Young farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria, are gradually becoming horticulturists as they shift their attention to growing flowers.
Horticulturists in the state are making good business and smiling on their way to the bank, and as a result, the number of people venturing into the trade has also continued to rise. Flower gardens, as they are commonly referred to, can be seen on the landscape of major roads in Jos, adding to the aesthetics of the city, as well as to the earnings of the owners.
Buyers were also not left out as they come in to buy in different quantities. Some even transport to other parts of the country for personal use or commercial purposes. Interestingly, Jos has a good climatic condition conducive for the cultivation and growing of varieties of flowers, among others. This was another advantage taken by the horticulturists to expand their gardens.
Miss Opah Haruna, who runs one of the gardens, disclosed that she was into it for the love of plants and flowers and because it had become a profitable venture in the recent past. She explained that they got flower seedlings by importation from different countries.
According to her, among the varieties imported are silver fern, Calentia family, black and green ZZ, pepperomia, and others, adding that they also sell at different prices, depending on the variety and level of growth.
"The challenges we face in the business is the time range in growing the plants. Some plants take a longer period to grow than others. It takes patience to remain in the business.
"Other challenges are that of insects eating up the leaves of some of the plants. This often kills the plant if not handled properly, and then, I will be at a loss. Nonetheless, so far in the business, we can say it is flourishing; and I have been able to expand it," she said.
Read the complete article at www.allafrica.com.
