Yellow Pepper Farming in Nigeria: How to Grow Nsukka Pepper

Yellow pepper farming is the growing of yellow pepper also known as Nsukka pepper. It involves a lot of steps which will be explained later in this article

Nsukka peppers also called yellow peppers can be very lucrative as they are sold at premium price. Also, few farmers cultivate yellow pepper so you are sure of getting a high Return on Investment (ROI) on it.

It should be noted that not all types of yellow pepper are Nsukka pepper variety. However, the most popular yellow pepper variety in Nigeria is known as the Nsukka pepper variety.

To grow yellow pepper in Nigeria, you need to get the seeds, prepare your farmland, start a nursery, transplant the seedlings and tend to the plants till they are matured for harvest.

Yellow pepper farming is related to pepper farming.

Yellow Pepper Farming Business Plan

Farm Set-Up for a One Hectare Yellow Pepper Farm

Profit Analysis for a One Hectare Yellow Pepper Farm - Scenario 1

Profit Analysis for a One Hectare Yellow Pepper Farm - Scenario 2

Profit Analysis for a One Hectare Yellow Pepper Farm - Scenario 3

NOTES/ASSUMPTIONS

The profit analyses above were done using three scenarios (best case, mid case and worst case).

Drip Irrigation: The cost of drip irrigation system per hectare of sweet pepper is N625,000.

Fertilisers: N284,000 is expected to be spent on fertilisers for one hectare of yellow pepper. We expect the farmer to use specialized fertilizers like potassium nitrate and calcium nitrate. A soil analysis should be done to know the types of fertilizers to use.

Pesticides: N90,000 is expected to be spent on pesticides (fungicides, insecticides and nematicides). It’s possible you spend less or more. The cost of pesticides will depend on the pressure of pests and diseases.

Sales Revenue: The price of yellow peppers varies every month in Nigeria. At some points in the year, a kilogram of Nsukka pepper can go as high as N750 while at some time, it may fall to as low as N300 per kilogram. During the peak months (the best months to plant peppers), the price of a kilogram of Nsukka pepper can hit N1,000.

It is assumed that 5,000 kilograms (5 tonnes) of yellow peppers will be harvested in a season from one hectare of Nsukka pepper. Please note that the yield per hectare can be more than this. It can also be less. It all depends on how you implement good agronomic practices.

Manure: N50,000 is expected to be spent on manure. Chicken manure is the best type of manure to use for the growing of yellow pepper. Compost and other types of manures can also be used.

Hybrid Seeds: N150,000 is expected to be spent on the purchase of hybrid yellow pepper seeds. Open pollinated seeds can also be used, these seeds are significantly cheaper, however, the yield may be lower.

Cost of Labour: The cost of labour for 6 months is assumed to be N240,000. This figure can change as per your location and market and economic realities.

Knapsack Sprayer: N15,000 is expected to be spent on the purchase of knapsack sparyers. These sprayers are used for the application of pesticides and foliar fertilizers.  

Farm Tools: N15,000 is expected to be spent on small farm tools like hoes, rakes and cutlasses etc.s

Steps to take to be successful in your Nsukka pepper farming venture

The following are some of the steps you should take in order for you to get a great yield from your yellow pepper farm:

Check the Climatic Condition

Though Nsukka pepper is mostly grown in Enugu state, Nigeria, it should be noted that yellow pepper can be grown anywhere in Nigeria and other tropical areas in the world.

The ideal temperature for cultivation is 20 – 39 Celsius. Even in places with a higher temperature, yellow pepper can still thrive. It’s a pretty hardy crop.

Choice of Seeds

You need to carefully pick the seeds you will use for your yellow pepper farm. Hybrid seeds often have higher yields than open pollinated seeds.

You need to choose yellow pepper varieties that suit the environmental and climatic conditions of your area.

Land Preparation

Land preparation is essential for the growing of yellow pepper in Nigeria. Trees and weeds should be removed from the farmland. Plowing, harrowing and ridging should also be done. These can be done with the use of tractors.

During land preparation, manure, compost and fertilizers etc. can be added to the soil to make it rich in nutrients.

Irrigation

You should never engage in farming if you do not have irrigation in place. Yellow pepper farming needs irrigation even if you cultivate in the rainy season. The rains are now erratic, no thanks to the effects of climate change.

Drip irrigation is the best form of irrigation for yellow pepper farming.

Nursery Preparation

The local Nsukka pepper farmer in Nigeria often use the traditional way of nursing their pepper seedlings. They use ridges covered in palm fronds.

The use of seedlings trays and coco peat is advised. If you use this method, the seedlings will have less transplant shock while transplanting to the field.

A shade can also be provided with the use of shade nets.

Transplanting of the Seedlings

Yellow pepper seedlings are usually nursed for 5 -6 weeks. After this time, they are transplanted to the field.

Transplanting should be done in the evening. The seedlings must be hardened off before transplanting.

Fertilisation

Soil test must be carried out before you apply fertilizers and nutrients to your yellow pepper plant and the soil.

Diammoinum Phosphate fertilizer (DAP) or Single Super Phosphate should be used as basal before you transplant your sweet pepper seedlings to the field.

NPK fertilizers, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, chelates and other types of fertilizers have to be used.

High nitrogen fertilizers should be used at the vegetative stage. This is the stage when the plant will be developing and expanding its leaves.

During the flowering and fruiting stage, more calcium and potassium fertilizers should be applied. Blossom end rot will be avoided if the plants get enough calcium nutrient.

Pest Control

Good pesticides like insecticides, fungicides, acaricides and nematicides will need to be applied to the yellow pepper plants in order to prevent or cure diseases.

You can choose to use organic and chemical pesticides for your crop.

Do you grow yellow pepper? If yes, let us continue the conversation in the comments’ section.