In Africa, Brinjals is thought to have been introduced to the continent by Arab traders in the 10th century. Brinjal farming is a major industry in many African countries. In Ethiopia, brinjal is the third most important vegetable crop after teff and potatoes. It is grown in all regions of the country, but it is most popular in the highlands. In Kenya, brinjal is the fourth most important vegetable crop after maize, potatoes, and tomatoes. It is grown in all regions of the country, but it is most popular in the highlands. In Nigeria, brinjal is the fifth most important vegetable crop after tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and cabbage. It is grown in all regions of the country, but it is most popular in the south. Brinjal is also a major crop in Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Brinjals is the nightshade Solanum melongena, also known as the aubergine, brinjal eggplant, eggplant, melongene, or guinea squash. It grows 40 to 150 cm (16 to 57 in) tall, with large, coarsely lobed leaves that are 10 to 20 cm (4–8 in) long and 5 to 10 cm (2–4 in) broad. The young and almost mature fruits are used as a vegetable. The fruit is a good source of vitamin A and C, potassium, phosphorous and calcium. They may be roasted, fried, stuffed, cooked as curry or pickled. Cooking for prolonged periods will destroy most of the vitamins. In Africa production is done throughout the year and the bulk of the crop is exported.
Maturity Duration: 2.5 – 3.5 months (Eggplant has a cropping period of 4-7 months)
Expected Yield: Up to 6 – 10 tons/Acre
Growing Season per Year: Twice on rain-fed and thrice on irrigation
Nutritional Value: Energy 35.0 / 2%; Carbohydrates 8.7 / 3%; Fat 0.2 / 0%; Protein 0.8 / 2%; Phosphorus 15.0 / 1%; Pottasium 123 / 4%. The fruits of the white varieties have medicinal value for diabetics.
Altitude: 0 - 1600 m
Rainfall: 600 - 1250 mm
Temperature: 20-35°C (day temperatures are 25-35°C and night temperatures 20-27°C)
Soils: Well-drained, sandy loam soils.
PH: 6.0 to 7.0