MsJJ:
This is the first time I'll be commenting on NL! I've learnt a lot and hope to share my success story soon! Rather than strawberries, I will suggest blueberries, raspberries or blackberries, these are more rugged while you experiment n learn more about strawberries which are VERY delicate! I have planted all three types of berries but the strawberries never survived (not giving up tho). Growing from seed is difficult but I easily find the plants to buy from local nurseries (in Jos). Broccolli and cauliflower is farmed in Jos and most Abuja stores bbuy from there. You are an inspiration @Jasper7 and I WISH TO LEARN FROM YOU!

Please where in jos did you get the berry plants? Do you know if grapes can also be grown in Nigeria and how we can have access to the seeds/plants for cultivation

cava:
@msjj as for the brocoolli and cauliflower planted in jos, were they planted on open field or in green house? and where do they source their seeds from. please respond. the berries you planted, were they also done openly or green house. if in open field, can they survive in the south west ogun state to be precise considering the weather.

I have not seen broccoli plants but I see them fresh in the veegetable market but for the berries I planted, its open field just like flowers in the house.
I am not Sure About growing In S/west

Pavore9:
Is zucchini (courgettes) also available at the local nurseries?

I am not sure oh! Never seen them but auberguine dey sha, but what's the difference btw zuccini andd cucumber ghan?v

Jesusbaby6:



Please where in jos did you get the berry plants? Do you know if grapes can also be grown in Nigeria and how we can have access to the seeds/plants for cultivation

If you are in Jos I can give you the gardener's # to contact him direct or if you wish to contact feel free to use d email on my signature

MsJJ:

I am not sure oh! Never seen them but auberguine dey sha, but what's the difference btw zuccini andd cucumber ghan?v

Dem be cousins Kenya don force me to know many, many veggies!

@Jasper7, please how can I get a mulching film and at what cost? needed as soon as possible. Thanks

Pavore9:
Two weeks ago, a guy who was pitching his company's services said that the 24ft by 72ft greenhouse they build produces 1650kg of capsicum monthly & they will also facilitate exporting the produce as it attracts good price in d international market.

But do you think a greenhouse is necessary considering Nigeria's generally hot weather?

ohkay... I remember I promised to talk on marketing. Marketing can be viewed from different angles. And to the best of my knowledge, the major reason fresh food producers have been unable to build a sustainable market for their goods is because of the non-existence of branding in fresh food market.

Everybody just throws their weight in a public market which give room for massive displacement and poaching between suppliers and distributors.

Imagine if peak milk had no name on it. and it was just a milk shared in cups. Yes, peak milk will mantain it's quality, but do you really believe peak milk will still be in business?

Branding gives room for advertising and also room for easy introduction of new product.

For instance, if Jasper cucumber is popular in Lagos, Jasper cabbage, carrot and watermelon will not fin a hard time selling in Lagos.

Can someone tell me exactly why we don't brand our products in Nigeria?

I believe its our distribution system that is working against us. Since the distribution system is not organised, then not much can be gotten or expected. Branded farm produce will not see the light of the day ( will not move the market) if it is being distributed under this chaotic open market system we are operating.

Please note that if the packaging is gotten right. The sky is the limit. I understand people who grow broilers birds in large scale usually run into challenges disposing their bird during off-seasons but Zartech and Syed farms (ibadan) are doing creditably well in that aspect. But guess what- these 2 giants are owned and run by lebanese who are "suppossedly whites". My point here is because of our import all mentality and our belief that all that is made by whites are best. We neglect our indigenous innovations.

Agricultural produce branding can not go alone except highly organised distribution centers are opened up which will seem more like a chain of agricultural fruits stores.

You are looking in the right direction anyway. But remember this will cost a fortune but the pros far outway the cons.

@saliubello. You are absolutely right. Just look at the state of the environment of most fresh food market and you'll see that it's a no go area for branded products.

Nevertheless, I am of the school of thought that the we Nigerians must not continue to live and eat like pigs. we deserve better quality and healthy products, sold in a decent environment. not mile12, bodija and the rest of them. Lol

Believe me, the state of those selling points is a cause of major concern to alot of people, but as my friend hotmas911 will always say "when people see problem, I see opportunity". we have to be thinking in that direction, so that our problems will be solving one after the other.

saliubello:
Sir, may I suggest that we may organise Agro-tourism to Kenya. Please consider this package closely. I'm in when you can put something together

very nice suggestion, am in too

I have found out one secret in my sojourn in business. If you want to make it big time; i mean you want to be earning 6 digits income monthly. You spend excessively on Branding. It comes back in 3 folds.

But wait oo. How can one kick start branding for fruits/veggies?

Pavore9:
Dem be cousins Kenya don force me to know many, many veggies!

@Pavore. Can you share with us how fruits and vegetables are distributed in Kenya?

@All. If you've seen vegetable and fruits are distributed/marketed in other climes. Lets share idea on this. I guess we'll find some insight from that.

it's obvious ICT is playing a big role in taking our agriculture 2 d next level. Thank u all 4 ur efforts, God bless. I am enjoying d thread.

2 things we need is focus and determination. I believe with this 2 qualities, no matter what happens, our persistence will break the ice.

Good Job Jasper7,

We are all following......

jasper7:
2 things we need is focus and determination. I believe with this 2 qualities, no matter what happens, our persistence will break the ice.

Nice one Jasper

This thread must not end here ohhhhhh. I am following. Kudos to Jasper n co

endy231:
This thread must not end here ohhhhhh. I am following. Kudos to Jasper n co

kai.. una say make I continue?

jasper7:
kai.. una say make I continue?

Yes now


.

Awesome thread. Ive. Been thinking of branding of agricultural produce for a while now. I think its a good idea that should be implemented. The nigerian mentality and environment doesnt favour farmers i.e unfair pricing transportation challenges no storage facilities etc. I and my partners are running a small scale farming operation and sometimes im afraid that we wont be able to sell at a good price due to the bargaining syndrome and i think fruit branding can be used to stop it.

saliubello:
I believe its our distribution system that is working against us. Since the distribution system is not organised, then not much can be gotten or expected. Branded farm produce will not see the light of the day ( will not move the market) if it is being distributed under this chaotic open market system we are operating.

Please note that if the packaging is gotten right. The sky is the limit. I understand people who grow broilers birds in large scale usually run into challenges disposing their bird during off-seasons but Zartech and Syed farms (ibadan) are doing creditably well in that aspect. But guess what- these 2 giants are owned and run by lebanese who are "suppossedly whites". My point here is because of our import all mentality and our belief that all that is made by whites are best. We neglect our indigenous innovations.

Agricultural produce branding can not go alone except highly organised distribution centers are opened up which will seem more like a chain of agricultural fruits stores.

You are looking in the right direction anyway. But remember this will cost a fortune but the pros far outway the cons.

You are right. That mile 12 will kill the prospects for branded fruits.

jasper7:
Just got back into my favourite town - Owerri. . Good to be back home. The fresh air in my front yard is refreshing.

Today, I want to talk about marketing. I have always received calls from prospective farmers and the one major question they ask is... "is there market for it?".

My answer to that question is "I don't know". And to be honest, that's the only answer available.

The truth is, there's no "kinetic" market sitting and waiting for anybody. But there's is always a "potential" market. when I talk of potential and kinetic, I talk of prospective and moving. I would come back to talk more about that. Let me go and greet my staff and fellow farmers.

Owerri you say!!! And I have been seeing your post on nairaland and as well, looking for where I can learn some of the vegetables you grow[na God send you come. I school in futo and will like to meet you. Just sent you a PM. God bless

jasper7:
ohkay... I remember I promised to talk on marketing. Marketing can be viewed from different angles. And to the best of my knowledge, the major reason fresh food producers have been unable to build a sustainable market for their goods is because of the non-existence of branding in fresh food market.

Everybody just throws their weight in a public market which give room for massive displacement and poaching between suppliers and distributors.
U
Imagine if peak milk had no name on it. and it was just a milk shared in cups. Yes, peak milk will mantain it's quality, but do you really believe peak milk will still be in business?

Branding gives room for advertising and also room for easy introduction of new product.

For instance, if Jasper cucumber is popular in Lagos, Jasper cabbage, carrot and watermelon will not fin a hard time selling in Lagos.

Can someone tell me exactly why we don't brand our products in Nigeria?

taxation from all levels of government

miqos02:
taxation from all levels of government

Bane of new and upcoming structured business

cava:
@msjj as for the brocoolli and cauliflower planted in jos, were they planted on open field or in green house? and where do they source their seeds from. please respond. the berries you planted, were they also done openly or green house. if in open field, can they survive in the south west ogun state to be precise considering the weather.

Broc n cauli were are planted by local farmers, definitely not greenhouse, the berries were open field, not sure about their survival but you cant say till you try.

Is this applicable to an investor (who is not a practicing farmer)?

jasper7:


The idea of not putting all your eggs in one basket doesn't apply in agribusiness. especially for someone who is starting new, commercially.

Good Job.. Jasper.