Nigeria: Fluted pumpkin farming potentially lucrative
The leaves are used in preparing all kinds of soups and a variety of delicacies. The seeds can be processed into oil, used for cooking or soap making. The leaves are often referred to as 'blood tonic', because of their alleged potential to return strength to anaemic persons. It contains essential vitamins and minerals.
Fluted pumpkins are mostly grown in the southern and middle parts of the Nigeria. But it can be grown in any part of the country, even the north, as it copes very well with droughts. The seeds are very cheap and can be sourced easily.
According to an article on independent.ng fluted pumpkin farming is not capital intensive. It is a business you can start with little capital. For one starting on a small scale, all that is needed is a piece of land. Some hard work and capital may be required in order to have sufficient irrigation.
