How To Start Pesticides And Insecticides Production in Nigeria or Africa

Pesticides are chemicals that kill insects, bacteria, fungi, plant diseases, slugs, and weeds. Insecticides are a type of pesticide that targets and kill insects specifically. Snail bait, ant killers, mosquito killers, and wasp killers are all examples of insecticides.

The global morbidity and mortality rates for agricultural production have remained high. Modern agriculture relies on many chemicals, such as pesticides, fertilizers,  and crop preservatives, to produce and preserve high-quality food. Since early 7000 BC, humans have used pesticides and fertilizers to keep unwanted insects away from eating or destroying farm produce. Some cultures used the practice of planting at certain times of the moon. Crop rotation was a practice that was used in primitive agriculture to control pest populations. To repel grasshoppers, people used to pick up bugs from plants and make noise. Chemicals were also used in the early days. In the Middle East, Rome, and China, crushed petals of pyrethrum (a kind of chrysanthemum), arsenic, sulfur, and other chemicals were used, respectively.

Global pesticides and insecticides markets were worth $55.7 billion in 2019. There are indications that they will reach $73.9 billion by 2027, at a 4.5% CAGR. China (13.4%), the United States (11.1%), Germany (11.1%), France (11%), India (9.5%), and the United States (11.4%) were the largest exporters of pesticides in 2019. Africa imported pesticides for more than $18 billion.

Over eight decades, Africans have used makeshift pesticides. These pesticides were probably introduced to Africa by colonial masters. Pesticides, such as those used in Nigeria, are essential tools to reduce crop damage and ensure sustainable food production throughout the year. For example, without the use of pesticides in rice and cocoa production, about 45% of the crop yield would be lost to pests.

Despite widespread acceptance and use, bio-pesticide penetration is still low, especially in Nigeria. The market for pesticides and insecticides is not sufficiently used in Nigeria. However, Nigeria is slowly focusing more on agriculture. The country’s pesticide and insecticide manufacturing business has high potential. The pesticide and insecticide industry is an excellent option if you are looking to start an agrobusiness. This guide will help you get started.

Business Opportunities In The Pesticide And Insecticide Production Business In Nigeria And Across The World

1). Pesticide Manufacturing:

It is important to have a good understanding of the process and the best technology for pesticide production, whether you are producing it on a small scale or large scale. It is one of the most lucrative chemical business ventures and puts a lot of people in business.

2). Distribution, Wholesale, And Retail Services:

Distribution and sale of small quantities of pesticides and insecticides is a great opportunity for business people who can’t afford a full-fledged insecticide or pesticide production business.

3). Fumigation And Pest Control Services:

Expert fumigators are preferred by large farm owners. Fumigators make a living from pest control services by having the right equipment, such as sprayers and the appropriate insecticides and other pesticides.

Types Of Pesticides

There are three types of pesticides.

1). Types Of Pests They Kill:

The category is based on the pesticide’s target. They include:

• Insecticides – insects (mosquitoes, cockroaches)
• Herbicides – plants (grasshoppers, wasp, beetle)
• Rodenticides – rodents
• Bactericides – bacteria
• Fungicides – fungi
• Larvicides – larvae

2). How Biodegradable They Are:

Biodegradable Pesticides – These pesticides can be easily broken down into harmless compounds by microbes and other living things.

Persistent pesticides: These are the ones that take months or years to break down.

3). Their Chemical Components:

Organophosphates are mainly insecticides. They disrupt the enzyme that regulates neurotransmitters and affects the nervous system.

Although Carbamate has similar effects to organophosphorus pesticides, the enzyme effects of this compound are reversible.

Organochlorine insecticides were used extensively in the past, but they are now less common due to their environmental and health effects.

Pyrethroids are synthetic versions of pyrethrin, a naturally occurring pesticide found in chrysanthemums. They are developed to maximize their stability in the environment.

For weed control, sulfonylureas herbicides have been made available for sale. They include pyrithiobac, cyclosulfamuron, and bispyribac, as well as terbacil, amidosulfuron, and sulfometuron methyl.

Biopesticides can be pesticides made from natural materials like plants, animals, and bacteria.

How To Start A Pesticide And Insecticide Production Business In Nigeria

1). Write A Business Plan:

A comprehensive business plan is essential to get you started on the right foot. Identify your interest in the pesticide/insecticide industry. Identify your target market, location, budget, goals, and so forth.

2). Assemble All Required Materials:

You must identify all resources and materials required to produce pesticides. Containers for packaging, large containers or bowls for mixing, stirring rods and a solvent (Kerosene water, powder, or water), bottles, eucalyptus oils, camphor, colors of your choice, and fragrances of your preference are just a few of the materials.

3). Create Your Insecticides or Pesticides:

Although there is no one method that works for all pesticides or insecticides, the following steps can be used to get started in making insecticides/pesticides.

• Pour the kerosene into the container, put the powdered camphor into the bowl of kerosene, and stir. Some people soak the camphor in a little quantity of kerosene for 3 hours or more.
• Put Eucalyptus into the mix and stir.
• Add the killer and stir.
• Add as much fragrance as necessary into the mix.
• Add color.

Put a few drops of formalin (it acts as a preservative) into the insecticide.

4). Registration, Packaging, And marketing:

Packaging is a reflection of the brand’s value. Packaging materials include plastic, pet containers, a container for liquid insecticide, printed paper, and racks for powder. After packaging, you will need to register your brand with NAFDAC and your products with Corporate Affairs Commission. A few delivery staff could be hired to deliver your products to major markets, supermarkets, and stalls.