer demand for fresh pineapples and juice has made it such that the business is profitable for both large and small corporation.

How to plant pineapple?

A pineapple is a very typical tropical fruit. Everyone knows what it looks like and how it tastes, though the process of planting and harvesting is unknown to most people. To become a professional in pineapple farming you should first understand all the peculiarities of the plant. Let’s take a look at the issue in a more detailed way and get to know what this special plant really is

Pineapple is a tropical perennial and herbaceous plant. When mature it can reach up to 2 meters in height, on the condition that it grows on bare land. The plant has got a flat, squat stalk and firm foliage. It looks more like a bush than grass.

It grows rapidly after planting. Its stalk becomes thick and possesses dozens of intertwined leaves. Pineapple foliage is narrow and pulpy with sharp barbs on edges. As a rule, they reach up to 70 cm in length. Due to this, the plant may easily go through dry periods. Its special leaves structure is very helpful because they absorb large quantities of fluid.

After a year or so of robust growth, a pineapple starts blooming with many spike-shaped flowers on the top. Its blossom is hermaphrodite. As for colours, pineapples may be violet, red, yellow, etc. according to the variety. Every flower produces a berry. The pineapple berries grow and become juicy. Eventually, they join together and form the fruit that we are accustomed to seeing on store shelves. That is why it has got such an odd ‘cell’ look.

If the pineapple flower was pollinated, the berry might contain tiny seeds that affect the fruit negatively, in particular, its edibility and price. Pineapple farmers try their best to get rid of the plant's pollination. In the wild, hummingbirds pollinate the plant.

After the ripening process is completed, a pineapple gets new shoots from leaves ‘bowls’. They are often used for vegetative propagation. If you reduce these side appendages, the plant will blossom and bear berries sooner. After the second harvest, farmers uproot pineapples and plant new ones in their place.

In addition to the situation where side shoots of pineapples are reduced, farmers frequently make use of the seeds and the plant top too. As for the top of a ripe pineapple, it is a distinct crown of young leave. It is very possible that it may turn to a ripe fruit under the right conditions.

Besides the cultivated kinds, there are wild pineapples which have got smaller fruit with plenty of seeds. Such pineapples are special treats for some animals.

How to breed pineapple?

This exotic fruit can be bred in several ways:

1. Using the tops of the fruit. If you cut the top and plant it in bare soil or even into a flowerpot, the ‘topknot’ will take roots in some time.

2. Using side shoots. These seedlings are cut when they lay down roots.

3. Making use of seeds.

The seeds are in ‘cells’ under the peel of the fruit and look like apple seeds. They are collected only in overripe pineapples. Undoubtedly, the plant will grow. However, it will only bear fruit after a few years.

Pineapple production in Nigeria at plantations

As we know, the biggest pineapple plantations are American, Australian, African, and Asian. Nigerian specialists know how to get a juicy fruit quickly. For that purpose, they utilize only the particular kind that takes less time for maturity and less intensive production technologies.

The stalks with roots, which are 20 cm in height at least, are planted in 2 rows. The distance between rows is up to 2 meters. To get a mass crop and make the plant blossom, the stalks should be processed with acetylene. The gas makes it possible for pineapples buds to appear at the right time.

To get a ripe pineapple fruit, farmers cover the flowers to prevent pollination. For this purpose, they use special ‘hoods’ or protective measures against insects and birds.

Nowadays, farmers often make use of mechanical means for irrigation, fertilizing, weeds and insects management. Following above-mentioned tips, one can get up to 3 harvests a year in the tropics.

How to plant pineapples in a hothouse?

The root system of pineapples let to plant them in a rather small layer of soil. To prepare it correctly one has to mix:

- garden ground;

- peat;

- humus;

- perlite;

- charcoal.

The plants should be irrigated with acidified water because pineapples grow pretty well on the soil with slightly increased acidity. The water must be the same temperature as the air in a greenhouse.

To get a rich crop, pineapples are smoked or processed with acetylene. Consequently, with careful tending and high-quality planting material, pineapples in hothouses start yielding fruits not later than the ones on a bare land in tropical countries.

What should a farmer take into account when starting pineapple business?

First of all, a farmer has to make a pineapple farming business plan where every tiny nuance is taken into consideration: from the planting phase to the marketing.

The first phase of work is to pick an appropriate spot for a plantation. The place must be sandy, the soil slightly acidified. To get a rich crop a person must work hard. The crucial issue is soil preparation: it should be tilled and uprooted thoroughly.

Keep in mind that pineapples love water, so the question of irrigation must be dealt with beforehand.

Think of pineapple species. Pick the most suitable ones for planting and marketing. Luckily, there are plenty of them for every preference. Experts often recommend choosing the least demanding and the hardiest variety. One of the best species is ‘Mauritius’ (it is used for commercial farming and stable enough to withstand long distance transportation). ‘MD-2’ (the plant hybrid bred in 1990’s; the fruit is bright yellow, shiny gold; the flesh is sweet and juicy with a low level of acidity) is also widely spread all over the world. As for ‘Smooth Cayenne’, it should be mentioned that it takes a longer time to get ripened; the flesh is juicy but tough. This variety is used predominantly in Africa because it is quite resilient and productive. Therefore, it is quite prudent to concentrate on those varieties which are in high demand.

Do not forget about preventive measures against pests, insects, birds, and fungi. It is better to protect pineapple sprouts with herbicides and insecticides when the need arises.

It is necessary to remove the weeds and be careful soil fertilizing. Do not forget that while growing, pineapple shootings need a lot of useful substances. So, a smart farmer has to consider this too.

The last phase is to gather the harvest and prepare it for sale. Only a well-shaped fruit is suitable for marketing, thus, do not forget to get rid of bad-shaped and rotten pineapples.

From this information, it is evident that setting up a pineapple farming is not extremely difficult. Of course, it demands financial resources to start the business as well as human resources, skills, endeavors, and time. It should be noted that pineapple production is a time-consuming process. Over a period of time the farmer could get some significant profits, unfortunately this will not happen immediately.

Pineapple business seems to be a very sought-after niche in Nigeria owing to rich natural resources like the country climatic conditions, fertile soils, and, importantly, insatiable appetite for pineapples in the world. Since there are millions of ‘pineapple-addicts’, pineapple farming will always be needed in this state. We expect you to start your pineapple farming without a hesitation. Good luck!

SOURCE: Legit.ng