Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Najanectar. is an innovative project that proposes using snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina), a climate-resilient and cost-effective alternative to tomatoes, for the production of tomato paste and ketchup, addressing challenges faced by Nigeria.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

FieldX Ltd. is a pioneering agri-tech startup that aims to revolutionize tomato paste mix and ketchup production in Nigeria by introducing the cultivation and processing of snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) as a sustainable and resilient alternative to conventional tomatoes. The project addresses the significant challenges faced by the Nigerian tomato industry, including climate change impacts (droughts and floods), ongoing conflicts and insurgency in the northern tomato-growing regions, and high input costs for smallholder farmers. Snake gourd offers several advantages over tomatoes, such as climate resilience, lower water and pesticide requirements, high yield potential, and comparable nutritional value. FieldX Ltd.'s project plan involves (1) Scale-up and commercialization through expanded cultivation, larger processing facilities, and comprehensive marketing strategies.

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

FieldX Ltd. is trying to solve the significant challenges faced by the Nigerian tomato industry, which threaten the country's tomato production and supply chain. These challenges include: 1. Climate change impact: Nigeria produces 1.8 million metric tons of tomatoes annually, but climate change-induced droughts and floods lead to inconsistent and unpredictable yields, disrupting the supply chain. 2. Insurgency in the North: The northern region of Nigeria is the primary tomato-growing area, but ongoing conflicts, insurgency, and insecurity have disrupted farming activities, displaced farmers, and blocked access to markets. 3. High input costs: Tomato farming requires substantial investments in seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation systems. Smallholder farmers face high input costs, reducing profitability and disincentivizing tomato cultivation. These challenges have led to supply shortages, price volatility, and a lack of consistent availability of tomatoes.

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

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative solution of using snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) for tomato paste and ketchup production offers several major benefits and advantages: 1. Climate Resilience: Snake gourd is highly adaptable and thrives in diverse weather conditions, making it less susceptible to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods. This ensures a consistent and reliable supply, even in the face of unpredictable climatic conditions. 2. Lower Input Costs: Cultivating snake gourd requires significantly less water, pesticides, and fertilizers compared to tomatoes. This reduces the overall input costs for farmers, enhancing profitability and making it a more economically viable option, particularly for smallholder farmers. 3. High Yield Potential: Snake gourd is adaptable to various regions, including areas less affected by insurgency and conflicts. This versatility allows for cultivation in stable areas, ensuring uninterrupted production and a steady supply chain.

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

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative solution of using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production targets a diverse range of beneficiaries across the agricultural and food processing value chain: Consumers: FieldX Ltd.'s product aims to benefit Nigerian consumers by ensuring the availability of affordable and nutritious tomato paste and ketchup products. The snake gourd's comparable nutritional profile to tomatoes ensures that consumers receive the same essential vitamins and minerals. Rural Communities: The project's focus on establishing pilot farms and processing facilities in rural areas will create employment opportunities and contribute to the economic development of these communities, fostering inclusive growth and poverty reduction. By targeting this diverse range of beneficiaries, FieldX Ltd.'s solution has the potential to drive sustainable development, improve food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and support economic growth in Nigeria's rural and urban areas.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-01-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

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.)

Amaka luke - Full-Time, Female Educational Background: BSc Human resources management. Unique Skills/Experience: 5 years designing hydroponic systems, expertise in controlled environment agriculture Awogboro Funmilayo - Full-Time, Male Educational Background: BSc Horticulture science Unique Skills/Experience: Plant scientist, 7 years managing commercial greenhouse operations

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?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative solution of utilizing snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes significantly to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of "No Poverty" in the following ways: 1. Increased Income for Smallholder Farmers: By introducing a climate-resilient and low-input crop like snake gourd, smallholder farmers can benefit from higher yields and reduced production costs. This increased income generation directly addresses poverty alleviation among rural farming communities, which are often disproportionately affected by poverty. 2. Job Creation in Rural Communities: The project's plan to establish pilot farms and processing facilities in rural areas will create employment opportunities for local residents. These jobs contribute to sustainable income sources, empowering individuals and families to lift themselves out of poverty. 3. Improved Food Security: The consistent supply of snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production enhances food

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach of utilizing snake gourd as a climate-resilient and sustainable alternative for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes significantly to the zero hunger goal in several ways: 1. Enhancing Food Security: By introducing a crop that is adaptable to diverse climatic conditions and less susceptible to the impacts of climate change, FieldX Ltd. ensures a consistent and reliable supply of raw materials for tomato paste and ketchup production. This addresses the issue of supply shortages and price volatility, thereby enhancing food availability and accessibility for consumers. Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: The cultivation of snake gourd aligns with sustainable farming practices, as it requires fewer chemical inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers, and promotes crop diversification. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems, supporting food production.

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

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative solution of using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes significantly to the good health and well-being goal in several ways: 1. Nutritional Value: Snake gourd is a highly nutritious vegetable, rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and folate. By using snake gourd as a substitute for tomatoes, the resulting paste and ketchup products retain similar nutritional profiles, ensuring that consumers receive these vital nutrients in their diets. This promotes good health and well-being by improving dietary quality and addressing potential micronutrient deficiencies. 2. Food Security: The project's focus on introducing a climate-resilient and adaptable crop like snake gourd enhances food security in Nigeria. By diversifying crop cultivation and ensuring a consistent supply of raw materials for tomato paste and ketchup production, FieldX Ltd. contributes to a stable and reliable food supply.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation:The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowledge

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

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

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

FieldX Ltd.'s innovative approach to using snake gourd for tomato paste and ketchup production contributes to quality education in several ways: 1. Agricultural Training and Capacity Building: A key component of the project involves training farmers in the cultivation techniques of snake gourd. This hands-on training will equip farmers, particularly in rural areas, with new agricultural skills and knowledge, enhancing their capabilities and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. 2. Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: To effectively implement the project, FieldX Ltd. will conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of snake gourd cultivation and its potential as an alternative crop. These campaigns will disseminate valuable information, promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness about sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Research and Knowledge Generation: The research and development phase of the project will generate valuable knowled

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

4

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Competitors: • AeroFarms - A major vertical farming company growing greens and herbs indoors using aeroponics. • Plenty - Another vertical farming operation focused on leafy greens using hydroponic systems. • BrightFarms - Operates greenhouse farms for supplying supermarkets with fresh produce. • Local greenhouse growers and hydroponic farmers. Point of Difference (POD): 1. Crop Focus - While many competitors emphasize greens, Freshville specializes in fruity vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, etc.) and premium leafy varieties for superior flavor profiles. 2. Greenhouse Technology - Our greenhouses integrate automated climate controls, LED lighting, and real-time monitoring for optimized year-round cultivation tailored to each crop variety. 3. Proprietary Growing Systems - Freshville has developed proprietary hydroponic techniques.

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