In the Nsukka part of Enugu State, which comprises six local government areas, there is a hidden black gold – Ose Nsukka (Nsukka yellow pepper). Nsukka yellow pepper is unique to the Nsukka area of Nigeria and is known for its unique aroma and yellow color. It is most sought-after spice in the whole of the South East zone.
There is no gainsaying that many people, both youths and old, educated and uneducated have become millionaires through cultivation of Ose Nsukka.
In this first series of our special focus on the pepper, Daily Query South East Bureau Chief, IKECHUKWU NNADI, visited one of the farmers, a young graduate of Microbiology and Brewing from Enugu State University of Technology at his farm and had a very fruitful conversation with him.
Excerpts:
We would like to start by getting to know you.
My name is Okechukwu Mba. I studied Microbiology and Brewing at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). I have in the past worked with Bankers Warehouse Plc where I was in charge of cash logistics.
Quite interesting, I must confess. So, how did you veer into farming, especially pepper farming?
I come from a family where pepper farming is a serious business. In the 70s/80s, buyers came all the way from Onitsha to off -take our fresh pepper. I can boldly say that pepper farming runs in our blood.
Is that the only reason you took particular interest in Ose Nsukka, the fact that it runs in the family?
Not completely. I also took special interest in Ose Nsukka because of the huge opportunities for prosperity in the business of its farming. I took a special interest in Ose Nsukka because I foresee new markets that can be created with its attendant lucrative opportunities.
Apart from its uniqueness and popularity for local consumption, what other opportunities would you be talking about?
Ose Nsukka has export potentials. The quality competes favourably with foreign breeds. It has a very unique aroma that has not been matched by any other even in the world. I have equally found out that there are big fruits producing strains which is interesting in terms of their shelf life and weight. It is a good alternative to hybrid seeds which obviously are now very expensive.
It is also my desire to improve its quality and name some strains. For instance, the naming of some species like Ijele, Odogwu, etc stemmed from their characteristics. If you look at the pepper very well, you’ll realize it comes in different shapes and sizes and we should ensure uniformity in planting.
The pepper is unique to Nsukka and apart from UNN, one could say the Nsukka Yellow Pepper is the university town’s most prominent window on the world. is it still unique to Nsukka?
Ose Nsukka farming and production is an aspect of our history we are losing very fast. The major producer is now North Central. You maybe surprised that the Ose you are buying at Obollo Afor came from Jos.
However, this is a heathy challenge to us. Because of the nature of our soil and weather, we have every good reason to revive the history.
Again, tell us what is so special about this pepper, apart from its unique aroma.
A good number of things make Ose Nsukka special. It is well adapted to our environment/weather; it is highly prolific and easy to manage even as it is also a good response to nutritional and treatment needs. It is also of high demand and the fact that it should be pushed to the next level to compete with others.
You farm this pepper in far away Ogun State; what gave you the courage to do that?
Basically, I want to add a national thinking to it so people don’t see it as pepper for only Igbo people.
Again I grow the pepper in Ogun State Nigeria successfully. I did this to demonstrate that the pepper can grow elsewhere. You only need to select good soil.
Do you have financial help from government or organisation in this farming of Ose Nsukka?
I haven’t received any support from any other source except friends and family. There is a particular project I embarked on with this Ose Nsukka but had to abandon it due to high financial involvement.
How gainful is the farming of the pepper?
Farming of this pepper is quite gainful but one one needs to become strategic. There are equally roles government can play or should I say that we ought to borrow a leaf from Mexico as to how they are generating billions of dollars with their jalapeno pepper.
Tell us the processes involved in the preparation for the farming of the pepper.
The first thing to consider type of soil or media. If you are using soil, avoid swampy areas or areas prone to eater logging. In the past, to raise seedlings one just needed to broadcast the seeds on a prepared nursery bed then later pre-transplant some to another bed to reduce competition.
Today, nursery trays, cocopeat, soluble fertilizer, treatment solutions, stimulant and a whole lot are employed all to ensure good yield. Source of safe water is essential too. Now there are drip tapes to use instead of manual wetting. Schedule for treatment and nutrition is also available. People do say that Ose Nsukka has low shelf life, that’s not true. It applicable to most peppers. It all depends on management to produce pepper with a longer shelf life.(To be continued).
