In an effort to alleviate the financial burden of food imports, Nigerian entrepreneur Adebowale Onafowora has launched an innovative indoor farm in Canada dedicated to cultivating indigenous Nigerian vegetables.

Theventure, spearheaded by Onafowora’s Bic Farms Concepts, aims to provide readily available and affordable staple greens that have traditionally been costly and challenging to import from Nigeria.

According to him, Nigerians living abroad often face the challenge of accessing authentic indigenous vegetables, which can arrive wilted, discoloured, and expensive, sometimes costing as much as $10 a kilo to import.

He said his organisation, Bic Technologies, addresses this by utilising advanced hydroponic and vertical farming techniques to grow vegetables year-round in a controlled environment in Manitoba.

The indoor farm,he explained, boasts consistent yields and superior quality, all while being free from pesticides and herbicides.

“Our goal is to make these essential vegetables as accessible and affordable in Canada. By eliminating long-distance shipping and seasonal limitations, we can significantly reduce costs for consumers. This isn’t just about selling vegetables; it’s about connecting our community to their heritage and supporting their well-being. “

He added that it is a “game-changer,” allowing Nigerians to get fresh, vibrant vegetables at a fraction of the price, making it feel like a piece of home has been brought closer.

Onafowora, a seasoned innovator who developed the first localised biofilter from pumice stone and crates for Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) in 2003 and pioneered commercial Hydroponics Technology Farming in Nigeria, emphasised the nutritional benefits of his initiative. “The moment you remove a crop from its tree, it begins to lose its nutritional value. Unfortunately, most of our fruits and veggies come here dry. And though we have African stores, our fresh foods are still not of the best quality, and that is what we aim to address.”

The system allows for local food growth in and out of season, a significant advantage in places like Winnipeg, which experiences seven months of winter. “With our system, you can grow your veggies all season,” Onafowora stated. He has also worked to localise the technology to make it affordable and accessible to everyone, with various systems suitable for different apartment needs, including pavements, garages, verandas, or backyards.

The system costs approximately $500 and, with a four-week cycle, can grow over 32 bunches of vegetables. It is semi-automated, requiring only about 30 minutes of daily tending. Bic Technologies also offers a follow-up service to ensure proper setup and usage. The entire system has a lifespan of about 10 years, with heat generated through lighting that synthesises sunlight. The bulbs are built to last approximately 50,000 hours, or about four to five years depending on usage, and the system uses minimal electricity.

Beyond providing fresh produce, Onafowora’s vision extends to empowering his community. He aims to enable 100,000 Nigerians to create 10 jobs each through the adoption of hydroponics. This initiative serves as an inspiring example of how innovative agricultural practices can address food security challenges and strengthen cultural connections within diasporic communities worldwide. As the global cost of living rises and Nigeria grapples with food inflation, self-sustaining ventures like this offer a beacon of hope, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of Nigerians in navigating economic complexities and fostering a taste of home, no matter how far away. (THE NATION)