Gombe Farmer earns over ₦7M annually from tomato, pepper
Saleh Maikudi, a 35-year-old farmer from Bula community in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, has become a local success story by earning over ₦7 million annually through tomato and pepper farming. In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Maikudi shared how he transformed his modest farming venture into a lucrative business, highlighting the potential of agriculture to uplift livelihoods and contribute to local economies.
Saleh Maikudi’s journey to becoming a millionaire farmer began with a strategic investment in vegetable farming. “I invested over ₦1.5 million in cultivating 30 hectares of farmland in 2023,” Maikudi said. His choice to focus on high-demand crops like tomatoes and various types of peppers—bell peppers (Tatashe), chili peppers, Cayenne peppers (Shombo), and Scotch bonnet (hot peppers)—paid off significantly.
“In 2023, I made ₦7 million from cultivating tomatoes and peppers,” he revealed. Maikudi’s investment covered the cost of preparing and planting the vegetables, a decision that has proven to be highly profitable. His success underscores the financial viability of vegetable farming in Nigeria, particularly when approached with careful planning and market awareness.
Maikudi, who also serves as the chairman of the Vegetables Farmers’ Association in his community, explained the mechanics of his farming operations. “We cultivate 30 hectares of vegetables annually,” he said. “It takes about 10 weeks after planting for the vegetables to be ready for harvest, and then we continue harvesting for another 10 weeks.”
This cyclical approach allows Maikudi to maximize output from his farmland, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the growing season. The efficient turnaround time from planting to harvest helps maintain a continuous cash flow, which is crucial for sustaining operations and reinvesting in the farm.
Maikudi credits the success of his farm to not only his hard work but also favorable environmental conditions and market demand. He noted that the current wet season has been particularly beneficial for his crops. “This year’s rainfall, which I would describe as moderate, has been good for my vegetables,” Maikudi said. “If the market conditions remain favorable, I am expecting to earn nothing less than ₦10 million this year because my vegetables have really done well.”
The farmer also highlighted the importance of understanding market dynamics. With a robust network of off-takers—buyers who purchase produce directly from farmers—already in place, Maikudi is well-positioned to capitalize on his bountiful harvest. “Farmers have started harvesting, and off-takers have been coming to our community to buy the commodities for supply to various states in the country,” he explained.
Despite his success, Maikudi is acutely aware of the challenges facing farmers in his community. One of the primary issues is the lack of adequate infrastructure to support the marketing and distribution of produce. “I advise the government to build a modern market in our community,” Maikudi said. “This facility would help standardize the marketing of vegetables and other agricultural produce, providing farmers with a centralized platform to sell their commodities.”
Such a market could also enhance the bargaining power of farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve overall income stability. Additionally, Maikudi suggests the establishment of mini-processing factories in the area. “These factories would help farmers cut down on post-harvest losses, boost food security, and provide more jobs for youths in the state,” he added.
Maikudi’s success story is more than just a personal triumph; it represents a model for agricultural development in Nigeria. As the nation grapples with issues related to food security, unemployment, and economic diversification, the potential of agriculture as a driver of growth cannot be overstated.
Vegetable farming, in particular, offers a relatively low barrier to entry compared to other agricultural activities. With the right combination of land, labor, and knowledge, farmers like Maikudi are demonstrating that it is possible to achieve significant financial returns while contributing to local food systems.
Maikudi’s achievements have also inspired other farmers in his community and beyond to consider vegetable farming as a viable path to financial independence. As the chairman of the Vegetables Farmers’ Association, he is in a unique position to influence and mentor other farmers, sharing best practices and encouraging them to adopt innovative techniques to improve yield and profitability.
Looking to the future, Maikudi is optimistic about the continued growth and development of the vegetable farming sector in Gombe State. However, he stresses the need for continued support from both the government and private sector stakeholders.
Investments in infrastructure, such as modern markets and processing facilities, could significantly enhance the sector’s productivity and sustainability. Moreover, initiatives to improve access to financing, training, and technology would empower more farmers to adopt best practices and increase their yields.
“With the right support, vegetable farming can become a major contributor to our local and national economies,” Maikudi said. “It has the potential to provide jobs, improve food security, and uplift entire communities.”
Saleh Maikudi’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and market acumen in transforming agriculture into a profitable venture. His success has not only provided financial security for his family but has also served as an inspiration for other farmers in Gombe State and across Nigeria.
As he looks forward to another promising season, Maikudi remains committed to advocating for the interests of his fellow farmers and pushing for the necessary investments and policies that will enable the vegetable farming sector to thrive. With continued support and collaboration, there is no doubt that many more farmers could follow in Maikudi’s footsteps, turning the rich agricultural potential of Nigeria into a reality.
His journey from a small-scale farmer to a multimillionaire highlights the untapped potential within Nigeria’s agricultural sector, offering a blueprint for others to follow and underscoring the need for continued investment and innovation in farming practices.
