Plantain, (Musa paradisiaca), plant of the banana (q.v.) family (Musaceae) closely related to the common banana (M. sapientum). The plantain is a tall plant (3–10 metres (10–33 feet)) with a conical false “trunk” formed by the leaf sheaths of its spirally arranged leaves, which are 1.5 to 3 m long and about 0.5 m wide. 

The fruit, which is green, is typically larger than the common banana. The botanical classification of plantains and bananas is so complicated that plantain is variously viewed as a subspecies of the banana, and the banana as a subspecies of plantain.

The edible fruit of the plantain has more starch than the banana and is not eaten raw. Because plantain has a maximum of starch before it ripens, it is usually cooked green, either boiled or fried, often with coconut juice or sugar as a flavouring.

Plantains are a popular food crop in Nigeria, with a long history of cultivation and consumption. Plantain production in Nigeria is a vital part of the country's economy, providing food and employment opportunities for millions of people. 

Plantains are believed to have been introduced to Nigeria by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. The crop quickly became popular among the local population, who began to cultivate it on a large scale. Over time, plantain cultivation spread throughout the country, with different regions developing their unique varieties of the crop.

Today, Nigeria is one of the leading producers of plantains in the world, with an annual production of over three million (3,000,000) tons. The crop is grown in all parts of the country, with the highest production levels in the southwestern and southeastern regions.

There are several varieties of plantains grown in Nigeria, each with its unique characteristics and uses. The most popular varieties include:

French Horn Plantain: This variety of plantain is popularly known as "Belle plantain" and is mostly cultivated in the southern part of Nigeria. The fruit is usually long and curved, with a yellowish-green color when ripe. It is commonly used in making plantain chips, plantain porridge, and other plantain-based dishes.

Agbagba Plantain: This is a variety of plantain commonly grown in the southwestern region of Nigeria. The fruit is usually shorter and thicker than the French horn plantain, with a slightly darker skin. It is usually used in making plantain fufu, plantain pottage, and other plantain-based dishes.

Ayo Plantain: This variety of plantain is popularly known as "Ghanaian plantain" and is usually found in the northern part of Nigeria. The fruit is usually long and thin, with a green skin that turns yellow when ripe. It is commonly used in making plantain chips, plantain fufu, and other plantain-based dishes.

False Horn Plantain: This variety of plantain is also called "Saba plantain" and is commonly grown in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The fruit is usually long and curved, with a thick skin that is difficult to peel. It is usually used in making plantain chips, plantain porridge, and other plantain-based dishes.

Nigeria is one of the largest producers of plantains in the world. Plantains are a staple food in many parts of the country, especially in the southern regions. 

The demand for plantain products such as plantain flour is also high in Nigeria, with many people preferring plantain flour to wheat flour due to its health benefits. Plantain flour is the product of dry pulverized plantain slices and apart from been used as a substitute for garri especially for diabetic patients, also serve as a raw material used in the production of cakes, puff-puff, biscuit, bread and pan cakes.

Starting a plantain flour production business in Nigeria is a great investment opportunity that can yield high returns if done correctly. 

In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in starting a plantain flour production business in Nigeria.

Step 1: Conduct a Feasibility Study

The first step in starting a plantain flour production business in Nigeria is to conduct a feasibility study. A feasibility study will help you determine the viability of the business idea, as well as the potential profitability. 

The feasibility study should cover aspects such as the availability of raw materials, the demand for plantain flour in your target market, the competition, and the cost of production.

Step 2: Register Your Business

Once you have conducted a feasibility study and are confident that the plantain flour production business is viable, the next step is to register your business. Registering your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is mandatory in Nigeria. It is important to register your business as a limited liability company to protect your personal assets from business liabilities.

Step 3: Acquire the Required Equipment

To start a plantain flour production business in Nigeria, you will need to acquire the necessary equipment. The equipment required includes a plantain slicer, dryer, milling machine, packaging machine, and a generator. 

You can purchase the equipment locally or import them. It is important to ensure that the equipment is of good quality to ensure efficient production and longevity.

Step 4: Source for Raw Materials

The primary raw material required for plantain flour production is plantains. It is important to source high-quality plantains to ensure that the end product is of high quality. 

The best sources for plantains are local farmers, markets, and plantain plantations. You can also partner with plantain farmers to ensure a steady supply of raw materials.

Step 5: Process the Plantains

Plantain flour is made from ripe plantains that have been peeled, sliced, dried, and milled into a fine powder. The process of making plantain flour involves several steps, including:

Selection: Ripe plantains are selected and sorted based on their size, ripeness, and quality.

Peeling: The plantains are peeled, and the skins are discarded.

Slicing: The peeled plantains are sliced into thin pieces using a sharp knife or a slicer.

Drying: The sliced plantains are dried in the sun or using a dehydrator until they are completely dry and crispy.

Milling: The dried plantains are milled into a fine powder using a flour mill or a blender.

The quality of plantain flour depends on the quality of the raw materials, the processing methods, and the storage conditions. High-quality plantain flour should be free from impurities, molds, and insects, and it should have a uniform texture, color, and aroma.

Step 6: Package and Market the Product

The final step in starting a plantain flour production business in Nigeria is to package and market the product. It is important to package the product in an attractive and durable package that will protect the product during transportation and storage. 

The packaged product should also have the necessary labeling and nutritional information. The product can then be marketed through various channels such as social media, online marketplaces, and supermarkets.

Plantain flour is a relatively new product in the Nigerian market. Its history dates back to the early 2000s, when a few entrepreneurs started experimenting with the production of plantain flour on a small scale. At that time, plantain flour was not widely known or used in Nigeria, and most people were not familiar with its nutritional benefits or culinary uses.

However, over the years, the popularity of plantain flour has grown significantly in Nigeria, thanks to the efforts of several entrepreneurs and companies that have invested in the production, marketing, and distribution of this product. 

Today, plantain flour is widely available in supermarkets, grocery stores, and online marketplaces, and it is used by households, restaurants, and food processing companies for a variety of purposes.

The national demand for has been estimated at two hundred and ten thousand (210,000) MT annually implying a per capita consumption of one point five (1.5) kilograms. The current supply level is probably less than twenty percent (20%) of the estimated demand with only a few companies producing on mechanized commercial scale.

Starting a plantain flour production business in Nigeria can be a profitable venture if done correctly. To start the business, you need to conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability of the business idea. 

You also need to register your business with the CAC, acquire the necessary equipment, source for high-quality raw materials, process the plantains into flour, and package and market the product. With proper planning and execution, your plantain flour production business can become a successful and profitable venture.