Hass avocado entices economic potentials for national development

By Onome Amuge

Avocado, also called alligator pears or butter fruit, is renowned for its multifunctional derivatives, health benefit, delectable taste and most importantly, its global market relevance.

According to Grand View Research,a leading market research firm, global avocado market was valued at USD 13.97 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2 per cent from 2022 to 2030, underpinned by increasing focus on a healthy lifestyle and a growing number of buyers for healthy food products continue to impel market growth and rising utilisation in the cosmetic, confectionery,pharmaceutical and  beverage industries. In addition, increasing awareness about nutritional values, a growing middle-class population, and rising import demand is expected to boost industry growth.

Though there are many varieties of avocados, the Hass avocado, a variety with dark green, bumpy skin, is the most popular variety in the world  and is considered the benchmark avocado for commercial production. Its long growing season, prolific fruit production and shipping tolerance have been indicated as unique virtues that make Hass the standard market avocado and the most sought-after variety in the global market.

The Hass variety of avocado was recently introduced into the Nigerian market from Mexico, the world’s largest producer, and Kenya, Africa’s largest producer.

According to the Avocado Society of Nigeria (ASN), the fruit is easy to cultivate and has the potential to generate over 35,000 jobs by 2027.

Adeniyi Sola-Bunmi, the executive director of the association, has also emphasised the need for the state and federal governments to pay attention to Hass avocado, noting that it has the potential to generate over N12 Billion annually to the country’s economy.

Sola-Bunmi observed that the prevalence of avocado in Nigeria is still in the early stage of market penetration as the local variety can be found in local markets all over the country, while only big malls and supermarkets can boast of the Hass variety.

“I believe this variety of avocado can thrive in Nigeria, and I am happy I could make this a reality despite the high level of challenges we encountered in the cultivation journey part of which is importing viable seedlings from countries like Mexico and Kenya.

“With continuous awareness for increased attention, there are high expectations that the Hass avocado, one of the most popular varieties of the avocado fruit will play a key role in Nigeria’s future,” he said.

The ASN executive director noted that the Hass avocado tree is able to thrive in the tropical climate of Nigeria and can reach full maturity in as little as three years.

He further disclosed that the avocado variety is currently doing very well in the southern and central parts of Nigeria, adding that a growing number of Nigerian farmers have commenced cultivation, spurred by its higher price tag and higher yields.

“This means that the availability of Hass avocados in Nigeria is likely to grow in the near future, which should create a strong market.

“This makes it an attractive crop for Nigerian farmers and allows them to quickly benefit from the crops’ yields,” he added.

Sola-Bunmi, however, pointed out that production of the Hass avocado in Nigeria has been limited, with the majority of the crop imported from other nations. This, he said, has led to some concern in recent years, with worries that supply may not be able to keep up with increasing demand as Nigeria is yet to have commercial Hass avocado production as expected.

To this end, he noted that a number of initiatives are being pursued by the Avocado Society of Nigeria to boost production, including better soil management, improved irrigation and pest control system.

He also stated that the association has started  setting up large farms for members across the country majorly in South East, South West, and South South states and working towards the utilisation of advanced farming techniques in future cultivation.

“For now, we are focusing on farmers in Imo, Ogun, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Cross Rivers and Oyo States,” he said.

Dwelling on the relevance of the commodity in the export market, he stated that opportunities exist for commercial production of Hass avocado for export  If  the Nigerian government can show an interest in investing in the development of the avocado industry by providing the necessary framework for the production, products development, processing and marketing of the avocado and its products in the country.

According to Sola-Bunmi, Hass avocado  has the potential to generate thousands of jobs for the masses, provide a reliable source of income for farmers and help protect the environment in the long run.

He also noted that the processing of avocado into oil and other products, could provide a significant source of foreign exchange earnings in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), said it has commenced a strategic intervention  programme committed to boosting the production and marketing of the Hass avocado.

Hussaini Ibrahim, the director-general of RMRDC said the council has created partnerships with some agricultural research outfits and private sector operatives to enhance the development of the “internationally recognised” Hass variety from Mexico and California in the United States of America for locational and adaptation trials in the country.

According to Ibrahim, the council’s field trials of the local varieties have shown that productivity can be greatly improved under farm conditions in the southern parts of the country. He added that the chemical composition and nutritional components of the fruits of the cultivars produced through the various trials have been conducted.

He noted that the RMRDC worked in collaboration with three private sector food processing companies on products developed for use in the food and beverages, chemical and pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors of the economy.  He also disclosed that  the council has completed arrangements with farmers interested in large-scale farming in the country.

“More than eight farmers have indicated interest are working with experts on assessing their farms for plantations to be established. When fully completed, this initiative will save the nation more than N50 billion in foreign exchange equivalent, apart from its wealth and job creation potential,” he assured.

The council wishes to invite interested private sector operatives to participate in avocado farming and processing to visit any of its offices in the federation for further discussions on the partnerships,” he added.