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Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 9:09pm On Jan 25, 2017

Three liquid fertilizers were used.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 8:51pm On Jan 25, 2017

Bizclass:
Updated;
Tomato variety- Heirloom
Amount-4000 planted seeds.
Method used- Pure sackets and 2 artificial beds, made on black polyethylene materials to enhance ample heat retention in the soil.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 8:40pm On Jan 25, 2017

Bizclass:
JANUARY 17,2017

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 8:37pm On Jan 25, 2017

[quote author=Bizclass post=53128356][/quote]

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 8:36pm On Jan 25, 2017

Bizclass:
JANUARY 17,2017

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 8:35pm On Jan 25, 2017

JANUARY 17,2017

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 8:25pm On Jan 25, 2017

Having issues uploading pics. Will try again later.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 8:05pm On Jan 25, 2017

Updated;
Tomato variety- Heirloom
Amount-4000 planted seeds.
Method used- Pure sackets and 2 artificial beds, made on black polyethylene materials to enhance ample heat retention in the soil.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 7:35am On Jan 19, 2017

Willie2015:
- Managing a 4 acre farm is massive, pls start small to avoid wahala. You are good to go with quarter of an acre.
- Pls use good seeds from Sygenta, Technisem etc
- You need a good water source probably a borehole
- Labor must be on ground and guaranteed
- Your drip irrigation kit must be on ground

Those are your critical success factors.....

Bizclass:
Hmm, 4 acres of farmland is no joke. However, just 2 would be used and I'll definitely look into the suggestions( labour in particular) that you have provided.
Thanks.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 10:24pm On Jan 18, 2017

Hmm, 4 acres of farmland is no joke. However, just 2 would be used and I'll definitely look into the suggestions you have provided
Thanks.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 10:19pm On Jan 18, 2017*

Healthilyea:
my brother 1st of all kudos & a big well-done to you, farming is not an easy venture.
I have a little advice ... Not to burst ur bubble, or be a kill joy, the seeds from the source u got urs is gambling and calling for trouble . If it were to be a Home garden project, no problem , but on the scale you're aiming? Pls reconsider.
The most important investment of a farmer are the seeds he uses before even management practices. You have to know your seed source, d full seed info on resistance /susceptibility and management needs of the crop.
Ali express seeds just don't cut it, u don't even know the fruits/if any you'll get from these . Beef tomatoes are not native to our climate, so can't be grown anyhow, but with special requirements(greenhouse/nethouse). I also haven't heard you talk about nursery or water source as this is dry season.
I'll humbly advise you get seeds from companies with distributors in Nigeria such as Technisem, Continental etc.
U can also check out madam jethto2, soloxam, & world1 's threads.
All the best
#My two cents

My bro, I really do appreciate your concern and advice. Yes, before embarking on this project, we did some field experiment at Ekosodin, near the university of Benin, Edo state in March, 2016. The main goals behind establishing that farm was;
1. To determine whether hybrid/heirloom tomato seeds could survival in the SOUTH ?.
2. If it was possible to grow hybrid/heirloom tomato in the SOUTH in an OPEN FIELD SITUATION?
3. Is it possible for beef/heirloom varieties to bear fruits in the SOUTH?
A plot measuring 100ft by 100ft was used. However, the first/second batch did not germinate(upon the poultry manure that was used). A bit frustrated, we checked back on the website and that's when we realized that we have been making a mistake from the beginning. You see, as you have already noted, a Farmer needs to KNOW his seeds properly. What weather condition is bested suited for seed germination, growth and fruiting? What diseases are the seeds resistant too? These details were clearly spelt out on the website but we, somehow just failed to take note.(we did not even test soil ph.) We also realized that there were several varieties of tomato seeds, each with its own demands.Fortunately, the tomato seeds we purchased at the time was for the spring(rainy) season, so there was no need for irrigation. But you may want to ask, Did they fruit( beef tomato seeds in particular) and how long? I'll answer those questions in pictures with this current set. Insects issues didn't really surface at the time but that doesn't mean we are not prepared if there is an outbreak. And to irrigation, water will be supplied by the normal water tanker to the farm and we will disperse with the aid of a raingun. Between june/july that year, I visited a tomato farm in kano and i was told about some critical requirements, needed to guarantee their survival.
1.QUALITY OF SOIL on which they are grown.
2. Weather. (I'll talk about them subsequently)
I saw the threads you mentioned and I also saw a thread by kizyte on tomato farming. Maybe we just need to plant the seeds, nurture them and see what happens.

Much respect, my brother.

1 Like

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 9:34pm On Jan 17, 2017*

These are tomato heirloom and hybrid varieties that would be planted tomorrow and each pack contains 100 tomato seeds. Uploading pics from the farm after today's work failed( I'll try again)

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 6:53am On Jan 17, 2017

ice4u999:
I have my pen and paper ready and seriously following

You're welcome.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 6:42am On Jan 17, 2017

Arvinkris:
good works keep it up

Thanks bro

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 9:05pm On Jan 16, 2017

JANUARY 16, 2017.

Currently, two acres was cleared but i'll upload pics ONLY after the weeds have been removed entirely. This land preparation could take between 5 -7 days depending on the number of available manpower. For now, i'll discuss on a critical factor that all interested individuals must consider before investing their hard-earned capital into tomato farming. It is key to making good profit should you be able to SUSTAIN its presence in your farm. Please i need to Time out. Be right back.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 8:03pm On Jan 16, 2017

I'll begin with the cost of leasing the 4 acres.

JANUARY 14, 2017. Lease granted on these terms.

1. Cost per acre= #10,000.
2. Duration of lease= 2 years(subject to renewal)
3. Mode of Payment= Yearly.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 7:33pm On Jan 16, 2017

To potential investors, i'm going to provide details on the cost and challenges of setting up an acre for hybrid and heirloom tomato seeds. Basically, this information is NOT a general rule due to the fact that my cost and challenges may not be incurred by you. Instead, this thread is simply a guide to aid interested individuals setup their farms, apply modern farm practices and God's grace, He will bless our hustle with maximum yield.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 6:39pm On Jan 16, 2017

ice4u999:
Ok my brother. I don't know when yet I will have my land papers ready because I am going to start paying s for the land installmentally before the end of the year. As soon as I start payment only then will I have access to the land but if you don't mind will you be willing to help me or direct me to somebody that can help perform this test? If yes, please send me your contact details at ice4u999@yahoo.com. When it is time you can ask me to bring in soil samples to any location of your choice in Benin.

Lastly at your location do you know what the average cost is for an hectare?

His name is Buchi. 08098695428

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 4:16pm On Jan 15, 2017

ice4u999:
Sorry when I said price I was referring to buying out right. Any idea? Close to road access and away from road access. Thanks

Honestly, i don't have an idea.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 11:37am On Jan 15, 2017

Farming is practical, thus challenges must be expected. The nursery stage for tomato is not really challenging. Use organic compost like poultry waste. Fill the compost in pierced polythene bags, then sow your seeds(usually two seeds per bag) For me, work will commence on an acre tomorrow while setting up materials for the nursery stage will commence later. By current estimates, an acre will contain between 3500-5000 plants, using these measurements of either 2ft by 6ft or 2.5ft by 5ft. This method is practiced strictly by commercial tomato farmers.The 5ft or 6ft stands for the distance between ridges or rows( the distance from ridge A to ridge B) while the distance between plants in such ridges is set at 2ft or 2.5ft. However, operating this system requires a steady but balanced application of fertilizer. Please do not practice this system if you feel that there maybe some form of "future recession in your pocket". Hybrid and Heirloom are heavy "feeders", absorbing micro-nutrients too quickly( i call them"broiler plants"). I'll be right back.

1 Like

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 9:29am On Jan 15, 2017

ice4u999:
Ok my brother. I don't know when yet I will have my land papers ready because I am going to start paying s for the land installmentally before the end of the year. As soon as I start payment only then will I have access to the land but if you don't mind will you be willing to help me or direct me to somebody that can help perform this test? If yes, please send me your contact details at ice4u999@yahoo.com. When it is time you can ask me to bring in soil samples to any location of your choice in Benin.

Lastly at your location do you know what the average cost is for an hectare?

I'll talk to my friend. If he agrees, i'll send his contact detail to your email.Then, you need to send 4-6 soil samples per acre, taken from different spots within that acre.
To your question 2, prices for leasing an arce differ. In fact, proximity to social amenities like good roads and functional water supply are factors that determine prices in my locale, with prices ranging from #15,000-#30,000 per acre. In Government reserve areas, prices fluctuates between #3000 -#5000 per year. You can get "discount'' prices from Community leaders( odionwere) in most villages (#5000-#7000 per year). Just try and negotiate properly.

Just an advice; Accessible roads is an important factor. Tomatoes are perishable items which MUST be handled with great care. I hope this helped.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 7:20am On Jan 15, 2017

Good morning Nairalanders

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 3:48pm On Jan 14, 2017*

@ ice. My brother, i'll take your questions without delay. I don't know of any firm in Benin that undertake soil pH test. Estimates(results) derived from using vinegar or baking brown soda are not that bad. At least, you will have an idea of the nutrient value of soil at your disposal and profer a measure of solution to it. For tomato varieties, its crucial to maintain soil acidity throughout their lifespan to enjoy maximum yields.

1 Like

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 2:55pm On Jan 14, 2017

However, you can perform your own soil pH test by using vinegar and baking brown soda to test for soil acidity and alkalinity. Mix your soil sample with vinegar and add water. Should it produce gaseous substances, buzzing or crackling sound, it means that you have an alkaline soil, with pH 7-8. But If there is no reaction, take another soil sample and mix with your baking brown soda. Should you notice the above reaction, you have an acidic soil with a possible pH of between 5-6. The major disadvantage with this test is that your result is based on estimates and probables(ph6-7) instead of accuracy (6.1,6.5).

1 Like

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 2:21pm On Jan 14, 2017

Lol. Not a company bro but an educational institution. A friend of mine studies crop science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Ugbowo campus, Benin City, Edo State. He used their agric. lab.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 2:13pm On Jan 14, 2017

The soil ph test result was 6.1. According to my friend Buch, this meant that I have a slightly acidic soil that lacks ample phosphorus,boron and molybdenum but enough nitrogen. Tomato farmers require sufficient amount of these micronutrients in their soil to enable plant grow and blossom( nitrogen in particular). You can use the traditional N.P.K fertilizers. Currently, i don't have an idea about its cost per bag in Benin but it cost about #8000 per bag in Abuja.However, I'h already placed an order for liquid fertilizers which practically cost less. I upload pics as soon as I receive the package.

1 Like

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 12:48pm On Jan 14, 2017

No, I don't plan on expanding to other parts.

1 Like

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 12:09pm On Jan 14, 2017*

Let me talk some more about the aforementioned varieties. Heirloom tomato fruits are usually delicate and saucy,thus a farmer can incur huge damages and significant losses.In other words, they require more care than their hybrid "colleague".The seeds I purchased has a life expectancy of a year and is also expected to produce throughout. According to the company that sold them, they are resistant to diseases such as verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt race 1 and 2, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Root Knot Nematodes and Stemphylium(Gray leaf Spot). To prevent bacteria wilt, you need to add copper fungicide or in powder form to your soil before transplanting.

Note; Before making any purchase on seeds, be certain that its best suited to the ecosystem of your region. Some seeds do well during the spring(rainy) season while others, summer(dry) season.

1 Like

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 11:17am On Jan 14, 2017*

I'll upload more pics as soon as the acres are cleared of weeds. For the meantime, it has been difficult to acquire poultry waste for the nursery stage. My people, i was even at an animal farm site, owned by the University of Benin today to source for it but the management told me that it was unavailable. My search still continues.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 10:40am On Jan 14, 2017

Exact farm location; Ugbojubo community, Ovia Northeast L.G.A, Edo State.

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 1:49am On Jan 14, 2017

By morning, i will receive the test result on soil ph. Tomato plants require an acidic soil nature,ranging from 6.2 to 6.8( From experience, I stick with 6.8 if you are seeking to cultivate healthy plants and harvesting good yield). And they do well on loamy soil. Its very essential to get the right soil nutrient balance.Why? I will be back.

2 Likes

Agriculture › Re: Bizclass-open-field Tomato Farming In Edo State (heirloom And Hybrid Varieties) by Bizclass(op): 1:27am On Jan 14, 2017

Just a suggestion; if you can afford to buy a few acre(s), please do so because the amount that is charged for leasing an acre(s)(both by agents and owners alike) might sometimes be outrageous. In addition, sought for a written agreement.

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