A collage showing a lush mango orchard on one side, with green trees full of ripe mangoes, and on the other side, freshly harvested mangoes of different colours and sizes neatly arranged in baskets, representing the farm-to-harvest process.

Guide to Taraba Mangoes and Export Value

Overview

A mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an edible stone fruit which is popularly called the king of fruits. Mangoes have different varieties, colours, shapes, sweetness and sizes depending on the cultivar. Humans have cultivated Mangoes for nearly 600 years. 

India produces 50% of the world’s mangoes, accounting for 12 million tonnes out of the 23 million tonnes of global production. According to the FAO (2015), Nigeria produced 850,000 tonnes of mangoes. Every part of the mango is beneficial, from the bark to the leaves, skin, or pit, for treating different ailments, especially in Africa.  

Taraba State, blessed with fertile valleys, tropical weather, and consistent rainfall, is one of Nigeria’s best regions for mango farming. From Jalingo to Takum and Wukari, farmers enjoy high yields of sweet, juicy mangoes that attract both local and international buyers. 

Whether you want to grow mangoes for fruit sales or juice processing, Taraba offers the right climate and market potential for profitable agribusiness. Mangoes provide numerous health benefits, including immune system support, improved skin and eye health, and heart health, as reported by MedicalNewsToday.com.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to start mango farming in Taraba. 

• The process spans from selecting the right variety and preparing the land to harvesting and exporting. 

• You'll also see the cost and profit breakdown, plus tips for connecting with the right buyers. Our guidance empowers you to launch and scale your mango business with confidence.

Step 1: Select a Suitable Location

Choose a land with deep, well-drained loamy soil. Mango trees thrive in areas with full sunlight and moderate rainfall. Avoid swampy areas. The best mango zones in Taraba include Wukari, Bali, and Jalingo. Clear the land, remove stumps, and plough to loosen the soil for planting.

Step 2: Choose the Right Mango Variety

Select high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties such as Julie, Kent, Palmer, Keitt, and Ogbomosho. Dwarf varieties are ideal for small-scale farmers because they produce early and are easy to harvest. Buy seedlings from registered nurseries or agricultural extension offices in Taraba.

Step 3: Land Preparation and Planting

Dig holes measuring 60 cm by 60 cm by 60 cm, spaced 10 m apart for tall trees or 5 m apart for dwarf types. Mix topsoil with compost or manure before planting. Place the seedling gently into the hole and cover firmly with soil. Water immediately after planting.

Step 4: Irrigation and Mulching

Water the young trees regularly, especially during dry months. Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds. Mature mango trees are drought-tolerant but still benefit from watering during fruiting.

Step 5: Fertilisation and Pruning

Apply NPK (15-15-15) fertiliser twice yearly, at the start of the rainy season and after fruiting. Add organic manure for soil enrichment. Prune the trees annually to remove dead branches and improve sunlight penetration for better fruiting.Step 6: Pest and Disease Management

Watch for fruit flies, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Use neem extract or organic pesticide sprays every two weeks during fruiting season. Remove infected fruits immediately to prevent spread.

Step 7: Know the Economics 

Cost and Profit Breakdown

Let's delve into the economics of running a 1-hectare mango farm in Taraba and its potential returns. This analysis will provide you with a clear understanding of the costs involved and the promising returns you can expect from your investment.

Estimated Cost

Cost and ROI Estimate for 1 Hectare of Mango in Taraba

Expected Yield After 3-4years 10,000-12,000 fruits/year

Selling Price ₦300-₦400 per fruit, total ₦3 million-₦4.8million per year

Net Profit ₦2.3-₦4.1million yearly

ROI Window: 3-4 years for grafted mangoes; up to 6 years for non-grafted.

Step 8: Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

Mangoes mature 3-4 years after planting (for grafted varieties). Harvest when the fruit changes colour slightly and the sap dries on the stem. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Pack in ventilated crates for local sales or in export cartons for international shipping. To reduce post-harvest losses, process mangoes into chips by drying; see guidelines for mango chip production in Nigeria here. 

Alt Text: Fresh Taraba mangoes neatly packed in export cartons for shipment abroad.

Step 9: Marketing and Export Opportunities

• Before exporting, begin by registering your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

• Obtain an Exporter’s Certificate from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

• Get a Phyto-Sanitary Certificate from the Federal Department of Agriculture and Food Safety.

• Comply with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and NAFDAC requirements for quality and safety.

• Connect with buyers via trade fairs or export platforms.

Platforms such as the Bank of Industry (BOI) Export Support Program offer new exporters training, financing, and access to buyers.

Taraba mangoes are in high demand in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, and internationally in Europe, the UAE, and West Africa. Farmers can sell fresh fruits, dried mango slices, or mango pulp to juice factories. 

Ready to start mango farming in Taraba?

Join the National Association of Mango Producers, Processors, and Marketers of Nigeria (NAMPPMAN). Members gain access to training, export certification programs, and government intervention funds for fruit farmers.

Subscribe to Kalabah.com for weekly insights on Nigeria’s fast-growing non-oil export crops and agribusiness trends.