Mechanized Soya Bean Cultivation and Soy-Milk Production; The Feasibility Report.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains one of the most important pillars of the economy, characterized by significant regional diversity, wide crop variety, and strong linkages to rural livelihoods. Although historical data limitations persist, available statistics clearly show that agriculture continues to play a central role in economic development, employment generation, and food security.

In the 1960s, agriculture was the dominant sector of the Nigerian economy, contributing over 60% of GDP, employing the majority of the population, and serving as the main source of foreign exchange earnings. However, with the discovery and commercialization of crude oil in the 1970s, the sector experienced relative neglect. Its contribution to GDP declined significantly over the decades, falling to about 22% in the 1980s. Today, agriculture has regained strategic importance and currently contributes approximately 24–26% of Nigeria’s GDP, while employing over 35% of the labor force, making it the largest employer in the country.

The sector is highly diversified, comprising crop production, livestock, forestry, and fisheries. Crop production remains the dominant component, accounting for the bulk of agricultural output, while livestock, fisheries, and forestry contribute smaller but important shares. Despite past challenges such as inconsistent policies, limited infrastructure, and low mechanization, recent government and private sector interventions have renewed focus on agriculture as a key driver of economic diversification and food security.

Within this sector, soybean (Glycine max) has emerged as one of the most important and fast-growing crops in Nigeria. It is classified as an oilseed due to its high oil content and is widely valued for its nutritional and industrial uses. On a dry weight basis, soybean contains about 38–42% protein, 18–22% oil, and significant amounts of carbohydrates and minerals, making it one of the most nutrient-dense food crops available. Its protein is heat-stable, allowing it to retain nutritional value even after processing and cooking.

Globally, soybean originated from East Asia, particularly China, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It later spread to Europe and the Americas and eventually to Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Nigeria, soybean was first introduced in 1908 in Ibadan, and its cultivation has since expanded significantly across the country. Today, Nigeria is the largest producer of soybean in sub-Saharan Africa, with annual production estimated at over 1.2 million metric tonnes. The crop is predominantly grown in the Middle Belt region, with Benue State accounting for a significant share of national output, followed by Kaduna, Niger, Taraba, and Plateau States.

Soybean is a highly versatile crop with numerous value-added products, including soy oil, soy cake, full-fat soy, soybean meal, soy flour, soy milk, tofu, and textured vegetable protein. Its importance in addressing malnutrition, particularly protein deficiency among children, has made it a key component in food security strategies. In addition, it is widely used in the animal feed industry, making it essential to the growth of Nigeria’s poultry and livestock sectors.

This report focuses on the financial viability of establishing a mechanized soybean plantation alongside a soy milk processing plant in Benue State, one of Nigeria’s leading soybean-producing regions. The proposed project involves the development of a 65-hectare facility, with 60 hectares dedicated to soybean cultivation and the remaining 5 hectares allocated for processing infrastructure, storage, and administrative buildings.

Using improved soybean varieties such as TGX 1448-2E, which mature within approximately 3.5 to 4 months, the farm is expected to achieve an average yield of about 2.5 to 3.0 tonnes per hectare, with the potential for two production cycles annually under optimal conditions. This ensures a steady and reliable supply of raw materials for the processing plant.

The soy milk processing facility is designed to operate at a capacity of approximately 1 ton of soybean per day at full capacity, with operations running at about 85–90% capacity utilization for a single 8-hour shift over 300 working days per year. Based on an estimated input-output ratio of 1 kg of soybean to 3.5–4 liters of soy milk, the plant is projected to produce approximately 170,000 to 180,000 cartons annually, with each carton containing twelve 500 ml bottles of soy milk.

The demand for soy milk in Nigeria is growing rapidly, driven by increasing health consciousness, lactose intolerance among consumers, and the rising popularity of plant-based diets. Soy milk is widely consumed as a nutritious beverage and is also used in the formulation of infant foods and dietary supplements. With Nigeria’s population exceeding 220 million people and expanding urban middle class, the market for affordable and healthy beverages continues to expand.

The establishment of a mechanized soybean farm and soy milk processing plant in Nigeria represents a highly viable and strategic investment opportunity. With abundant raw materials, strong and growing demand, and increasing focus on agro-industrial development, the project offers significant potential for profitability, job creation, and contribution to national food security and economic diversification.