Nigeria's annual mango output has not surpassed one million tonnes, with figures standing at 968,780 metric tonnes, positioning the country between the 10th and 12th rank globally. The mango market has seen growth, escalating from $63.65 billion to $67.95 billion this year, marking a 6.7% compound annual growth rate, as per The Business Research Company.
Within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria accounts for 1.5% of the world's mango production, with other member states contributing marginally. Dr. Obiora Madu, Director General of the African Centre for Supply Chain, highlighted the decline in production volumes due to governmental inaction on prevailing industry challenges, emphasizing the lack of focus on mango as an export commodity.
Dr. Victor Iyama, President of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN), pointed out the potential of the mango industry to generate substantial foreign exchange, exceeding $100 billion if properly harnessed. He noted the scarcity of mango growers and plantations in the country, advocating for enhanced cultivation practices and the adoption of organic mango farming to access premium prices internationally.
The National Association of Mango Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NAMPPMAN) has urged leveraging mango production for economic benefits, highlighting its contribution to GDP and export revenues. Alhaji Abdulkadir Nasir, the association's National President, emphasized mango's role in providing income for small-scale farmers and its potential in employment generation and economic diversification. He also detailed how mango cultivation, with improved seedlings, can offer substantial returns and aid in soil conservation and erosion control within agroforestry systems.
Source: thenationonlineng.net