Okra [Abelmoschus esculeentus (L.)] is a wide­ly cultivated fruit vegetable found in both rural and urban agricultural market in Nigeria and Africa. It originates from East Africa and today its cultivation and production has been widely practiced in virtually all African countries because of its importance to the economic development and growth. It is usually cultivated both in household garden and on large commercial farmland in which it is intercropped with staple food crops such as yam, maize, cassava, pepper and other vegetables. Okra is the most important fruit vegetable crop and is a major source of calorie (4550Kcal/kg) for human and livestock consumption. Okra is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamin C as well as a good source of calcium and potassium. It is a popular vegetable fruit and commonly consumed due to its high fiber and folate content. Hence, demand for okra is high in agricultural market and this can be attributed to its nutritional values. Almost all tribes in Nigeria makes use of okra to prepare one delicacy or the other. Thus, it is a widely acceptable vegetable. Its immature fruits may be boiled, fried, eaten raw or steamed. Okra fruits are used to make soups, sauces, stews, curries as well as salads. In addition, okra leaves are used to feed farm animals.

Important things to note before planting okra:     

• Land preparation

Land preparation should be thoroughly done between 2 and 3 months before planting. This is very important so as to allow crop residues and organic matter in the soil to decompose very well before okra is planted. Land preparation for okra includes land clearing, ploughing, harrowing, and heaping.

• Varieties of okra

Varieties of okra vary by plant height, size of fruit, color, and time of maturity. Okra has been a popular vegetable crop grown in the Nigeria with good yield, adaptability to changing moisture conditions and resistance to diseases and pests. The varieties of okra should be carefully selected before planting. There are 2 major varieties of okra in Nigeria:

• Local okra: This type of okra varies from one region of the country to another. Examples includes: “Yaya”, “Ila-Ojo”, “Ila-Iroko” among others.
• Improved okra are called ‘Agric’. Some common hybrids includes: TAE-38, NHAe47-4, “Park’s Candelabra branching”, “Louisiana Green velvet” among others.

REFERENCES

Dada O.A. and Fayinminnu (2010) O. O Period of Weed Control in Okra as Influenced by Varying Rates of Cattle Dung and Weeding Regimes. EAP Academic. 38 (1): 149-154

Baxter1 L. and Waters L. (1990): Chemical Changes in Okra Stored in Air and Controlled Atmosphere. Journal of American Social and Horticultural Science 115(3):452-454. 1990.

http://agriculturenigeria.com

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