Pawpaw (Papaya) is considered one of the most important fruits because it is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients (e.g., carotenes, vitamin C, and flavonoids), the B vitamins (e.g., folate and pantothenic acid), minerals (e.g., potassium and magnesium), and fiber.
In addition, Pawpaw (Papaya) is a source of the digestive enzyme papain, which is used as an industrial ingredient in brewing, meat tenderizing, pharmaceuticals, beauty products, and cosmetics.
Why Pawpaw Business is Profitable in Nigeria.
Before ever starting your pawpaw cultivation business, the first thing to do is to get to know why pawpaw business is profitable in Nigeria. Kindly note the following before you start your pawpaw business:
1. Good Market Value.
The pawpaw business in Nigeria has a very lucrative market value and it is one of the business that farmers are encouraged to invest in, and this is due to the fact that the pawpaw trees produce fruits very rapidly after maturity. For example, one pawpaw tree can produce a respectable number of fruits up to ten (10) or even more.
The main reason why pawpaw business is profitable in Nigeria is because of the papaya fruit good market value. A fruit of Pawpaw (Papaya) cost not less than #300 in the market, it can be as high as #700 in some Nigerian market and the price depends largely on the size, taste and season.
Retail prices for fresh pawpaw at farmers markets and upscale grocery stores can range from #200 to #1000 even higher when bought in some store. here are some other reasons pawpaw business in Nigeria is lucrative:
- It is easy to start with little or no capital
- Pawpaw farming business has a high return within a short time
- It doesn’t require qualification so anybody can do it.
- You can lease land to do it if you don’t have the cash to purchase one
- The fruit is high in demand
2. Nutritional Value.
Papaya is used for preventing and treating gastrointestinal tract disorders, intestinal parasite infections, and as a sedative and diuretic. It is also used for nerve pains (neuralgia) and elephantoid growths. Elephantoid growths are large swollen areas of the body that are symptoms of a rare disorder of the lymphatic system caused by parasitic worms.
Papaya contains a chemical called papain, which is commonly used as a meat tenderizer. Papain breaks down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. That’s why it works as a meat tenderizer. However, papain is changed by digestive juices, so there is some question about whether it could be effective as a medicine when taken by mouth.
Papaya also contains a chemical called carpain. Carpain seems to be able to kill certain parasites, and it might affect the central nervous system.
Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C, and one single medium fruit provides 224 percent of recommended daily intake.
One medium papaya has approximately:
- 120 calories
- 30 grams of carbohydrate including 5 grams of fiber and 18 grams of sugar
- 2 grams of protein
Papayas are also a good source of:
- folate
- vitamin A
- magnesium
- copper
- pantothenic acid
- fiber
Pawpaw is consumed both for health and medicinal value; but grown commercially for economic reasons. Pawpaw fruit contains:
- photo nutrients, mineral and vitamins
- No cholesterol
- Low calories
- It is soft and easily digestible
- Contains a high amount of soluble dietary fibre that assists in normal bowel movement which helps in reducing constipation.
- Ripe pawpaw contains high vitamin C than orange or lemon
- It is an immune booster and an inflammatory agent
