Carrot is a root crop with color ranging from orange to purple or white. The length of the carrot plant varies between varieties. Some are up to 12 feet long. Some medium-sized and some are much shorter, while others are round. Carrots are popularly grown in Northern Nigeria.

Facts of Carrots

Benefits of Carrot

Apparent in their color, carrots are a very good source of beta carotene. This beta carotene is important in vitamin A deficiency and in the prevention of cancer. They’re also rich in antioxidants that are good for the eyes and skin. Carrots contain potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K1, and fiber.

Uses of Carrot

Apart from being a healthy snack, colorful vegetable, and healthy food companion, carrots can be used for skin products. The beta carotene that is abundant in carrot is extracted and used in oils, creams, and pomades. Carrots can also be used as a baby food starter.

Growing Carrots in Northern Nigeria

Season

Carrots are preferably grown in dry season.

Soil Type

Loose soil with completely decomposed organic matter. Soil that contains not completely decomposed matter produce forked carrots.

Planting

The tiny carrot seeds are planted in lines. Because of the size of the seeds, counting how many seeds per hole is impossible. The first thinning once the plants are 3cm in height, plants should be thinned to 1 plant per 3cm line spacing.

Read: Cucumber in Northern Nigeria

Second thinning should be carried out when the plants are 10cm in height, plants should be thinned to 1 plant per 5cm spacing.

Maintenance

After thinning, dress the plant root with well-matured compost. Frequent weeding is necessary so weed roots do not compete with growing and tender carrot roots. Water frequently but not excessively, especially during the dry season. This allows the root to penetrate easily into the soil as it grows.

Pest and disease of carrots include rust flies, flea beetle, leaf blight, root rot, etc. Combat these pests and diseases with organic or inorganic pesticides and chemicals.

Harvest

Carrot can be harvested 3 months after seed sowing. Attention needs to be made during harvesting to reduce damage to the carrots.

Processing of Carrot

Though it’s completely different from carrot seed oil, carrot oil is famed in the beauty industry for its lightening properties. Carrot oil is an infused oil and can be used to clear blackheads, acne, and spots.

How to Make Carrot Oil

Making carrot oil will require a carrier oil. Carrier oils are any kind of oil that be infused with the carrot.

Ingredients

1. Carrier Oil e.g olive oil, coconut oil, etc.
2. Carrot

Procedure

1. Grate the carrots and pour in a pot, cover with oil
2. Heat on low it for 3mins
3. Strain the oil and pour it in a container

States Carrots are Predominantly Found in Northern Nigeria

Plateau, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kano.

Major Markets of Carrots in Northern Nigeria