Nigeria is known to be the largest producer of eggs in Africa, producing 10.3 billion eggs annually (according to poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN).

Nigeria is known to be the largest producer of eggs in Africa, producing 10.3 billion eggs annually (according to poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN). The poultry sector is fast becoming a force to reckon with. Everyone knows egg contains high protein, vitamins and mineral components, no surprise it is one of the highest consumables in Nigeria. Unsurprisingly, 99% of the eggshells are considered as waste and therefore discarded. Eggshell is the hard, outer covering of an egg, consisting mainly of calcium and protein. Eggshell powder has been used as natural calcium supplements for ages. 

Egg shell undoubtedly plays an important role in agriculture. Aside being a determinant for farmers to ascertain the health status of their poultry animals, it can also be useful as a recycled product for farmers and the general community at large.

Although unpopular in Nigeria, some individuals and private sectors have stated focusing on recycling of waste products in the country. The United States of America’s food industry boast of generating 150, 000 tons of shell waste per year. 26.6% is used in fertilizers and 21% as animal feeds, according to Joe MacNeil, a professor emeritus of food science at Pennsylvania State University’s State College. However, Nigeria, as a country, has not tapped into this unique resource. The focus of this article will be on poultry eggshells (Hen Eggshells), its commercial value and how prospective farmers, individuals or corporate bodies can take advantage of this uncompetitive business.

BENEFITS OF EGGSHELL TO AGRICULTURE
One might be wondering how eggshell can be recycled and possibly benefit  an average farmer. Usefulness of eggshell can never be overemphasized and they are limitless. Examples of such include;

• Animal Feeds

Eggshell is composed of about 97% calcium carbonate, (Burley and Vadehra, 1989). Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound, a common substance found in rocks (Limestone) or calcium supplements. Calcium carbonate helps improve the bone structures in animals and also help in neutralizing soil acidity. Mixing eggshell with animal feeds will give animals a high nutritional value, as this will improve their bone structures and also decrease iron deficiency. Evidently, our livestock will grow bigger and stronger with a lower mortality rate (death rate). A study in isolated cells found that calcium absorption was up to 64% greater from eggshell powder compared to pure calcium carbonate. Researchers attributed these effects to certain proteins found in eggshells. In addition to calcium, eggshells also contain small amounts of other minerals, including protein, strontium, fluoride, magnesium and selenium. Just like calcium, these minerals play a role in bone health.

• Fertilizers and Manure

Eggshells have listed usefulness in fertilizers/manure. Eggshells act as adhesives for our fertilizers. Adding egg shell to fertilizers and manure will glue and hold them together, thereby increasing the quality. Eggshells added to fertilizer will also increase plants and soil nutrients. The calcium carbonate in the eggshell helps promote soil fertility and neutralizes soil Ph, a good alternative to limestone.

• Abrasives: 

Eggshells are also used for farm cleaning. Abrasives are substances used in cleaning and polishing of hard surfaces. Grounded Eggshells can be mixed with baking soda, can be used to clean pots, utensils and stubborn dirt. Egg shells must be grounded, but not totally into a fine powder so as to give it the abrasive roughness. This is then mixed with either baking soda or detergent.

• Consumptions

Clean eggshells can be grounded into powder and added to daily foods and drinks. This helps build and maintain strong bones. The heart and muscles also need calcium to perform to optimum standard, which in turn will increase work output. Before consumption, it must be noted that eggshells must be free of bacteria. This can be done either by boiling in hot water or baking for a few minutes.

• Economic Benefits

Eggshells when processed can be sold in different quantities relative to production strength. Large quantities can be exported to different countries and sold to pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies. Average quantities (granulated) can be sold as bone supplements for human and animal consumption. Some companies require eggshell as part of their materials for toothpastes production and experimental biodiesel.

Processing of Eggshells

The best processed form of eggshells is the powdered form, it lasts longer and can be easily packaged and stored. Processing of eggshells into powdered form doesn’t require cutting edge technology or vast amount of money to undergo. The following steps will be helpful:

• Eggshell production process starts with gathering of eggshells. Eggshells ought to be gathered from poultry farms as this helps maintain a level of freshness and less contamination.
• The next step is to boil or bake these eggshells for 10 minutes to safely remove bacteria and pathogens. Then it is left to dry.
• Thereafter, the eggshells can be blended or grounded using pestle and mortar into a fine powder or smaller pieces.
• Place the eggshell powder in  airtight containers or packaged materials for consumptions and sales.
•  The powder can also be mixed with whatever required substance like fertilizers, animal feeds, even food and drinks to get desired finished products.

Eggshell Business Startup

 Companies and individuals have started tapping into the business of eggshell processing and sales. Some are getting patronage from pharmaceutical companies, soap making companies, toothpaste companies and even fertilizer companies.

Based on research, a kg of eggshell averagely ranges from ?600 to ?800, depending on the geographical location or access poultry farms, whereas, a 25kg can be approximated to cost ?10,000 thereabout.

Equipped with the benefits and the processes involved in production process of eggshell powder, you should know why you ought to venture into the business, these reasons might make you consider it.

• Eggshell business can be started with low capital.
• It is less competitive as opposed to many other business ventures in Nigeria.
• There has been promising demand of eggshells from farmers using it as supplements for farm products and animals, to individuals and corporate organizations using it as materials for their finished products.
• High profit margin can be gotten from the business. Any business with low initial capital requirement and a promising demand will evidently have an increased profit margin, especially if exported.

Now that we have reiterated the need to startup, here are the simple steps to begin a small scale eggshell business in your area.

• The first step is collecting your raw material, in this case eggshells. Eggshells can be gotten from poultry Farms, bakeries, hotels or restaurant, practically any place with a huge consumption or use of eggs. Eggshells can be free in these locations. In fact, they would be comfortable with getting rid of their waste materials, unless they also might be using eggshells as a recycled product.However, to get larger and quantifiable size of eggshells, you might need to pay these places.
• Next stop is to prepare and process the eggshells using the processing steps explained above.
• After processing, the packaging is based on how big you want the business to go. Eggs shells powder can be packaged into containers or bagged into flour sacks (5kg, 10kg or 25kg bags) depending on the quantity.
• Critically research and determine your target audience, these might vary depending on your geographical location and proximity relevant industries for raw materials.
• Using online platforms, advertise your eggshell refined and packaged products online, as this will quicken your sale and expand your network base. We recommend you use www.nairaagro.com , a unique and exclusive  digital Agro-market place, where  only Agricultural products and services are promoted and advertised. Through NairaAgro you can network a chain contacts needed from production to sales (poultry farms, livestock farmers interested buyers and exporters).
• Eggshells, if properly stored, has a shelf life of ten years. Eggshells must be stored in a cool dry place.

Conclusion

Although, eggshell business is lucrative, it however comes with its own cons. Eggshell production and processing must be carefully done to avoid contamination which might result in loss of products and eventual loss of customers. You wouldn’t want your customers complaining about how they lost their crops and livestock using your products. Furthermore, you must account for the constraints of transportation. Transportation and accessibility to eggshells might affect the general profit margin of the business. To avoid diminishing of profit, account for the transport cost in pricing.

Finally, instead of discarding those eggshells, pick them and spin them into your goldmine, then watch as your revenue increases. You just might be the next big thing in the Agricultural World. 

For questions and enquires, mail us at blog@nairaagro.com or visit our website  www.nairaagro.com