Farming ‘ogbono’ can make you a millionaire…It can also grow in some northern states

The trees, which are described as “African wild mango”, “bush mango” or “ogbono” are commonly found in the south-east and south-south. They produce fruits that are a veritable source of income to many people in those parts of the country.The trees are said to be found deep in the forests of these areas and farmers […]

The trees, which are described as “African wild mango”, “bush mango” or “ogbono” are commonly found in the south-east and south-south. They produce fruits that are a veritable source of income to many people in those parts of the country.
The trees are said to be found deep in the forests of these areas and farmers spend days picking the ripe fruits from which they extract the seeds that are commonly referred to ogbono’ in the country.
The expensive nature of the product in the market has now encouraged farmers in areas like Ikom and Obudu in Cross River State to grow the trees in their farms.
Adie Betiang has three ogbono trees in his compound. He said it has helped him a lot as a retiree. ‘I make considerable amount of money if the trees produce well, even though I don’t keep the record of how much I make,’ he said.
Rose Odey sells ogbono in one of the local markets in Ogoja. She told this reporter that her husband goes to the forest to pick fruits from the trees that are not owned by anyone adding that they could spend days in the forest sourcing for the fruits. “It is not an easy work, which is why it is very expensive,” she stressed.
Godwin Akwagiobe said the trees are now been widely cultivated by people across Bekwarra, Ikom and Obudu local governments areas of Cross River State.
He said some varieties now start producing after 6 to 8 years.
Akwagiobe also said the ogbono-bearing trees can grow in some areas in the northern part of the country that have similar environment to that of northern Cross River like Benue, Kogi and some parts of Nasarawa and Taraba states.
“They grow anywhere if you plant them on good soil that retains moisture,” he said.
The tree produces fruits that look like edible mango. It can also be eaten fresh like mango before the seed is extracted. The locals say the fruits have many health benefits. However, it has to rot before the ogbono can be extracted from the seed shells.
For Innocent Daniel, a farmer can make millions of naira if he can raise one hectare plantation of the plant, adding that the farmer will harvest annually for many years.
“It is better than many crops in terms of revenue but many farmers ignore it. A cup is between N250 and N300 in the market. Imagine you have 2 bags, how much would that fetch you if you sell at that price?” we said.