Horticulture is practice of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants for various purposes.
In Nigeria, horticulture is one business that a lot of people undermined its potential.
As little as the horticulture business may seem, it can boost the nation’s economy due to its potentiality in diverse areas.
Horticulture is not only based on beautification, there are other benefits from the growing and extractions of plants.
Nigerians that indulge in horticultural business have realised some benefits in plants which are not common to people that are not knowledgeable in the business.
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Beautification
Horticulture business could make our environment appear more beautiful due to the planting of flowers or ornamental crops.
It has already been in practice in some places in Lagos like Ikeja.
Experts in Horticulture Business can be employed to plant ornamental crops in neighborhood, thereby making the environment of that place appear nicer.
Medicinal Purposes
Certain plants contain medicinal properties. They can planted and grown to provide for other businesses that need them.
Some medicinal plants common in Nigeria are Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), and Neem (Azadirachta indica).
Ginger has antioxidants that help to prevent stress. It can also prevent high blood pressure, heart disease, and diseases of the lungs, plus promote healthy aging.
Ginger can also be used to cook meals, so as to make the food more nutritious.
Moringa contains a handful of vitamins and minerals, which enhance the functionality of the body.
Moringa seed oil makes the skin and hair to glow healthily. it can also protect the hair against free radicals.
Neem plant is commonly found in the north. In Hausa, it is called DogoYaro.
The plant contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds. Its leaf can be used to treat leye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels
Fabric Construction
Some plants can be useful for the construction of fabric materials, as the sector can create million naira trade which many people had neglected.
Cotton, hemp, jute, flax, and ramie, are common plants used in the construction of textiles and fabrics.
Food Production
The demand for food in Nigeria is no doubt very pressing, even as security challenges in the North and remote areas continue to rise.
However, the rainy season is the best season for more sales because plants grow faster, compared to the upcoming dry season around November/December.
In certain places, their is higher demand for fresh fruits and vegetables. Horticulturists based on Food Production can identify such areas and for more sales.
As with most related businesses in Nigeria, the major challenges confronting the Horticulture are competitions from other sellers, pest and disease, and high prices of water during the dry season.