Unlocking The Economic Potentials Of Pineapple
Background
Nigeria, being in the tropical belt, is blessed with abundant exotic fruits and vegetables such as pawpaw, orange, mango, banana, pineapple, guava, grape, and walnut, among others. However, each geo-political zone in Nigeria has peculiar fruits it is blessed with due to the topographical condition of land in such areas. Lagos state – one of the six states in the South Western Geo-political zone in Nigeria is richly endowed with pineapple in commercial quantities. However, it is sad to note that farmers and MSMEs have not exploited the potential of this fruit optimally.
Health Benefits Of Eating Pineapple
Eating fruits and vegetables of all types has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like pineapple decreases the risk of obesity, overall mortality, diabetes and heart disease. It also promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increases energy and overall lower weight.
The following are benefits of eating pineapple
Age-related macular degeneration
In one prospective study from 2004, people who had 3 or more servings per day of all fruits demonstrated a decreased risk and slowed the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Asthma Prevention
The risks of developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene. It is found in orange, yellow and dark green plant foods, such as pineapple, mango, papaya, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and carrots. Some smaller studies have suggested bromelain can also contribute to reducing asthma symptoms.
Blood Pressure Regulation
Increasing potassium intake by consuming high-potassium fruits and vegetables can help with lowering blood pressure. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), fewer than a per cent of U.S adults meet the daily 4,700-mg recommendation. A high potassium intake is associated with a 20 per cent decreased risk of dying from all causes.
Cancer Prevention
As an excellent source of vitamin C, a strong antioxidant, pineapples can help combat the formation of free radicals. These are linked to the development of cancer.
Easy Digestion
Pineapples, because of their fibre and water content, help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract. Pineapples are also rich in bromelain, an enzyme that helps the body digest proteins. Bromelain also reduces inflammatory immune cells, called cytokines that damage the digestive tract lining. The inedible stems are the most concentrated source of bromelain, which can be extracted and is readily available in supplement form.
Enhances Fertility
Antioxidant-rich diets have been shown to improve fertility. Because free radicals can damage the reproductive system, foods with high antioxidants in pineapples are recommended for those who are trying to conceive. The antioxidants in pineapple, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene and the vitamins and minerals copper, zinc, and folate have properties that affect both male and female fertility.
Healing and Inflation
Some studies have shown that bromelain, primarily in the stem, can reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain associated with injury and surgical intervention.
The antioxidant vitamin C, when eaten in its natural form or applied topically, can help fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. Vitamin C also plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, the support system of the skin.
Investment Opportunities
Nigeria is the largest producer of pineapple in Africa and the 7th largest in the world, with Costa Rica, Brazil, Phillistine, Thailand, Indonesia and India being the first six. Pineapple farming is indeed a great goldmine in Nigeria as the fruit can be processed into jams, syrups, dried fruit chips, etc which can be used locally or exported.
Pineapple is the most economical plant for most families. Production of pineapple in Nigeria accounted for1.4 metric tonnes in 2011 which placed it in the seventh position. It is grown and consumed fresh and processed into other products, which makes it an important food.
In developing countries like Nigeria, particularly in Lagos state, most fresh pineapple produced are sold in domestic markets and transported to major cities. Moreover, the fruit juice market in Nigeria has witnessed tremendous growth since 2002. Furthermore, Nigeria has been adjudged to be the largest producer of fresh pineapple on the African continent.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Prospects of pineapple production include fertile land for pineapple production, a ready market, a steady source of income for farmers, and the promotion of good health through consumption, among others. Setting up pineapple farming is not extremely difficult. Of course, it demands financial resources to start the business as well as human resources, skills, endeavours and time. It should be noted that pineapple production is a time-consuming process. Over some time, the farmer could get some significant profits. Unfortunately, this will not happen immediately.
The federal government of Nigeria in the realisation of the economic importance of pineapple and other fruits that serve as raw materials has established some agencies among which is the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC) – a parastatal under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, established by decree 39 of 1987 which was repealed and re-enacted with Act No. 28 of August 2022, with the mandate to undertake measures to ensure the systematic exploitation, development and utilisation of Nigeria’s raw materials resources for sustainable industrial growth.
