₦airaland Forum

princesschuks:
Hello house, please what quantity can one get from planting ugwu on an acre of land?

Your question is open end, because the best way to quantify it by quantity is by weighing. And you hardly come across a market woman ready to buy ugu leaves based on Kilogram.

But quantifying it based on return of investment has been helpful in the ugu business projection.


Ejula Farm.

SURVEY

Hello house, it has been a great journey so far. In other to make this learning process concrete, I will like everyone especially the experienced ugu farmers to help take this 1 min survey so has to ascertain the pricing methodology for Ugu leaves.

I will greatly appreciate your input. I will share the survey with only the respondents. So please kindly respond.

Please you don't have to be an existing farmer to fill this survey out but you should have concrete information on how Ugu leaves is sold in your location.

Survey link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6vJZCG71OC6b5SgN7SUbM-PPHdQdlqSxYfBnRKxZ7ymWY7w/viewform

Thank you.

Ejula Farm

youngzoologist:
My brother...just want to say a big thank you to you for encouraging many to go into dry season ugu farming. I must confess to you, that many who claimed to be professionals have discouraged me and my team from going further....but to God be the glory....our ugu sprouted very well today.

That's a good looking ugu leave. I am glad you went ahead despite the critics.

More grease to your elbow.

Road to Success

Ejula Farm

olaide68:
Great farmer,how can we produce 3 cycle of Ugwu farm during this dry season?What is the calendera.I am willing to plant my Ugwu next week with full irrigation system,raingun sprickler.

I believe 2 cycles is possible in the dry season if one start by early November. Factoring a total of 6 harvest in 10-15 days interval.

Proper and adequate fertilization is key.


Ideally, 3 cycle for the whole calender year

[quote author=Midekun post=51344253][/quote]If you have Irrigation nothing should stop you from doing 3 cycles of Ugu farming.

In times of income, dry season will give you more but also factor that you will be dealing with a lot of pest and grazing issue (fulani).

Wet season is also productive but make sure you have a market for your produce.


Ejula Farm

deedii:
Hello sir, a wonderful job you are doing here, Please which pesticide do you advice for Ugu leaves?

I settle with organic i.e. Neem Oil.

stagger:
This is a good thread. But the big question for which we need a genuine answer is this:

How does someone invest into a really commercial-scale ugu farm (about 10 hectares or more) without going bankrupt trying to fence such land against these herdsmen, seeing we have a government that is unconcerned about checking this menace? We are now in the dry season and these people will definitely be more desperate to look for what their cows will eat.

If they can graze at will without being confronted right inside our national stadium in Abuja, then they can get into any ugu farm that is not fenced.

Someone please tell me this is not a genuine concern.

Sure it is a genuine concern. Any recommendation I make here will be so costly and still a repetition and the guarantee may not be grounded.

Because fulani herdmen issue is actually a national one. I hope we will go round it in the nearest future.

Ejula Farm.

I concur on poultry waste. Nothing compared to organic.

On herbicide usage, I will still stick to organic (Neem Oil).


Ejula Farm

Weeding

Phase A was due for weeding today. Factoring the 3 weeks interval into the equation.

We should know it did not rain through out except for just one little shower about 4 days back.

The mode of watering the plant was very strenuous considering the resources needed to get our irrigation is yet to come through. But we have to do what we have to do.

So lesson learnt: Try to have irrigation on ground considering pale and bucket is very very strenuous.


So the Pictures you see below is Ugu leaves for Phase A at 3 weeks.

Note: There is no application of fertilizers yet. But it is due.


Ok. That should be it. Hope you had a great day.


Ejula Farm

Kalusam:
Following keenly, will add my own experiences and advice with time.

I am glad Oga Kalusam saw this post. So credit is definitely due to him. Kalusam, I intentional want you to see this thread before I send you a message on whatsapp.

I want the house to know I learnt everything on Ugu farming from kalusam despite it was just 4 hours on that fateful day in Epe.

His thread should explain better. https://www.nairaland.com/2869280/make-200000-naira-more-monthly

Thank you.


Ejula Farm.

@fison, I am glad you are motivated. But despite the promising nature of this business (Ugu farming), the required input is demanding for a middle earner.

Cost of setting up a profitable Ugu vegetation with a probable ROI of 150-190%(this is higher doing dry season) is roughly about 250k. This does not include security (fencing - to discourage intrusion).

So you see, for 10 Hectares (definitely a mechanized approach will be adopted), you need about 6.25m (Just startup). Please remember investment needs to be protected (So fencing is no option) and even I am researching on agric insurance (Another cost on its own if it exist). Yet to ascertain how far as a country we have gone in this area.

But remember IT IS SO POSSIBLE. I'm just been so real to you.

Send me an email. (see signature)

Be Inspired.

EJULA FARM.

olaide68:
We can mobilise Ugwu farmers to produce more for the purpose of export.This agric section has been of help to us,many groups of farmers have been formed.We will get there,God grace

So true, a journey of a mile begins with a step. We shall get there and I see the energy here from the questions and recommendation.

Best regards

Ejula Farm

Pavore9:
Post harvest preservation that retains its refreshness for up to a week without the use of electricity will be a game changer for farmers. There are solutions out there.

I concur and hopefully I will come across it.

SWOT Analysis

Export Potential

I have done some research to an extent as regard the potential involved in exporting Ugu leaves.

From my findings, the EU and the states, have other uses for our Ugu leaves. And on the top of the list is the production of blood tonic. You should understand that this discovery is just recently being harnessed by EU and the states as it pertains to sourcing Ugu from Nigeria.

So what better time to climb on board.

The good news is that not much is required from my reliable findings.

One can take it too far when one considers getting the following but it is beneficial at the long run

-NEPC Export licence

- NAQS Certification.

Both are easy to acquire especially NEPC.

But one can skip all this by employing the service of a reliable courier to bridge the gap.

You may ask why I have not venture into it...

The answer lies in the fact that all things are ready except farming on a commercial scale. Which company wants to concern it self with just 2 plots of Ugu vegetables.

Question like, can I deliver a particular ton at a particular time comes to mind.

From my research, the tasking thing to be done is

Commercialize Ugu farming.

And that's why this thread was created. I really want it to help someone out there in all honesty that's why I am not holding back.

I would have love to give more info on export but it makes no sense if I have not tested the waters first so has to explain based on experience and not theory.

But soon, you all will be privileged to the information.


Be Inspired.

Ejula Farm

Pavore9:
Following.

Really encouraged to see you are following Sir.

@youngzoologist,

Can you send your number to either

info@ejulafarm.com or ejulafarm@hotmail.com

*Privacy issue.

Out of the Box Thinking

Preserving Ugu Leaves:

This area is yet to be really understudied considering our lack of interest. An harvested Ugu can still retain its freshness if stored in the fridge. But for how long, I am yet to ascertain.

Is there an opportunity for this area to yield great return no matter the invested capital? Considering building a cold room gulp up huge cost.

Or is there a more cost effective way in achieving this?

The preservation of Ugu leaves is a huge bearing branch in the value tree of Ugu farming and this can be felt by everyone doing the dry season pricing.

This idea can help one out there if you have the time and tenacity to study it.

I will update of my progress soon by God's grace.

Good morning

Ejula Farm

To plant ugu seed.

Let the pointed side be neither up or down but rather by the side. Please do check the video. I cross checked and it is fine from my end.

Ejula Farm.

SWOT Analysis

Threats


Everything around us is threatened including the air we breathe in. So goes for Ugu farming. Proper understanding of these threats and ways to curb them will go a long way to make the ugu farmer profitable.

I will state some of the threats but in generic form.

Diseases: Most of the diseases that affect ugu leaves are airborne. Fungi growth on leaves is also a big threat to ugu farming considering that it is majorly farmed for its leaves.

Insects: Yes, insects are attracted to good looking broad , greenish ugu leaves . Is not only we humans that know good thing. A simple solution to this is spraying a mixture of neem oil mixed with water. This has proved to be highly effective.

Animals: The fulanis and their cows comes to mind. Anyway, lets hope for the best as far this threat is concerned. Because doing the dry season, there will be drier and fewer vegetation and which fulani won't want a good greenish ugu leaves to feed his cows. Part of the solution is to create a form of barrier around your farm. Though costly, with little time frame, one will recoup his/her investment. The barriers can be a fence block or welded Iron bars.

Lack of irrigation: Anything can happen but it is better to be prepared especially doing the dry season farming. Make sure your pumping machine and source of water is intact. You never can tell.

Market: How accessible are you to the market place? Please give this a very serious thought before delving into this enterprise. If your farm is far from a settlement, do you have a form of transportation aid (bike, motor) to convey your produce to the market?

Poor Understanding: The good book i.e. the bible, states that my people perish for lack of understanding. Understanding is synonyms to acquiring knowledge. Have you done your homework to better understand the rudiments of ugu farming? This will go a long way, I tell you.


I hope this will help you better understand the threats associated with this farming. The list is not in anyway exhaustive, but as I come across any addition, I will add it up.

Be Inspired


Ejula Farm

lanre2009:
Thanks for the update.....What is the cost of 10,000 seeds in Lagos/Ogun state

Budget this price range: 25 - 70 Naira per seed.

Depends on ur bargaining power

Simple video tutorial on planting ugu seed

I have created a 30 seconds lite weight video tutorial on how to correctly plant ugu seed. It is very crucial, one get the planting right.

I will also paste the link at the first page for those that don't read beyond page 0


Ejula Farm



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_C58UO43m0

UPDATE

I am happy to say I have completed planting for my first land for this project. The total size of the Land is roughly 1.5 plot i.e. 1000 sqm.

The total area planted is roughly 70%. The other 30% took care of the walk path, spacing.

The Total seeds planted - 2,317 seeds

To beds created - 15 beds

To divide: 4 (phase A, B, C, D)


I will continue to update the house on my progress.

Be Inspired...


EJULA FARM

deeone4u:
@ Ejulafarm
Thanks a lot for the inspiration.
Pls,what quantity of seed is required to cover an hecter

Really depends on your spacing.

For 1m * 1m - 10,000 seeds

For 1.5-2 ft * 1.5-2 ft - 20,000 seeds.

Hope this helps.

olaide68:
Good daySir,how is work?Sir I am a keen follower of this trend.I want to ask these questions,I have a waterlog swamp area that intend to use for ugwu production,do I need to make ridges for Ugwu to do well?How often do I water the area if I need to water atall since it is waterlog?I promised to update you on my progress.

There're varying reason for creating ridges.

But the main reason I created one on the water logged area of my farm is to prevent excess water and also it acts as a caution effect should in case an unexpected rain falls at the start of the dry season (This scenario do play out at times).

Other reasons are

- Easy weeding
- Protects the root.

UPDATE:

I will be posting update pretty soon. The germination rate is very encouraging.

To Success.


Ejula Farm

youngzoologist:
Indeed I'm encouraged by the likes of ejula....and happy to share my experience in our group ugu project....we adopted a 1m * 1m plant spacing on an hectare....and planted a seed per hole.....I hope to also share pic of them once they sprout......

Really excited that you have started your project. From your land size and spacing, you are targeting planting 10,000 seeds.

May your effort yield bountifully.

Ejula Farm

olaide68:
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Welldone and more grease to your elbow. Do post your progress to help people out there and get advice.

Mistymash:
@ejula farms,good day.
Thank you for the opportunity to learn here. God's blessings.

Please may I ask? I intend farming ugu next year rainy season to utilise the rain as I don't have a means to dig a well now. What are the disadvantages in farming ugu during the rainy season?

From your knowledge and experience where can I access the best seeds for planting and also cost?

Can I just clear the flat land,apply like cow dung then plant my ugu seeds?

Thank you and sorry for the long write up.

Nothing is wrong planting during the rainy season, the only setback people assume as setbacks is the "excess" availability of the leaves. But that is NOT true because, I believe the demand outshine the supply.

I still believe you should plough if the soil is hard. If not, your recommendation can fly.

"Best" seeds? Well, go to a farm and see ugu leaves for yourself. If you see very broad and dark green leaves, they you should opt for the pods.

Wish you the best

SWOT ANALYSIS

Opportunities

Yes, the opportunity of Ugu farming is huge and it is a bankable investment.

- The export opportunity abound. Buyers look out for sellers

- The commercialization of this business is really at its incipient stage. So this translate to less competition

- Local market is readily available: Igbos, yorubas, ibibios, efik, itsekiri, just to name a few eat it almost on a regular basis

A lot of opportunities out there. It is left for you to put that little effort to get it. Use the hoe and cutlass first and plan adequately, trust me, you will get your dream farm in no time.

I am glad i am showing my starting point to the world at this time, so that in the near future, no one will see it has a magical feat.


Be Inspired.

Good morning from

EJULA Farm

I finished clearing Phase D yesterday evening, the final phase for this portion of land. I am expecting better yield in this particular land because it has been left to fallow for up to 15 years.

I intend making good use of this fertility potential by planting more seed. The Phase D is also gully in a way, so water is usually trapped in the soil for longer time.

I also notice more of a mix of clay with loamy and sandy soil in this particular phase. This will help the water retention capability of the soil.

Yes, I am hopeful, the yield will be encouraging.

And hey, It seems bigger in size than its counterpart but I am yet to take measure.

I have attached a picture of it. It starts from where the barrow is located to the end of the wall.

For the records, I am excited this thread is linking buyers to seller. The objective of helping the unemployed is looking real.

Okay I stated earlier I was done planting Phase C and here is the summary of it with pictures.

Phase C

Size: Approx. 150 sqm

Total seed planted: 430

It is important that I state that every single seed planted on Phase C, all 430, are already about germinating (divided seed- sign of germination). So I am expecting it to sprout within 7 days.

Now this is the lesson:

When you get seed in huge quantity, make sure the already cracked or divided seed are selected out and planted. Don't sun dry it since the embryo is already exposed.

The picture below is a snap shot that includes Phase B and C. You will notice 8 beds in all.

You may ask, why Bed?

For easy accountability and management in the shortest form.

Ugole2013:
Seeds and bunches ready for sale

Good Quantity. Prefer bunches . Let me finish my planting this week (Remaining about 800 to plant) . I will place a call to you.