AGRICULTURE <PEPPER>

PEPPER FARMING is one very profitable crop in agriculture. I will use #NIGERIA in my todays topic and illustrations.

Having a serious intention of cultivating pepper for subsequent sale, in addition to pepper seeds, seedlings, and quality fertilizer, you should buy the following important components:
• A plot of land where this delicious agricultural crop will grow;
• Vehicles for transportation of finished product;
• Container for vegetables.
The land should be located near local water basin, or water supply system. Since pepper demands moisture, it should be watered quite regularly - otherwise do not expect good harvest.

•Chili pepper farming in Nigeria
One plant can give you up to hundreds of pods. They can be used for seasonings, depending on various culinary needs, also seeds can be used for subsequent planting. This kind of pepper can live and bear harvest for 2-3 years. If you grow chili pepper on the open ground, you can get a crop of 2-3 kg per square meter.

According to specialists, pepper is much better developed in the greenhouse. This is because of a controlled temperature regime and a constant level of humidity. So, in a greenhouse, chili pepper can grow up to 1 meter in length and provide a large amount of massive fruits

Also if you create good conditions, then after a while you will be able to admire your strong lush bushes. If you care more about large fruits than their numbers, then just get rid of some flowers on the plant.

Preparation of a site for pepper farming in Nigeria

In sunny areas with mild climate, pepper grows very well. If there is no wind protection, it is possible to build some wind shields.
The soil on the area allocated for pepper cultivation should be fertile, well drained and have high water retention capacity.
After harvesting the crop, remove plant remains and dig through the soil.
In any case do not plant pepper on the site with fresh manure.
Pepper does not need fresh organic fertilizers. It adversely affects preservation of the crop and its ripening.

How to plant pepper in Nigeria

Before planting, seedlings must be watered abundantly, so that during planting they do not fade.

Withering affects plants, delays growth and leads to the fall of the first buds - and this is the loss of the early harvest. If you plant seedlings in the heat it is better to choose the second half of the day, so that the plants can grow stronger overnight. In cloudy weather, you can plant seedlings in the morning.

Pre-prepared holes should be filled with water - 1-2 liters of water per hole, it is better to use warm water. After freeing seedlings from pots, they are placed vertically in the holes and planted a little deeper than they were in the pots.

WATERING

Growing pepper is impossible without watering. For a better survival, after planting pepper is watered at an interval of 2-3 days, taking 1-2 liters of water per plant, and in dry and hot weather, pepper is watered daily.

There is a need to monitor the watering so as not to damage pepper plants by excessive irrigation. Wilting leaves in the afternoon hours on hot days do not indicate that plants need water.

Vegetable farming care

It is necessary to observe the distance between the rows of about 65 cm and between seedlings 40 cm. You can also use another method - plant two or three seedlings in one hole.
It is necessary to install pegs when planting in order to keep the plant away from breaking (you should not install pegs during the growth period, as it can damage plant root system).

Loosening

Pepper is fond of loose soil, and therefore you should avoid the formation of soil crust. Loosening activates the influx of air to the roots, which accelerates growth and development of plants and stimulates biological activity of microorganisms in the soil, and also helps with weed control.

During the first two weeks after planting, the pepper grows very slowly: during this period its root system acquires strength. Take care of them so as not to injure your plants.

Pepper cultivation problems

With a lack of potassium, pepper leaves become a twisted and drying edge. But it is necessary to be careful with potassium - pepper does not tolerate abundance of potassium chloride.

If the plant lacks nitrogen, its leaves become opaque and grayish, gradually begin to fade. When there is lack of magnesium, leaves become marbled, and the excess amount of nitrogen in soil leads to dropping of pepper flowers.

What are the best varieties for pepper farm launching?

• Trinidad Scorpion This is one of the hottest varieties of chili pepper. The main source of its distribution is export.

• Bell pepper This kind of pepper has different varieties - its colour varies from yellow, orange, purple, red to green.

• Cayenne pepper This is the most common type of pepper in Nigeria. It has also other names - Red hot chili pepper or Guinea spice. Its main peculiarity is that it can be stored for a very long time in the form of powder.

To get profit from pepper cultivation in Nigeria you should think about distribution channels.Selling seedlings to gardeners is a good start

I personally prefer the green pepper because of its rich and sweet taste.

you see? pepper farming is very easy and profitable. why not give it a try? #credits>>>NAIJ