*DISCOVER THE PROFITABILITY OF PLANTAIN FLOUR BUSINESS*

Plantain is a  major source of food in many regions throughout Nigeria. Study shows that the production of plantain is over 80 million metric tonnes per year.

Despite this figure, demand still outstrips supply. That is why you need to consider setting up a plantain flour mill and this business plan will put you through what it takes to start the business so that you can tap into this opportunity.

Plantain flour apart from being 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 pancakes.

Let's take a look at the processing line for plantain flour production:

1. Sorting: this is done to identify and remove unsuitable ones i.e. spoilt, immature pulps e.t.c.

2. Weighing: The sorted plantains are properly weighed to quantify the input of the raw plantain.

3. Blanching: The green plantain fruits are soaked in hot water for some minutes to soften the skin for easy peeling.

4. Peeling: The plantain peels are removed manually using sharp knives to obtain the pulp.

5. Slicing/Chipping: The pulp is sliced or chipped with the aid of a mechanical slicer.

6. Drying: The sliced plantain is dried in a short time with the aid of an industrial drying machine.

7. Milling: The dried plantain slices/chips are milled in a hammer mill.

8. Sieving: The flour is sieved to obtain the desired particle size.

9. Packaging: The flour is packaged in moisture-proof packaging material ready for sale.