By Eniola Arowolo
Agribusiness has always been an important industry for many countries including Nigeria, providing food and other resources for people around the world. But as the world’s population grows, so does the need for food.
Waterleaf, also known as talinum triangulare, is a leafy vegetable that is a native to West Africa and is now grown in many other parts of the world. It’s often used in soups, stews, and salads because it’s full of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.
One of the reasons waterleaf farming is so lucrative is because of its fast growth rate. It can be harvested within 6 to 8 weeks after planting and multiple harvests can be obtained from one planting, making it a highly productive crop. In addition, waterleaf is a hardy plant that can grow in many different climates and soil types, making it suitable for a wide range of locations.
Another thing that makes waterleaf farming profitable is that the crop is in high demand. Demand for waterleaf has gone up because more people want to eat healthy, organic foods. This has caused prices for the crop to go up. Additionally, waterleaf is a highly sought after ingredient in traditional West African dishes, further contributing to its popularity.
When it comes to farming, waterleaf is easy to grow and doesn’t need a lot of inputs. This makes it a cost-effective crop. It can be grown on small or large plots of land and can be intercropped with other crops, further maximizing the use of land.
Below is a step-by-step guide to start a waterleaf farm.
- Prepare a Good Farming Land
Experts have claimed that waterleaf plants are resilient plants that grow in a variety of soils. However, for good results, you should take into consideration if the area you choose is free of water deposits during the rainy season.
Consuming more food than your body can digest at one time may cause discomfort. Similarly, water, which is also food for the plant can be damaging to the plant if it exceeds the amount it can both store and utilize at a time. Therefore, it is best to go for elevated areas.
Afterwards, you must then make sure that the area has moderate sunlight to penetrate since plants also need sunlight to make food. Another aspect to consider is to choose a spot where more grasses thrive as this is an indication to the soil fertility. Avoid hard ground to ensure that water is able to sink through easily for plants to derive nourishment.
- Get Rid of Weeds
Waterleaf plants do not like so many unwanted neighbours around it so as not to thwart growth, invite pest, or compete for nourishment from the soil. It’s therefore important to clear weeds, thus making the area free for the waterleaf plant to thrive better.
- Raising the Waterleaf Beds
Waterleaf plants need good prepared beds to have a good start; although, it is optional.
Preparing a bed involves gathering good soil to raise the ground level of the area where you intend to do your planting. There are advantages to this method. And the elevated level has been said to thrive healthier as opposed to ground level which is possible to contain pests that may affect the vegetable. Another reason for this is to ensure that the designated area does not become waterlogged in the event of leaking pipes, dripping taps, or heavy rainfall. You never know what to expect.
- Tilling the Ground
You should then till the ground to soften and increase the surface area of the soil. It’s helpful because it makes it easy for water to reach the deeper parts of the soil.
- Water the Bed
Purposefully, the bed is usually watered to add moisture to the soil. It is necessary to prepare the soil with water in order to sustain plant growth. Water the farm with sufficient water, but avoid excessive amounts, otherwise, the underground stem or root would undergo rot and thereby hamper growth. If the soil has moisture already, you could start planting right away.
Another reason why water is added to the soil is to make it softer so that the stem can be planted without breaking.
- Plant the Water Leaf by inserting the stems into the soil.
Waterleaf plant can be planted with its seeds or stem. Unlike other plants, waterleaf is able to grow without its main root when inserted into the soil.
To that end, preparation involves a simple process of cutting out the stems, which should be 2 to 3 inches long, from a mature waterleaf plant. It is optional to cut the flowers on the stem; it makes the planting look neat at its initial stage.
Inserting the stem is one of the enjoyable parts of growing waterleaf. First ensure that the soil is soft enough to easily insert the stem without breaking it. Each stem is inserted close to another to grow in clusters.
- Maintain your Water leaf garden
To grow waterleaf is not a one day job. It takes routine check and maintenance to get the desired result. Certainly, knowing the specific needs of the waterleaf plant and providing care accordingly is paramount to the excessive amount of time and attention you give to it.
Otherwise, you end up killing the plant. During the very dry season, it is necessary to water the plant every day, if possible, morning and evening. However, it is not the same during the rainy season since the rain soaks the soil and provides the water needed.
Adding manure is a matter of personal preference and depends on how rich the soil nutrients may be. Organic waste such as poultry manure is a good option.
A word of caution is to always ensure that such organic material is allowed to sit and cool for some days away from heat and sun before using it. Heat emanating from poultry manure can do much more harm than good for the plant_ it kills it period. To maintain its freshness and vitality, it is advisable to cut out old branches. This is to prevent stunt growth and to give room for new branches to sprout.
In conclusion, waterleaf farming is a highly profitable and sustainable agribusiness with a growing demand for the crop. With its fast growth rate, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, it is a viable option for farmers looking to diversify their crops and increase their income. So if you’re considering starting an agribusiness, consider waterleaf farming!
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