Plantain and banana are widely cultivated in the southern
and middle belt regions in Nigeria. The annual local production outruns the
demand. Being a highly perishable food item, substantial quantities rot away in
a short period after harvest.
When the rains start which signals the commencement of
planting, the plantain farmers plant at the same time. They harvest at the same
period and flood the markets with the product. After a short while, the product
soon becomes scarce where much rots away due to unavailable technology for
conversion for a longer shelf life.
The solution is to process the fruits into a powdered form
which can be packaged and stored for a longer time without spoilage and
wastage occurring. The natural flavors in the powdered form can also be
utilized in industrial food processing.
Foods and drinks such as cakes, ice creams, yoghurt and
custard are flavored to enhance their taste. The flavors are imported into Nigeria
and are synthetic, therefore not as good as the natural flavors in banana and
plantain powder. The natural flavors can be imparted into other foods.
There is a readymade market within and outside Nigeria for
banana and plantain powder. Nigerians in the diaspora, who are looking for
businesses to do in Nigeria can look into the aspect of setting up a suitable
processing technology to convert banana and plantain into powdered form. The benefits
are many to the farmers and to the economy.
Conversion to powder will increase their economic value and
give a longer shelf life. The added value will translate to selling at a higher
price than the raw fruit. The natural flavors in them are a better substitute
to the synthetic flavors currently being imported.
Foreign exchange will be conserved when the import of
synthetic flavors is reduced or eliminated. Foreign exchange will be earned
where the natural flavors are exported. Conversion will significantly reduce
wastage and spoilage, yield more revenue to the farmers and encourage them to
produce more.
The equipment required for conversion into powdered form has
been developed locally and can be acquired with a moderate investment.
John Ayodele
www.plantainrichesnigeria.blogspot.com
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