Hibiscus Farmers Processors Marketers Exporters Association of Nigeria, HFPMEAN, Bauchi State, said about 1.2 million metric tonnes of hibiscus flowers were produced within the state in the 2023 farming season, as against the 600,000 metric tonnes recorded in 2022.
The Chairman of the Association, Mustapha Shehu, made this known to the press during an interview in Bauchi on Tuesday.
He noted that farmers are moving from other crops to cultivating hibiscus due to its increased market price, leading to both existing growers expanding their production areas and new farmers entering the cultivation.
According to him, “Farmers are now abandoning growing other crops for hibiscus while existing growers are expanding their production areas as the price of the flower has almost doubled.With the current market price of N18,000 per bag , while a kilo is sold at N1000, hibiscus farmers are making good sales of their products in the markets.
“The prices per ton have almost doubled, and this is making farmers grow more of the crop.”
The chairman also noted that hibiscus is now in competition with other crops, as farmers agree that it is an exportable commodity and that it is in high demand by the global market.
He stated that the flower thrives almost year-round, with peak production occurring from November to April in the state during the dry season.
Speaking on the challenges associated with hibiscus cultivation, Mr Shehu said that poor planting seeds, unavailability of extension service as well as lack of incentives to farmers, insecurity, and government lukewarm attitude to agriculture among others, could affect production.
He pleaded with the government to address the need for improved seeds, modern equipment, fertilizers, and other essential support to empower farmers in expanding their production.
