Unlocking Hass Avocado Farming Potential in Nigeria

Hass Avocado is one of the untapped agricultural ventures in Nigeria. Hass Avocado farming in Nigeria has been brought to limelight because of its health benefits and export value. Hass avocado farming is a very lucrative agricultural business anyone can venture into. Hass avocado farming is a low-risk venture that requires a low-cost input, low maintenance, and less attention, with a readily available market worldwide.
According to the Avocado society of Nigeria (AVOSON), Nigeria can makeover 80 billion naira annually from Hass Avocado export if done commercially. This highlights the importance, acceptability, and marketability of Hass avocado throughout the world.
The Hass variety of Avocado is the most popular and commercialized variety around the globe most especially in Europe. It originated from Guatemala and has a unique feature of turning dark purple when ripe.

The Hass Avocados mature after two and a half years and a mature tree of Hass avocado can produce more than 1000 (200kg) fruits under good farm management practices. With an average spacing of 17ft by 17ft, an acre of farmland can accommodate 150 trees.

Nutritional and Health benefits of Hass Avocado

Hass avocados constitute about 73% of water, with other varieties of nutrients. It contains about 15% fat, 8% carbohydrates, and 2% protein. It has low calorie and sugar compared to other fruits.
Hass avocado is very rich in fiber and a rich source of fatty acids which helps to protect the body against inflammation, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals like folate (B9), Vitamin K1, Potassium, Copper, Vitamin E, B6 and C

Health Benefits of Hass Avocado

Hass Avocado has a high content of antioxidants and other essential which makes it prevent the body against some ailments and boost the immune system.
Hass Avocado help promote heart health: Hass Avocados is an excellent source of monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help reduce bad cholesterol and risk of heart disease.
It aids weight loss: Hass Avocados is rich in fatty acids, which aid in weight loss
It helps in the treatment of Arthritis: several supplements in Hass Avocados make it efficient for the treatment of arthritis
It helps boost the brain and Eye Health: the polyunsaturated fats found in Hass avocados are vital for brain growth and development. Also, the avocado contains lutein and zeaxanthin which helps improve the sight and processing speed.

Varieties of grafted Avocado

There are over 50 varieties of Avocados in the world, but the three main varieties are:
• Hass Avocado
• Fuerte Avocado
• Pinkerton

Climatic and Soil Requirement of Hass Avocado in Nigeria

A study has shown that Hass avocado farming in Nigeria thrives well in the southern region and areas with deep loose soil, here are things to note when planting:
• Dig at least a 3ft by 3ft by 3ft hole
• Mix the topsoil with manure
• Bed the hole with leaves or grass before returning the soil mixed with manure back into the hole before planting the seedling.
• Ensure the stem is not covered beyond where it reached in the bag/tube.

Harvesting and Marketing of Hass Avocado

Hass Avocado takes about 3 years before reaching maturity. With good management practices, a tree is expected to produce about 1000 fruits with each costing about #100 per fruit.
You can join the Avocado Society of Nigeria to become one of the leading Avocado farmers in Nigeria.
Benefits of joining the Avocado Society of Nigeria (AVOSON) include the following:
• Access to premium grafted Hass Avocado seedlings
• Access to organic fertilizer, fungicide, and pesticides
• Access to Hass Avocado planting and processing guide
• Off taker MOU
You can also contact the Visionary of the Hass Avocado in Nigeria
Ambassador. Adeniyi Sola Bunmi
Chief Executive Officer
Avocado Society of Nigeria
+2348065220074
Conclusion
Hass Avocado farming is a form of permanent investment with less risk and low capital input, which anyone can venture into with just basic knowledge of farm practice.

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