METHODS OF PLANTING UPLAND RICE

Sowing Time:
Just like many other grains, upland rice cannot be farmed all through the year. There are specifics periods when you can plant your seeds in order to get the best yield. Upland Rice seed sowing time depends mainly on the agroecology of your area. However, the best time to sow is between April and June.
For Savana agroecology between May and June is the best time, while Forest agroecology (e.g. some areas in Ekiti state) is April to May.

Sowing Methods:
i. You can open a spot in the soil of about 2-3cm deep, and then you put about 8 seeds and cover it up. When you do this, you can use a spacing of 30cm by 30cm and seed rate of 50-60kg/ha; or

ii. You can also drill a small hole of 3cm deep; there you can plant your seeds. Let your spacing be 25cm by 5cm, that is you drill a hole 25-30cm behind the first hole and 5cm beside the first hole.

iii. You may as well choose to broadcast your seed, which is spreading the seeds on the surface of the soil. Seed rate; 80 – 100kg/ha.

Remember to always use Good Agricultural Practices to avoid loss of yield and to get the best quality produce possible.

Source: Africa Rice Center (WARDA)

for more info
call Abayomi: 08107000957

Ofada rice is a heritage rice variety, which is exclusively grown in south-west Nigeria (according to Wikipedia). Its name originated from the town “Ofada” in Ogun state. However, other states within the south-west also grow this variety. In Ekiti state, it called “Igbemo” also named after the the town where it is mostly found.


Oryza glaberrima is a rice variety that originates from Africa and it forms the major genetic make-up of Ofada or Igbemo rice.

With that said, let us talk about how to identify “real” ofada when you are in the market shopping for your heritage rice. Oh! Yes – with professor John Bull’s voice – I said "heritage" rice. Common its time to stop referring to Nigerian made products as local. We are a global country, with global standard.

In any case, we (as in you and I) may also refer to it has “Designer Rice”. And now, straight to the business…

How to Identify you “Ofada rice” in the market:


1. The stripes

Ofada rice is characterized by its brownish stripes. The stripes are a part of its genetic makeup and a result of semi-polishing. You should, however note that, not all the grains will have the brownish stripes. So when you notice one or two grains not having these stripes, look out for the next clue.

2. Grain size

Speaking of grain size, I do not mean you should go to the market with a measuring tape. Ofada rice grains are usually bigger and sometimes longer than the usual rice grains. For those planted in Igbemo Ekiti, they are larger in diameter and longer in length than most rice grains.
A note of warning: grain sizes can be a little bit tricky, in the sense that, there are some long grain heritage rice that are not Ofada, (for example: Supee) and there are some short and “fat” grains that looks like Ofada (Grade 4, gboko). Try as much as possible to confirm what you are buying with other clues.



3. Cooking Experience:

This one thing “ofada” rice is known for. After cook, it looks more like a brown and white design, nature’s beauty that you cannot miss. Some processors do however; over clean the rice such that it loses that beauty. You know what; just go for the ones with the brown and white stripes. Other cooking experience you should expect is the robustness of the grain. Also, observe its low starch content.



4. Aromatic smell:

Ofada has a recognizable odour, which is due to processing. Some processors are now beginning to remove the odour, while others still manage to keep it. However, in most cases ofada rice will have aromatic odour, which makes it standout from all other rice.
You can recognize your Designer rice anywhere in the market through these basic ways listed above.

As a wrap-up, it is better safe than sorry. Therefore, purchase you “Designer rice” (I mean Ofada rice) from a reputable source. There are many ‘wanna bees’ out there. Do not fall a victim. Be a victor and make the right choice.

For more information on your ofada rice; you can call me on - 08107000957

For some reasons, I believe you must have heard of some funny, quick startup tricks in agribusiness. And how you can eventually make some quick bucks or your first few millions. Well, as it stands, I am making my quick buck and living by processing, packaging and marketing indigenously farmed rice (you may want to call it OFADA, BENUE...RICE). Although, they are all different varieties but they have one thing in common HIGH NUTRITIONAL VALUE. This article is not for local rice...you can always call me if you want more information about that. 08107000957.

In order to have a great startup, I will share with you some tips I eventually learnt in the course of doing this business after making some mistakes. Mind you, these tips do not guaranty an error free startup, but it will surely help. However, I strongly suggest that you should look at some of these tips critically and choose that which best suits your situation. Now lets get down to business.

1. Assets, Machines, and equipment: As a startup, you will need to gather some of these things. However costly they might be. To do business in the agric sector you will need equipment and machines or else you will have your back and high labour cost to blame for it (ask your farmer grandpa, he'll tell you more). Nevertheless, as a beginner I will not advice you to get some of these machines from the onset, instead outsource them from those who already have them. This way you will reduce your startup cost and your new business will be very liquid. Therefore, it will be easier for you to start all over again, in case you hit the rock bottom. You might want to ask; what about the stress and cost of moving your products about? With good transport and other logistics well planned you won't have much trouble getting your products from the source to the final consumer.

2. Customers and Consumers: Customers and consumers are usually the same. I just like the sound of the rhymes. Your customers, as you may have already known, are your main source of income. They pay for everything, eventually they will pay your startup capital. Treat them like kings and queens. Get feedbacks before you go into production and after sales have been made. Design your products to suit your customers. And don't try to force a new product on them...just introduce it with love. You may want to use social networks to get feedbacks from would be customers, this would give you a better perspective on what to produce. You can also ask your customers to pay in advance. This is another way of raising funds.

3. Networking: For some obvious reasons, which I believe you know, networking is as important as your products and services are. Networking is a bit unique for agribusiness people. Simply because the kind of people you will have to network with, especially if you are a small timer, are not easy to deal with. Sometimes ago I was in the farm to get some rice paddy. While I was negotiating with my supplier, a village woman in her early 50ties, I saw a well dressed young man walking straight at us to ask questions about rice paddy and prices. The moment I saw him, I knew he wouldn't get a good deal. I left him with the woman to talk business. And the next thing I knew, the woman scuffed at him and went away to continue her chores. So I asked the young man what he had said to the lady. "Nothing" he responded carefully. To cut the long story short, he was obviously new to the environment and looked more like a government agent than a rice merchant which he was. Lesson learned? You need to network with both your customers, suppliers, distributors, financial advisers, other businesses...and the list goes on and on in order to always get a good deal. In the best case scenario good referrals the will change the state of your business.

I believe, I have been able to help a little if not much with these few tips. Notwithstanding, perhaps you are seriously considering starting up a business in the agric sector, and the capitals are not so much available. Lets talk. I don't believe in getting to the top before I start giving back. I give back through knowledge sharing and helping others grow. I will help you as much as I can. I believe with the help of God we will all get there. I see a day in which Nigerians, like myself and you, will feed this nation and many others.

Abayomi
08107000957
Crystal Gold.

sure... My business is in Ekiti, we can always meet

When I started, I thought it was a difficult thing. First, I went to Takum Local government in Taraba state to learn rice processing, because it was hard to find a large processing or milling enterprise in the southwest and most were not ready to teach. After my two weeks training in Taraba, I went to Benue state to make more findings. These two states are part of the largest rice farming states in Nigeria, and they are known to have a lot of small mills. Armed with the knowledge of rice processing and business from other states, I came to Ado Ekiti to establish a medium scale rice processing unit which has been thriving ever since. It was, as matter of fact, arguably the largest processing unit in Ekiti state. With this three years of ever increasing success in rice processing, packaging and marketing, I thought of sharing my knowledge, showing you how you can also profit by being a rice processor.

Business is business. It has no other name for it. Call it agribusiness or what have you, it is still business. To start you own rice business, you need a minimum capital of 60k. Well, as a startup you are not getting a processing unit with 60k. For records sake, you'll need about 100million to install an average of 20tons per day processing unit. Lets leave the quantity aside and focus on the small, I mean really really small scale rice business. Which you can start with 60k.

Step 1: Get your capital.
I don't know how. Just get your capital. Don't steal it cause you might end up in jail. You can ask a friend, tell your family, or just save it. I don't really advice borrowing, but if you can get it at 1 digit interest rate, why not?

Step 2: Decide your rice variety.
You really need to investigate all kinds of rice varieties in Nigeria. At least the popular ones. Usually always location determined. If you are from the North NERICA and Farrow should be your best bet. If you are in the sourhtwest, Ofada is most popular. The choice is yours.

Step 3: Decide your market
Better still, look for one. Your market is your business and not the product. Yes the product is the value you offer for money. But the people in your market are the ones that will pay. No pay no business.

Step 4: Look for a Your miller
This is where your work really starts. You need to go to the rural areas where there are local rice millers. Look for a miller with "near modern" equipment and excellent perboiling and drying techniques. Also look out for high level of hygiene. ADVICE: Make a call to a friend in such areas before you started out.

Step 5: Packaging! Packaging!! Packaging!!!
After all the work has been done. You must present yourself, your product in the right package to attract the best buyers.

Budget:
Transport and carriage 10k
Initial rice 21k
packaging 20k
misc. 8k

Abayomi 08107000957

Abayomi 08107000957

When I started, I thought it was a difficult thing. First, I went to Takum Local government in Taraba state to learn rice processing, because it was hard to find a large processing or milling enterprise in the southwest and most were not ready to teach. After my two weeks training in Taraba, I went to Benue state to make more findings. These two states are part of the largest rice farming states in Nigeria, and they are known to have a lot of small mills. Armed with the knowledge of rice processing and business from other states, I came to Ado Ekiti to establish a medium scale rice processing unit which has been thriving ever since. It was, as matter of fact, arguably the largest processing unit in Ekiti state. With this three years of ever increasing success in rice processing, packaging and marketing, I thought of sharing my knowledge, showing you how you can also profit by being a rice processor.

Business is business. It has no other name for it. Call it agribusiness or what have you, it is still business. To start you own rice business, you need a minimum capital of 60k. Well, as a startup you are not getting a processing unit with 60k. For records sake, you'll need about 100million to install an average of 20tons per day processing unit. Lets leave the quantity aside and focus on the small, I mean really really small scale rice business. Which you can start with 60k.

Step 1: Get your capital.
I don't know how. Just get your capital. Don't steal it cause you might end up in jail. You can ask a friend, tell your family, or just save it. I don't really advice borrowing, but if you can get it at 1 digit interest rate, why not?

Step 2: Decide your rice variety.
You really need to investigate all kinds of rice varieties in Nigeria. At least the popular ones. Usually always location determined. If you are from the North NERICA and Farrow should be your best bet. If you are in the sourhtwest, Ofada is most popular. The choice is yours.

Step 3: Decide your market
Better still, look for one. Your market is your business and not the product. Yes the product is the value you offer for money. But the people in your market are the ones that will pay. No pay no business.

Step 4: Look for a Your miller
This is where your work really starts. You need to go to the rural areas where there are local rice millers. Look for a miller with "near modern" equipment and excellent perboiling and drying techniques. Also look out for high level of hygiene. ADVICE: Make a call to a friend in such areas before you started out.

Step 5: Packaging! Packaging!! Packaging!!!
After all the work has been done. You must present yourself, your product in the right package to attract the best buyers.

Budget:
Transport and carriage 10k
Initial rice 21k
packaging 20k
misc. 8k

Contact me for more info.