Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Palmark, based in Bayo, Borno State, Nigeria, pioneers food processing to combat post-harvest losses in the tomato value chain. Our innovative approach involves converting fresh tomatoes into powder using dome solar drying technology. By doing so, we sign

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Palmark operates within the realm of Climate Smart Technologies. Our utilization of dome solar drying technology exemplifies this commitment. By harnessing solar energy to dehydrate tomatoes, we significantly decrease reliance on fossil fuels, curbing carbon emissions and reducing our environmental impact. Post-harvest losses are a widespread challenge in global agriculture. Palmark addresses this issue directly by converting fresh tomatoes into powder, significantly extending their shelf life and enhancing marketability. This not only minimizes waste but also ensures a more stable income for farmers. Additionally, Palmark's operations contribute to economic empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups such as women who constitute 50% of our workforce. By engaging local tomato farmers in our supply chain, we foster community resilience and prosperity. Our approach epitomizes the standards of Climate Smart Technologies by optimizing resource utilization and promoting sustainability

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Aisha, is a smallholder tomato farmer in Bayo, Borno State, Nigeria. Aisha represents the thousands of farmers struggling with the prevalent issue of post-harvest losses. Aisha begins her journey at the start of the tomato season, planting her crops with hope and anticipation. She works tirelessly, tending to her fields, but as the harvest approaches, she faces a daunting reality: despite her efforts, a significant portion of her tomatoes will go to waste. Each year, Aisha loses approximately 40% of her harvest due to inadequate storage facilities and transportation challenges. This translates to a staggering financial loss, significantly impacting her livelihood and ability to support her family. The problem extends beyond Aisha's farm, encompassing the entire tomato value chain. According to Morocco foodex, Nigeria is the 14th largest producer of Tomatoes in the world, 2nd after Egypt in Africa, with local demand of 3million metric tonnes (MT) per annum, yet unable to meet demand.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Dome Solar Drying Technology: Palmark employs Dome solar drying technology to process fresh tomatoes into powder. This innovative technology addresses the constraint of post-harvest losses, which amount to over 700 metric tons annually within the region. By harnessing solar energy to dehydrate tomatoes, Palmark significantly reduces reliance on traditional drying methods, which are often inefficient and environmentally unsustainable. Dome solar dryers offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution, allowing farmers to preserve the quality of their produce and extend its shelf life. This not only minimizes economic losses but also enhances food security by increasing the availability of processed tomato products in local markets. Agricultural Extension and Off-taking Services: Palmark extends beyond technological solutions by offering agricultural extension services to local farmers. Through educational campaigns and input distribution, we address challenges of limited access to moder

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Many farmers in Nigeria, particularly smallholder farmers, are impoverished and struggle to make ends meet due to various challenges within the agricultural sector. Post-harvest losses, inefficient processing methods, and lack of access to reliable markets all contribute to significant financial losses for these farmers. As a result, they often find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty, unable to break free from the constraints that limit their productivity and income potential. Palmark's intervention directly targets these impoverished farmers by offering a solution that not only reduces post-harvest losses but also provides a reliable market for their produce. By serving as the sole off-taker for tomato farmers in the region, we ensure that their hard work translates into tangible financial gains, lifting them out of poverty and improving their livelihoods. Currently, we engage 503 smallholder farmers in Gombe/Borno. Providing improved seeds and serving as off-taker.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-06-20

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Palmark Syndicate is led by Musa Pashi, the founder and CEO, along with a team of seasoned professionals. Musa Pashi has 9 years’ experience and brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Pashi Farms, where he significantly increased crop yields and gained valuable sales experience through network marketing. Titus Maiva, responsible for extending the shelf life of yogurt during his tenure at NAPRI Zaria, heads Production/Inventory Management. Emmanuel Shehu, a process engineer and agricultural research expert, oversees Operations. Yahuza Sule Rabo, a chemical engineer specializing in food quality control, leads our Quality Control department. David Bassi, a chemical engineer and entrepreneur for over 12 years experience manages Human Resources. Emmanuel Shegbone, a skilled negotiator and market strategist, leads Marketing/Sales. Sarah Musa Dikwa, an experienced accountant, heads the Finance/Accounting section. With this diverse and competent team, Palmark Syndicate ensures

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Farming

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

2

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

By addressing post-harvest losses and ensuring that more tomatoes reach consumers in a usable form, the initiative directly contributes to the goal of eradicating hunger and achieving food security.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

The preservation of essential nutrients in the processed powdered tomato product promotes good health and well-being among consumers, aligning with the objective of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

By serving as the primary off-taker for local tomato farmers, the initiative supports economic growth and decent work, particularly within the agricultural sector. It empowers farmers and contributes to the resilience of local agricultural communities.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

The efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and convert fresh tomatoes into powdered form demonstrate responsible consumption and production practices. This contributes to sustainable resource use and waste reduction.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The utilization of dome solar drying technology represents an environmentally friendly approach to food processing, aligning with the goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

4

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

Dome Solar Drying Technology: Palmark employs Dome solar drying technology to process fresh tomatoes into powder. This innovative technology addresses the constraint of post-harvest losses, which amount to over 700 metric tons annually within the region. By harnessing solar energy to dehydrate tomatoes, Palmark significantly reduces reliance on traditional drying methods, which are often inefficient and environmentally unsustainable. Dome solar dryers offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution, allowing farmers to preserve the quality of their produce and extend its shelf life. This not only minimizes economic losses but also enhances food security by increasing the availability of processed tomato products in local markets.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Palmark Syndicate has been actively engaged in the tomato processing business for the past four years, during which we have made significant strides in expanding our reach and impact. Since 2019, our distribution has grown significantly, reaching 264,810 units sold as at the end of 2022. This expansion has allowed us to feed 794,430 consumers with our products, contributing to food security Through our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, we have established ourselves as a trusted provider of nutritious and affordable tomato products in the market. Our products have not only met the needs of consumers but have also contributed to addressing food insecurity and malnutrition by providing a convenient and accessible source of essential nutrients. Our competitors include GB foods, Erisco and Gino, they all process fresh tomatoes into paste while Palmark process fresh tomatoes into powder.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Employment Opportunities: Palmark Syndicate actively recruits and empowers women, aiming for gender diversity within its workforce. By providing employment opportunities, training, and capacity-building programs, Palmark ensures that women have equal access to meaningful employment, thereby improving their economic well-being and contributing to gender equality. Inclusive Supply Chains: Palmark works closely with women smallholder farmers, providing them with access to markets, training, and resources to enhance their productivity and income. By integrating women into the supply chain, Palmark strengthens their economic agency and promotes inclusive growth within the agricultural sector. Capacity Building: Palmark offers tailored training and capacity-building programs for women involved in tomato farming and processing. These programs focus on agronomic practices, post-harvest handling, and business skills, empowering women to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders.