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| Bundled Amaranth & Jute Mallow |
Organic production of indigenous vegetables is a
very promising and rewarding agribusiness in any ecosystem they are found.
Indigenous vegetables are local vegetables which have been an important
nutrients source (such as vitamins, fiber, dietary minerals and balanced amino
acids) for people and of course one of the oldest food crops. Commonly grown indigenous
vegetables are Amaranth, ‘Efo Tete’ in Yoruba (Amaranthus spp), Jute mallow, ‘Ewedu’ in Yoruba (Corchorus olitorius) and Celosia, ‘Efo
Soko’ in Yoruba (Celosia orgentia).
They are essentially cultivated for their leaves and seeds, the leaves are
cooked to make soup or sauce. Jute mallow however forms a mucilaginous soup
when cooked. These indigenous vegetables are very hardy and fast growing unlike
exotic vegetables that are affected by many diseases.
Organic vegetables production is more profitable during
dry season. It is not only profitable but sustainable. The seeds of these vegetables are available in
public market and they are sold using indigenous measurement such as EMT (Evaporated
Milk Tin) or Kongo (10 EMT). A Kongo of jute mallow seeds is sold between N600 and N1000
while the Amaranth and Celosia is between N1000
and N2000. During dry season, a bundle of indigenous vegetable
can be sold between N150 and N200. It is interesting to know that a
Kongo of Jute mallow seeds when planted in good condition can yield between 80 –
100 bundles which will fetch you between N12,000
and N20,000 while a Kongo of Amaranth
or Celosia can yield between 180 – 200 bundles which will fetch you between N27,000 and N40,000. More revenue can be generated if you plant more seeds.
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| Jute Mallow |
Indigenous vegetables grow well in a drained soil
with abundant moisture and organic matter. They have been successfully grown by
smallholder farmers in swampy area having raised beds. They are mostly
propagated by broadcasting on prepared flat beds; however they can also be transplanted
using a spacing of 20cm by 20cm if they will be used for seeds production or
harvested by ratooning (cutting). Ratooning induces lateral growth for
successive harvesting. Before you plant the jute mallow seeds, ensure they are
scarified (heat treated) to break the seeds dormancy. Harvest is mostly done by
uprooting. Exposing the indigenous vegetables most especially the Amaranth and
Celosia to severe draught condition will induces early flowering and stops the
production of leaves. They will be ready for harvest in 3 to 5 weeks.
Diseases hardly affect indigenous veggies but
leaf-chewing insect like eating grasshoppers, caterpillars, armyworm,
etc. can be a menace. Spraying of Neem Pesticide will deter leaf-chewing insects
and application of cured poultry manure will improve growth and performance and
control Nematode infection. Weeding will equally control a number of pests. When
using poultry manure, it is necessary to apply to the topsoil one week before broadcasting
or transplanting. Use of chemicals is not recommended because of the risk of poisoning.
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