Melon, locally known as egusi, is becoming one of Nigeria's more profitable crops. National production is estimated at 573,000 tons per year, far below the domestic demand of more than 1,000,000 tons. Based on a current market price of about US$865 per ton (₦1.3 million), the country's annual production is valued at roughly US$495 million (₦744 billion).
Several factors are driving melon's expansion. As prices of staples such as rice and maize fluctuate due to import waivers and seasonal gluts, melon offers a shorter production cycle of three to four months and requires less initial investment. It also holds cultural importance as the key ingredient in egusi soup, a common Nigerian dish.
Although melons are not naturally resistant to pests and diseases, some varieties have harder pericarps that make it difficult for insects such as fruit fly larvae to penetrate. Others exhibit biochemical defence mechanisms that help reduce losses. However, the sector remains largely informal, with about 98% of melons harvested and processed manually. Limited mechanisation and storage contribute to post-harvest losses and quality challenges.
Storage remains a major constraint. Farmers are advised to purchase during the September to December harvest season, when prices are lowest, and sell during high-demand festive periods. Poor ventilation and handling often result in spoilage, reducing profitability. Experts say improved storage systems could improve efficiency across the value chain.
Cooperatives in Benue and Nasarawa states are helping farmers access shared storage and markets. In Nasarawa, the Agribusiness Development Project provides input loans and harvest training, while Niger State's mechanisation programme is introducing small-scale threshers and dryers to reduce waste.
Private firms such as ThriveAgric and FarmCrowdy offer financing, capacity building, and market access for smallholders. Agro-processors like Ecoplatinum International Ltd are exploring melon exports to serve West African and diaspora markets. In urban areas such as Lagos, small processors are retailing pre-packaged peeled melon seeds to meet consumer demand for convenience.
Institutions including the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) are investing in high-yield varieties and improved storage to boost productivity. Experts say that with increased investment in mechanisation, value addition, and market development, melon could rival Nigeria's key commercial crops.
Startup costs for melon cultivation range between US$665 and US$3,325 (₦1 million to ₦5 million), attracting younger growers and agripreneurs. From Benue and Nasarawa to Lagos, melon cultivation continues to expand, positioning egusi as a crop with growing economic relevance in Nigeria's agricultural landscape.
Source: Prime Progress
