₦airaland Forum

IITA have a store in Lagos, Better still you can ask Cucumber farmers around for where they get their seeds

wengerman:
we in Lagos not close to iita in Ibadan where can one get good seeds.is all this foreign seeds okay

Details like??

Snail market in Nigeria is rising due to the acceptance of snail meat, which has lead to an increase in demand for snails. The nutritional, medicinal and economic importance of snail meat has encouraged its marketing in Nigeria. The snail market in Nigeria proved profitable due to the estimated positive values of net marketing income and net returns on investment recorded by the farmers, wholesalers, and retailers. The prices of snail range from one location to another and snails are more expensive during the dry seasons. On the average, the price of a matured snails goes for #500- #1000 depending on the size and location.
The demand for snail meat is high and there is a guarantee for markets. Various channels which snails can be marketed include Hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, local markets, companies who use snail slime as their raw material and to beginner’s who are just starting their snail farms.
The international trade in snails is flourishing in Europe, Asia, and North America. There is also a good market for snail meat in the international market if only you can do a good packaging.
You can make millions of naira from this vast and unlimited market. Snail farmers are making a huge profit as the global demand for the delicacy increases.
You now see that this is an opportunity for you to get rich.
Also, before harvesting your snails, conduct a market survey, look for a potential market, and know the sizes and how they want it i.e. processed or live snail.
Maxipharo Agri Consult is committed to assist you by providing complete integrated agribusiness consulting services.
Precisely, Maxipharo Agri Consult undertakes to:
• Help you build your own snail farming unit.
• Provide you with the know-how for the proper and smooth management of the snail farming unit.
• Offer specialized consulting services and feasibility studies.
• Also offers marketing services.
CONTACT: Farotimi Olaoluwa
Tel no: 07062385874
E-mail: maxipharo@gmail.com

The full potentials of agribusiness opportunities in Nigeria have not been fully tapped, there is an abundance of opportunities yet to be fully explored by agripreneurs. One of the untapped opportunities in agribusiness is cucumber farming.
Cucumber farming in Nigeria is a very profitable agribusiness due to its popularity, acceptance and health benefits. Individuals who have invested in cucumber farming in Nigeria can attest to its profitability. Cucumber is not as complex as other areas of agriculture, one can start cucumber farming in Nigeria with little or no experience in farming.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is one of the most important exotic vegetables in the country. It is the fourth most cultivated vegetable in the world and known to be one of the best foods for the body’s overall health. It is one of the most popular members of the Cucurbitaceae family.
There are several reasons cucumbers farming in Nigeria have become accepted in recent years. This acceptance drives the high consumption rate of cucumbers, which increases its demand. Here are a few benefits of cucumber:
Benefits of Cucumber

Cucumber is high in Nutrients
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals, protein, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, manganese. To maximize their nutrient content, cucumbers should be eaten unpeeled. Peeling them reduces the amount of fiber, as well as certain vitamins and minerals.
Cucumber contains Antioxidants
Fruits and vegetables, including cucumbers, are especially rich in beneficial antioxidants that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases
Cucumber Promotes Hydration
Water is crucial for the body’s function like temperature regulation and the transportation of waste products and nutrients. Because cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, they are especially effective at promoting hydration and can help meet daily fluid requirements.
Cucumber aid in weight loss
Cucumbers could potentially help in weight loss. Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water and can be used as a low-calorie topping for many dishes. All of these may aid in weight loss.
Cucumber Promote Regularity in the Body
Cucumbers help support regular bowel movements, Dehydration is a major risk factor for constipation, as it can alter your water balance and make the passage of stool difficult.
Cucumbers are high in water and promote hydration. Staying hydrated can improve stool consistency, prevent constipation and help maintain regularity.
Cucumbers can be eaten fresh or pickled. They can be enjoyed as a low-calorie snack or used to add flavor in a variety of dishes.
Skin Care
Cucumber is also rich in silica, which is an essential component that aids in developing strong and healthy connective tissues in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones.
Steps on how to start a Cucumber farming in Nigeria

Conduct market survey
It is always important to carry out the necessary survey when starting any agri-business. Conduct a background search and feasibility study. Gather information as much as you can on cucumber farming in Nigeria, how it is been done, how to set up your farm at the right location, target markets, their requirements, and prices.
Carrying out feasibility study before starting cucumber farming in Nigeria will help you understand the implications of starting your cucumber farm, including the required capital, your competitors, and potential target market.
Site Selection
Cucumber can be grown in almost all the part of the country so it doesn’t really matter where you’re located. Light to medium, well-drained loam soil is the best for cucumber cultivation, soils rich in organic matter with moderate soil moisture. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is recommended for best growth. Ideally, the selected area should have sufficient exposure to sunlight because sunlight is very essential for cucumber growth. Finally, the selected site shouldn’t be too far from your potential market or target customers.
Selecting the right seeds
This is one of the important factors that determine the success of cucumber farm in Nigeria. Buy seeds only from a reputable source, do not buy seeds from an open market. Purchase seeds of cucumber that favour the climate of your area. You can always get varieties of seeds from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) nearest to you.
Planting
Cucumber can be planted at any time of the year. Cucumber needs adequate water to thrive, so if you’re planting during the dry season, there should be an irrigation system in place to ensure sufficient water supply to the plant. You can plant on the bed and you should ensure the right spacing between the plants.
After planting, it is necessary to support the growing plant with stakes or pillars. This is because cucumber plants are climbers by nature and they require the necessary support for optimal growth.
Weed and Pest Control
Weed and pest control are one of the important management practices to ensure optimum cucumber production. Weed control in cucumber farming can be carried out through a variety of methods which include the use of cover crops and mulches, cultivation and hand weeding, and applications of herbicides targeting the specific types of common weeds in a particular field. Cucumber plants are vulnerable to varieties of insect, bacterial, fungal, and nematode infections. Early identification of infections is key to a successful management. Disease prevention methods in cucumber farming include crop rotation, good site selection, sanitation, soil treatments, and appropriate seed selections.
Try to prevent the leaves of cucumber from turning yellow, but if it does, do apply high nitrogen fertilizer.
Harvesting
Cucumber is usually harvested after 40-45 days after planting depending on the variety planted. Harvested cucumber when the fruit is still green in color, avoid the cucumber is not ripe before you harvest them.
Harvesting of cucumber is usually done manually with hands and the fruits should be handled with care to prevent bruises and damages.
After harvest, wash the cucumber in water and packaged for sale

Marketing
After Harvesting Cucumbers can be sold in retail, wholesale, in a market near you, or to companies that specialize in cucumber processing. All you need to do is ensure that the cucumbers are green, big, attractive, fresh and juicy, and of a high quality.
Cucumbers are in high demand, and as long as you inform target markets that you have cucumbers you will have them waiting in line to buy them.

http://www.agricincome.com/cucumber-farming-in-nigeria/

Watermelon farming in Nigeria is now widespread in all most the regions of the country and is mostly grown for fresh consumption of the juicy and sweet flesh of the mature fruit. It is one of the most popularly grown fruit vegetables in the country today.

Watermelon farming is one of the most lucrative agribusinesses in Nigeria because it gives an incredible return on investment. One of the major reasons watermelon is in high demand in Nigeria is its high nutritional value and high yield. Watermelon is very rich in vitamins C and A.
Starting Watermelon Farming in Nigeria

Site/Land selection

Watermelon can be grown in a wide range of soils as long as there are good drainage and adequate fertility. Watermelons grow best on non-saline sandy loam or silt loam soils. Sandy soils have limited water-holding capacities and must be carefully irrigated and fertilized to allow for high yield potential. The soil should have a pH of 5.8 to 6.6 and rich in organic matter with moderate soil moisture.

Land preparation

The field selected for watermelon farming should be prepared thoroughly by plowing and harrowing and removing plant debris. It should also be pulverized and leveled; furrows are made 2 m apart.

Selecting a variety

The profitability of watermelon largely depends on the type of variety selected. Select high yielding variety and disease resistant variety. Also, select variety based on the target market, because variety that is not accepted in the market can lead to low profit or total failure of the business. Select also the variety that is adapted to the production area.

Also, avoid buying watermelon seeds from open markets as these seeds may already be contaminated by diseases or of a low yield seed. Always buy watermelon seeds from reputable sources.

Planting

Watermelon is best planted at the outset of the rainy season or when the rainy season is almost done. This will allow for low relative humidity, a condition essential for normal growth of watermelon. In the northern part of Nigeria, early season planting is in May and late season planting in July. But with functional irrigation in the north, it could be planted all-round the year. The rows for watermelon seeds should be of 1.4 -2.5 m and the distance between crops in a row is to be from 0.5- 2 m.

Fertilizer Application

Watermelon has moderate nutrient requirements compared to other vegetable crops, and because of its deep rooting, it is efficient in extracting nutrients from the soil.

Irrigation

Watermelon is a deep-rooted crop with the ability to tolerate a significant degree of soil moisture stress, peak production requires timely irrigation. After crop establishment (either by seed or transplant), irrigation may be withheld for a period of several weeks to encourage deep rooting. However, irrigation should be managed to minimize water stress throughout the fruiting stage.

In the past, watermelon was usually irrigated by the furrow method; irrigation was applied based on soil moisture status. In recent times, many watermelon farmers have adopted drip irrigation. Drip irrigation lines are typically buried in the center of the soil beds. The irrigation system may be renovated each production season or left in place for a number of years, depending on the farmer’s management scheme and crop rotation. There is need to irrigate watermelon once a week only at early stages of its development. Later, it will be able to provide itself with moisture on its own, with its long roots. Therefore, when watermelons became mature, you are to stop watering them.

Weed control

Weed infestation can cause a drop in watermelon yield. Therefore weeds should be controlled either mechanically or by the use of herbicides. Mechanical cultivation and hand hoeing are needed to control weeds before plants have vined. Several pre-emergence herbicides are available that will control germinating broadleaf weeds and grasses in seeded and transplanted watermelons if used properly. Herbicides are economical when used as narrow-band applications in the planted row. Other chemicals can be used as a lay-by application between the rows before vines begin to run.

Disease control

Watermelons are susceptible to several diseases that attack the roots, foliage, and fruit. Disease control is essential in the production of high-quality watermelons. A preventive measure that combines the use of cultural practices, genetic resistance and chemical control as needed usually provides the best results for watermelon production.

Cultural practices are useful for limiting the establishment, spread and survival of pathogens that cause watermelon diseases.

Many of the fungal, bacterial and nematode pathogens survive in old crop debris and in the soil. Grass crops are ideal for rotations where nematodes are a problem. Fields with the proper soil characteristics should be selected.

Harvesting

Watermelon usually reaches harvest after three months of planting depending on variety and season. Mature watermelon can be determined by glancing at the glossy rind surface. Other indications of maturity include a change in the color of the ground spot from white to light yellow; a change of tendrils nearest the fruit from green to brown and dry; thumping the fruit, a metallic, ringing sound indicates immaturity and a more muffled or dull sound indicates maturity or over maturity. Thumping is a reliable method to detect over maturity in round-shaped melons.

Marketing

Prior to harvesting your watermelon, locate a target market, know what they want and how they want it. Watermelon can be sold directly to the local markets or industries that use watermelon as their raw material. Depending on size watermelon can be sold from #400-1000 each. Also for successful marketing of watermelon adequate preparation should be in place to transport watermelon to the market as soon as possible.

The time is now!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“FISH FARMING AS A SOURCE OF INCOME” is now available for purchase……..
This E-book gives aspiring and beginner fish farmers an in-depth insight about fish farming, starting from site selection to pond stocking to feeds and feeding to fish pond management.
How to purchase
FISH FARMING AS A SOURCE OF INCOME can be purchase by placing your order via the following channels:
Whatsapp:07062385874
e-mail- maxipharo@gmail.com
You order will be sent after payment confirmation, please inform via text, whatsapp, bbm or email before making payments.
NOTE: You phone must be able to view PDF documents to be able to read the EBook.

Nice One

So many have said that it is impossible to rear birds without recording any mortality. Their conclusion may be out of their personal experience; they must have reared birds and must have recorded mortality frequently resulting to that concluding fact that there must be mortality (on a small scale or large scale, extensive or intensive farming). For the fact that there have been frequent records of mortality in so many poultry farms does not make zero mortality unattainable. Though it has not occurred constantly, but it has been on record.

In this article, we will be talking about those factors and strategies that make it difficult or almost impossible as some people think to rear chicken without recording any mortality. We will take it in steps and explain the causes of mortality to poultry birds {both day old chick [DOC], broilers, pullets, and layers}
There are so many things that cause mortality in poultry birds. Many of these are due to mishandling of the bird and not taking proper measures in managing the birds. Poultry birds are so fragile and delicate especially the exotic birds which have not fully adapted to the environmental conditions of the tropical regions.

CAUSES OF MORTALITY IN POULTRY BIRDS
Some of the factors that cause loss of birds in our poultry farms are:
Stress
Stress is one of those factors that cause loss of birds in most poultry farms, especially on the day-old chick. When these birds are transported from the hatchery to farm, most times in a long distance, they are being subjected to both internal and external stress. The harsh weather, the gallops on the road, inadequate water supply, and so many other stress-inducing conditions are the things that can make the birds prone to sickness and on a severe case cause death to these birds. Day old chicks are not only susceptible to these stress factors. Poultry birds in all stages are susceptible to these stress factors.
Heat stress[/b]
Heat stress can also be of negative effects to the birds. When this happens, the birds tend to go off feed and they take more of water to maintain homeostasis. Staying off feed will also contribute to stress thereby affecting the productivity of the birds negatively. The birds reared for meat, dual (meat and egg), and egg is affected.

[b]Lack of proper vaccination program
Chicken are susceptible to many infectious diseases; such as Newcastle disease, fowl pox, fowl typhoid etc that causes stress to birds and reduce feed intake, depressed growth and in severe cases can result to the death of the birds.
It is a good farm practice that any new flock of birds stocked should be properly vaccinated against endemic diseases to avoid disease outbreak which can lead to loss of birds in the poultry farm. When we say being properly vaccinated, it means that the dosage must be followed religiously as prescribed. The vaccine should be properly kept and stored in an optimum refrigeration temperature so that it will not be contaminated because if the vaccine gets contaminated, it will not be effective. This can make the pathogen develop immunity over the vaccine and then affect all the birds.
Poor /bad feedstuff
The quality of feedstuff is very important in poultry production. There are different feed for different stages of birds. The starter chicks require high protein in their feed more than the grower or finisher birds. Also, layers need high protein content in their feedstuff for egg production. The feed should be kept in a cool dry store where water will not soil the feed and contaminate it making it bad for consumption. In feed formulation, feedstuff should not have too much fat and oil content in it to avoid rancidity. If such feed is being fed to the birds, it may result to respiratory or digestive problem which could possibly lead to death.
Some breeds of birds are meant to grow fast and big in size like broilers (38g to 2.5kg in six weeks). To attain this growth, the chicken must be provided with correct feed. Since the cost of feed is high (about 70% of production cost), sometimes farmers mix good quality feedstuff with lower grade feed. Sometimes they feed with feed that has deteriorated or unfit for chicken consumption; resulting in poor growth performance and death.
Improper Housing
Poultry house should be able to protect the birds from predators, thieves and most importantly from harsh weather and not cause injury to the birds or expose the birds to harsh condition. Poultry house that is not properly constructed; with holes and patches can be easily invaded by predators. Bad or poor housing will lead to poor ventilation; whereby the in and out flow of air will not be well circulated resulting to suffocation and death.
Over crowding
Over populating the poultry farm can lead to so many harm on the birds. When a farm is over populated, the birds could be suffocated. This could also result to cannibalism, and serious competition among the birds; thriving to get feed, water or resting space. In the process of this competition, a bird could be injured or suffocate and die.

Poor litter management
Harmful bacteria thrive well in a wet litter. Birds will be exposed to these bacteria and may be infected. Wet and dirty litter emits ammonia gas which is dangerous to birds if its level in the air exceeds 25 ppm, the birds will be subjected to various stresses which could result to problems like irritation of the eyes and nasal membrane, poor feed intake, and growth rate. The birds will also be predisposed to coccidiosis and respiratory diseases like coryza, bronchitis etc. even if the ammonia emitted is below 15ppm, it still has bad effect on the birds. Wet litter results to dirty feathers, foot pad, lesion breast bruises/blisters. Affected parts of the birds will be rejected when processed for sale. If the birds eventually pick anything from the wet litter, they will be infected by this harmful bacteria resulting to illness and in severe cases lead to mortality.
In our next article, we will be discussing the possible way of rearing birds without recording any mortality.
http://www.agricincome.com/causes-of-mortality-in-poultry/

Hmmm

Nice one

Nice one

Pavore9:
Growing up in Lagos, we rarely bought bitter leaf, uha, ugu, scent leaf and Plantain as we had them on our property. Plantain, palm oil and ukwa (breadfruit) were also regularly sent to us from our farms in the village as it was loaded in trucks that used to transport drums of palm oil to Lagos for sale.

That is why till this day, I feel "somehow" buying plantain as my mind is kind of stuck to my childhood experience of harvesting plantain in our compound!

Backyard farming in Nigeria is still at the in fact stage due to the enactive approach to growing crops and rearing of animals within the neighbourhood. Increased urbanization and rising food prices are pushing more people into poverty, increasing their vulnerability to insecurity and malnutrition. Backyard farming can play a very big role in alleviating food insecurity and poverty in Nigeria by boasting local and household food production.
What is backyard farming?
Backyard farming refers to a mini or micro landscape farm, usually within a person’s neighbourhood or backyard just for personal consumption, it can either be crop or livestock farm, with the main objective been to produce food crops and rear animals for family/personal consumption.
Benefits of backyard farming
Nutrient value
It is impossible to know or to be sure of the quality of food crops one buys from the market. Fresh, homegrown food crops have higher nutrient value and superior flavor, compare to the ones gotten from the market. Most produce bought from the market are less nutritious because of the form of preservation, pesticides, and fertilizer used reduces the essential nutrients that are meant to be derived from them. Most crops especially vegetables start losing their nutrients immediately after harvest.
It saves cost
Easy access to food crops and meat from your backyard saves money at the market which can be diverted into other things. Backyard farming gives the comfort of growing and rearing animal right from your backyard which is way cheaper than purchasing from the market.
Health safety
Backyard farm gives you the opportunity to keep an eye on most of the things you consume. You harvest food crops and meat from your backyard free from toxins and other harmful pesticides and fertilizers which are harmful to the body.
All Year Round food/meat
Backyard farm gives room for round the year food crop production as different types of food crop can be grown, likewise, animals can be reared.
It serves as a means of exercise
Harvesting, feeding or weeding of your backyard farming also serve as a way of keeping fit, it also helps to also detoxify the mind.
How to utilize your backyard for farming
Vegetables
starting a backyard vegetable farm is one of the simplest form of farming. Vegetables are very suitable for backyard farming because they grow very fast in almost all the soils.
Turkey Rearing
Unlike chickens and other birds, turkeys are bigger birds that are usually allowed to move freely within a confined area for safety purposes.
Rabbits
Rabbit does not compete with humans for food, as kitchen leftovers, cut grasses and formulated or compounded feed can sustain them. Rabbit keeping does not require much capital for investment and maintenance. As little space is needed.
Sheep and Goat
Sheep and goat are a good source of protein, they don’t require huge capital to set up, they feed on grasses and kitchen waste. This also serves as a source of income for the family, because the sheep and goat can still be sold.
Fish farming
As the population is increasing and protein needs are far surpassing the available supply. Before now, people think it hard to rear fish at your backyard, but in recent time fish farmers can comfortably rear fish at your backyard. All you need to get started is a space, tanks or ponds, fingerlings and fish feeds e.t.c.
Grasscutter Farming
In recent times, it is now much easier to breed grass cutters in cages, unlike when hunters would have to go hunting for grass cutters.
Banana and Plantain Plantation
There is a high demand for ripe banana and ripe and unripe plantain both within and outside Nigeria. You can convert any unused land at your disposal into a banana or plantain farm.
Yam farming
Yam is another staple food that is in high demand in Nigeria. You can start a small or medium scale yam farming at your depending on the availability of land.
Spice Cultivating
There is a high demand for spices like curry, thyme, scent leaves, nutmeg. You can cultivate these spices, dry and package them for sale.
Quail Farming
You can start a quail farm business with as little as N30, 000. You can earn passive income from selling the quail birds and supplying quail eggs.
Snail farming.
Snail meat can be used as a healthy alternative to red meat. Those people suffering from health issues or those who are on a diet can opt for snail meat. Snails require less start-up capital and less space.
Red Pepper: Red pepper farming is easy to set up. That’s because red pepper grows very fast in any kind of soil. They are rich in potassium, riboflavin, vitamins A, B6 and C. They do well in deep containers, pots, and drums.
Maize: Maize is easier to plant because it requires is a small space and a few maize seeds depending on the size of the farm. It works best with adequate sunlight and good water supply.
Tomatoes: Nothing compares to eating a perfectly ripe home-grown tomato fresh within minutes of harvest. With a good fertile soil, adequate water supply, and sunlight, tomatoes will do well. They can be grown in containers, polythene bags, pots, and drum.

Conclusion: backyard farming serves as an effective tool for increasing food production and alleviating poverty in Nigeria.
http://www.agricincome.com/backyard-farming/

Op, you're on point

Agricincome: Please can you introduce yourself to our readers and your farming background?
Diekolola farms: The journey began in 2014, with a dream conceived by the founder and CEO of the company; Diekolola Adebiyi.
The founder was trained on vegetable farming by agritopic ltd custom bus stop Ibadan Oyo State Nigeria. He receive his training under the tutor of Mr. Solomon Samuel Adetoye Odunayo.
The company was duly registered in June 2016, as an agricultural company, saddling farming, with a goal of feeding nations and creating opportunities in the sector
Within few years of professionalism, we have been able to train farmers, establish and manage healthy farms for our esteemed clients, and also create employment. Well, we have just begun!
It has not all been rosy. Our faith in God and passion for farming have kept us going strong. We are not where we ultimately see, neither are we where we used to be.
In the next years, we hope to create more jobs, train more and more farmers, establish and manage more healthy farms for our present and forthcoming clients. We know it’s a tough road, but we are ready all the same.
What stands us out, is our unique service. Our style is very simple, yet effective. We work with heart and brain. Our client satisfaction is our satisfaction. We work our best. For the small budget farmer to the large one, we give rapt attention and provide quality service.
Presently, the company has farms at Abeokuta and Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria, while we set up and manage others for clients around Nigeria. We have plans to establish more company-owned farms across Nigeria and beyond.
Still wondering what we do?
¶ we set up and manage a healthy and profiting vegetable or plantain farms.
¶ We sell and install irrigation materials.
¶ We sell Agrochemicals, fertilizers and seeds? Home delivery is available.
¶ We are professional consultants.
¶ We train interested farmers.

Agricincome: How long have you been in the business?
Diekolola farms: we started in November 2014
Agricincome: What attracted you to agriculture?
Diekolola farms: I was called into it by GOD, i studied computer engineering
Agricincome: You are bound to face some challenges in sourcing capital at one point or the other. How did you surmount this challenge initially?
Diekolola farms: the passion and will keep us going through challenges
Agricincome: What were the main challenges you faced at the early stages of your business? And do you still encounter them to this day?
Diekolola farms:[/b]To get water for irrigation then in lagos state
[b]Agricincome: What’s the secret of the success you have achieved so far?
Diekolola farms: God and consistency
Agricincome: How do you market your products?
Diekolola farms: we supply to markets
Agricincome: What advice would you give to youths seeking a career in agribusiness?
Diekolola farms: They should enroll for training and know a particular aspect very well, and be consistent in what they are doing. There is real money in agriculture
Agricincome: How do you think young people can be supported to become more productive citizens? We offer free training to serious minded youth
Agricincome: Lastly, any advice you would like to give other farmers?
Diekolola farms: they should never plant without an irrigation system, may God provide for us all.
http://www.agricincome.com/interview-sectionthere-is-real-money-in-agriculture/
cc;lalasticlala

Maize farming in Nigeria started on a subsistence level in Nigeria and it has gradually risen to a commercial level in which many agro-based industries depend on maize as raw materials. Maize is one of the major staple food and most grown cereals in Nigeria. This is so because maize is easy to grow, and moderately fertile soils can be used.
Maize farming is one of the most lucrative agribusiness in Nigeria, because it gives an incredible return on investment. One of the major reasons maize is in high demand in Nigeria is its high energy and nutritional value. It is rich in vitamins A, C and E, several essential minerals, and contains up to 10% protein. It is also rich in dietary fiber and carbohydrate.
Maize farming in Nigeria is one of the agribusiness agripreneurs should venture into, because of its potentials.
Some uses of maize in Nigeria
• It serves as food- Maize can be further processed to what is called Pap (Ogi, Akamu) majorly taking by adults and nursing mothers. It can also be processed into flour (semovita)
• It serves as feed material for animals – Maize constitutes almost half of poultry and livestock feeds. The stalks, leaves and maize cobs are used to feed livestock animals.
• It serve as raw material for industries – Maize has high starch content which makes it a high-demand industrial raw material for ink, paint, cosmetics, glue e.t.c.
• The stalks and cobs can also be used as organic manure.
• Maize is also used in the production of corn oil, sweeteners, and ethanol.
• Maize is also used in the making of popcorn
Setting up a maize farm in Nigeria is easy compared to other crops. Detailed below are steps by steps guide for setting up a maize farm in Nigeria.
Land selection
The first and most important thing in setting up a maize farm in Nigeria is to acquire a suitable land. Maize is a hardy plant that can be grown almost anywhere. But to attain maximum yield, maize grows best in rich loamy or sandy loam. The soil should also be well- drained, fertile, have adequate pH and not waterlogged. There should also be access to adequate sunlight, as maize loves sunlight, so the acquired land must be open and free from any kind of shade.
Land preparation
The land can be cleared using manual or mechanical means, the main objective of land preparation is to remove weeds and keep the soil loose for maize germination. Maize does not really require a smooth bed. It is usually good to plant immediately after land preparation to avoid weeds completing with the maize.
Selecting Maize variety
There are different varieties of maize seeds in Nigeria that can be planted. Care must be taken when selecting maize seed variety because the selected variety determines the yield. Maize seed variety should be selected based on the following
• Target market or consumer preference
• Fast growing
• High yielding
• Disease resistant
It is also vital when selecting maize seed to know that early season maize variety differs from late season variety.
Also, avoid buying maize seeds from open markets as these seeds may already be contaminated by diseases or of a low yield seed. Always buy seeds from reputable sources
Plant Spacing
Maize seeds are planted with a spacing of 25cm × 75cm. 25cm between crops and 75cm between rows. Plant at a depth of 3-4cm, at two seeds per hole.
Planting
Maize seeds are usually planted at the onset of rainy season, to aid good seed germination, plant growth and yield. Apply pre-emergence herbicides immediately after planting to suppress the growth of weeds.
Fertilizer application
The main nutrients requirement for maize is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer can be applied 2-3 times before harvesting. Organic manure which comprises of livestock droppings can also be used.
Pest and disease control
It is always important to protect maize from pest and diseases like armyworms, grasshoppers. Pesticides and cultural practices can be used to control them.
Harvesting
Maize is usually harvested 3-4 months after planting. Harvesting is also done based on target market, the maize can be harvested fresh or dried. Harvesting can be done manually by hand or with machines that separate the cobs from the stalks.
Marketing
Maize can be sold directly to the local markets, feed mill or industries that use maize as their raw material. To further increase its value, maize can be processed and sold for a higher amount.
Conclusion
Setting up a maize farm in Nigeria is not capital intensive, as the initial capital is very low. But without the basic knowledge of maize farming and how it works, it can be very disastrous.
http://www.agricincome.com/maize-farming-in-nigeria/
cc;lalasticlala

Cassava farming in Nigeria is one of the most popular and common source of livelihood for small-scale farmers. This is so because cassava is been processed into many different forms for local consumption in almost every home in Nigeria.
Cassava is one of the most drought-tolerant crops, it can be successfully grown on marginal soils, and gives reasonable yields where many other crops do not grow well.
With the demand for cassava and its products in Nigeria, cassava farming is getting more lucrative with every passing day. As the population of Nigeria continues to grow, the demand for cassava products will continue to skyrocket, leading to higher revenues been generated by cassava farmers.
Some uses of cassava in Nigeria:
• Garri- cassava is processed by grinding and squeezing out the starchy content. The residue is then left to ferment, thereafter, it is fried into sand like grains.
• Food- some variety of cassava tuber can be cooked and enjoyed with varieties of stews, sometimes it could be pounded. Cassava is associated with toxicity, so not all varieties of cassava can be eaten.
• Fufu/Akpu- cassava tuber is soaked in water for four to five days to get it softened, then the chaff is manually removed, it is then cooked.
• Amala- this is most common among the Yoruba’s. Cassava tuber is cut into pieces, soaked for two to three days, dried and grind into flour.
• Starch- this is usually a by-product in the garri process
• Abacha- this is popular among the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. Cassava tubers are boiled, the back peeled off and cut into tiny piece and soaked overnight to get the starch out.
• Cassava Bread- cassava is now processed into flour for baking.
• Animal feed- cassava peel and Cassava hay are used in feeding ruminant animals.
To start cassava farming in Nigeria, there are few things to put in place. This include:
Site selection
In site selection, it is always preferable to select lands with deep loamy soils. Loamy soil type has moderate water infiltration and retention abilities good for cassava tuber growth.
Also, select an area with flat or gently sloping land. Avoid steep slopes, valleys, and depression areas because they are easily eroded, and gets waterlogged quickly and do not allow cassava roots to develop well.
Land preparation
This is done to provide the necessary soil conditions which will enhance the successful establishment of the cassava roots.
A total herbicide like glyphosate can be applied to the farmland ten days before planting to control pre-emergence weeds.
Select the cassava variety to plant
The yield of the cassava depends on the variety selected. So to ensure maximum yield select the best varieties considering the following:
• Varieties that are tolerant to pests, diseases, and weed
• Varieties that are accepted by the target market
• Varieties that mature fast and has high yield
• Varieties that have a lot of dry matter and good food quality
• Varieties that have a ground storage capacity i.e. tubers that don’t get spoilt or decay till harvest time.
Plant spacing
Cassava is planted with a spacing of 1m×1m
Planting
Cassava stems are usually used to grow cassava, select healthy stem and reduced to 25cm and each stem should have about 6 nodes for quick sprouting.
Cassava planting usually starts in April and can extend to October. Plant cassava at the right time to ensure healthy sprouting and good crop establishment. Dry season planting is not recommended when the rains stop early or where the water table is low.
Weed control
Weeds can cause considerable loss of cassava yield if not controlled. Weeds compete with the cassava for sunlight, space, nutrients, and water. Weeds are controlled so that cassava grows and develops well. Control weeds in the first three to four months after planting. Weeding can be done manually or with the use of herbicides.
Fertilizer application
For optimum yield, cassava requires an adequate supply of nutrients. Organic fertilizer like farm yard manure can be applied four weeks after planting. Inorganic fertilizer can also be used:
• NPK 15:15:15-12 (50kg)
• NPK 20:10:10-9 (50kg)
• NPK 12:12:17-15 (50kg)
Fertilizer should be applied in a ring method of 6cm wide and 10cm from the plant. Broadcasting method of fertilizer application can also be used. But ensure that the fertilizer does not come in contact with the cassava leaf or steam.
Pest and disease management
Pest and diseases in cassava farming are not as threatening like other plants. The common diseases and their solution are listed below:
• Cassava green mite- practice early planting, plant resistant varieties
• Cassava mealybug- plant resistant varieties, hot water treatment of stem cutting before planting.
• Cassava mosaic- crop rotation, plant resistant varieties
It is always advisable to apply the right insecticides, fungicides, and bactericides etc. also plant cassava varieties that are resistant to disease.
Harvesting
Cassava tuber should be harvested at peak of maturity, most varieties mature at 9-12 months after planting, depending on the variety and the climate. Cassava tubers may lose the valuable starch, rot or become woody if not harvested at maturity, harvesting too early results in a low yield while delayed harvesting results to reduce yield.
Cassava tubers are harvested by pulling the stem which carries the roots out of the ground. Harvesting could be done manually or mechanically.
Marketing
The profitability of your cassava farm depends on where you sell and how you sell your products. You can sell at your local markets, or to companies that use cassava as their raw materials.
You can also source for people who process cassava into other products like garri, fufu etc. they can process for you and sell as well.
http://www.agricincome.com/cassava-farming/
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Agricultural business is one in every of the few industries that has systematically continued to develop throughout history.
While it has seen unbelievable growth, it’s also an industry that has often overlooked by young professionals and graduates until now. Graduates are now realizing the enormous benefits of launching their careers in agriculture for its personal and monetary rewards.
Here are the reasons why you should invest in a career in agriculture:
Different career selection
More is in agriculture than just cultivation of plants. But the diverse careers available to aspiring professionals are often marked up. Your role doesn’t need to be on a farm and for most people, it isn’t. There is an incredible variety of career options for recent graduate, beginners and professionals, and you can be sure that there is something for everyone. The industry needs marketing and advertising experts not only to sell agricultural products to consumers, but to also determine what they want. Agriculture also needs sales experts to sell products to consumers, and agricultural equipment to manufacturing firms. The industry also works in conjunction with logistics professionals who are able to develop supply chain management strategies that ensure productions levels meet demand, and that storage, transport and consumption of raw materials is sound.
A growing sector
Consumer demands for agricultural products are growing both at home and around the world.
Growing demand also means different kinds of agricultural products – particularly in the homes of consumers. Nigerians are showing greater interest in eating healthier, organic, and locally-grown foods. Because of this, the agricultural industry has had to adjust its processes, since more farmers are selling a higher volume of product all year long.
Employments
In recent years, the consumption of agricultural products has seen exponential growth. Consumer demand is at an all-time high so it’s natural that the industry is looking to hire recent graduates and young professionals as soon as possible.
This trend doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. This means graduates and students will not only find jobs immediately upon graduation, but also make an impressive wage while pursuing their careers.
Technological Innovation
With a demand for higher quality and quantity of food and related products, Nigeria’s agriculture industry, is now centred around technological innovation.
The industry has invested in research and development to develop and innovate with the environment in mind. Scientists today are interested in developing crops that are pesticide-free, resistant to disease, and able to withstand difficult weather conditions.
http://www.agricincome.com/4-reasons-invest-career-agriculture/
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Which Aregbe.... Your brain need blood tonic

intruxive:
Ekiti with osun? Have you taken your medication this morning?
What aragbe has built, fayoshe cannot even dream it in 50years

Sit down there and keep looking for someone who has made it through plantain farming

OdaNobunaga:
Please do we know anybody in this country who has made it via plantain farming?

Plantain farming in Nigeria is not a new thing, but over the years it has taken a dramatic turn in alleviating poverty and creating opportunities for agripreneurs. Million are currently been made every year from plantain farming in Nigeria, yet there is no end to it prospects because the demand for plantain and its by-product is higher than it used to be.
Nigeria is one of the largest plantain producing countries in the world. Despite this, Nigeria has not been featuring among plantain exporting countries in the world because the demand from local consumers is relatively high. Today, the number of farms cultivating plantain in Nigeria is low and this makes the demand for plantain and it’s by-products high.
Plantains are members of the banana family, but they contain more starch and is lower in sugar, on the average plantain has about 200 calories and is a good source of potassium and dietary fiber.
Plantains can be used in many ways:
- It can be eaten raw, steamed, roasted and fried
- Plantains can be dried and grounded into flour commonly called Amala among yoruba’s
- Plantain can be boiled, blended with water, spices and sugar to make chapo.
- After removing the skin, the unripe fruit can be sliced thin and deep fried in hot oil to produce plantain chips.
- Overripe plantain can be fried, to produced dodo(Dodo Ikire)
Now, let us consider some basic steps to start a plantain farm:
Land Selection
When selecting land for a plantain farm, the land should be :
- Well-drained
- Fertile
- Good topography
- Adequate PH
- Free from pest
- Easily accessible.
Plantain does best in loamy soil, the soil should contain enough organic matter with moderate moisture content.
Land Preparation
The purpose of land preparation is to provide the necessary soil conditions which will enhance the successful establishment of the young suckers. The land is to be prepared with minimum disturbance to the soil (no-tillage). Manual clearing should be preferred to mechanized clearing because the machinery used always remove the topsoil which contains the organic matters.
Land Spacing
The recommended spacing for plantain farming is 3m between the plantain rows and 2m within the row (3m by 2m). Alternatively, 2.5m×2.5m can also be used. A straight row in a flat land is recommended for the plantain suckers for maximum excess to sunshine and flow of air. Rows should follow a contour line in a sloppy land to decrease the effect of soil erosion.
Selecting Plantain Sucker
Plantain suckers are usually used in growing plantain, so it can also be referred to as the plant seed. Plantain suckers are usually acquired from plantain farmers at a price range of #150-#500 depending on the variety. When selecting plantain sucker the medium sized plantain suckers is usually preferred to the giant ones because the giant one's leaves can easily be damaged by strong wind.
Selected plantain sucker should be strong and active, free from pest and diseases. Plantain suckers are usually separated from the matured plantain with the use of spade or machete, care must be taken so as not to peel off the sucker corm.
NOTE: The yield of your plantain farm depends on the type of sucker selected and varieties.
Planting
Plantain suckers are usually planted during the rainy season. The acquire plantain sucker should be planted as soon as possible, planted 30 by 30 by 30cm each. The planting hole should be deep so as to accommodate the root ball of the sucker.
Mulching, Fertilization, Weed control
Mulching is important for the transplanted plantain sucker to retain soil water, regulate soil temperature, improve soil fertility and suppress weed growth around the planted suckers.
Fertilization
Plantain requires sufficient organic matter to thrive well. The organic matter provides a suitable environment necessary for the growth of the sucker and to ensure a good yield. It is therefore required to provide nutrient to the suckers through fertilizers either organic or inorganic fertilizer. Dead plantain leaves should be left on the ground to improve soil fertility.
Organic fertilizer made up of livestock manure, household waste and wood ash improves plantain growth, yield and greatly reduce the effect of borer weevils and nematodes.
Weed control
It is necessary to eliminate weeds because they deprive plants of vital nutrients. Weeding can be done every six to eight weeks but the effect of the weed will get less when the canopy of the plantain leaves have grown thick. Weed can be done manually or by the use of herbicides.
Harvesting
Harvesting of plantain is done after eight to ten months of planting, or when one or two plantains out of the bunch is beginning to look yellowish. Cut the bunches from the stalk, this should be done carefully to avoid scratch on the bunch, little scratch or pressure on the bunch cause it to get rotten within a very short time.
Cut down the plantain tree to the ground and shred the leaves to be used for another mulching.
Remember once a plantain is harvested, you don’t need to plant again.
Marketing
There is always a readily available market for plantains, you can sell in the local market, or supply to companies or industries that process plantain.

http://www.agricincome.com/plantain-farming/

You just spoke the truth.... Kudos

HigherEd:
You ask why churches build universities? That I'm sorry to say is very funny. The churches build universities to be able to pass the Christian ordinance into a youthful population. Having the opportunity to teach students the ways of God under the platform of secular education is too great an opportunity to pass by. To correct ills of the society by taking folks at their formative stage and serving as an incubation for their developments into morally equipped individuals with reverence and knowledge of God.

Now churches have been building universities even before the person who named Nigeria was born and even preceded the US government and European nations to establish them. The Harvard's, Yale, Notre dame, yonsei would never have existed without the church.



As per industry the church has no mandate in it. Why should the church build industries? To create wealth - it is not the role of the church to create wealth, To provide jobs - It is not the role of the church to provide jobs. Unlike Universities, industries don't serve any relevance to the mandate of the church or her gospel. Let Kings remain kings and priest remain priest.

The church continues to have a mandate in creating schools(especially primary and secondary), Orphanages, Rehabs and Hospitals. Skill acquisitions for members is ok, building income generating companies is taking it too far.



No church university in Nigeria today is for profit making. The most expensive one, Babcock is subsidized by 2% of her total budget by the adventist church. Apostolic church gives Crawford 350 million subsidy every year, CU gets above 2 billion grants from winners every year. Landmark has gotten 6 billion in the past few years(I can go on!)



Are Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Yonsei, Notre dame affordable to the poor? Shouldn't they have been created(by the church) because the poor couldn't afford them? Do you even know the purpose of creating universities. You think it is to share admission for people. Do you know the poor too would benefit most when the universities turn out great research, discoveries and product for the benefit of society?


Mockery? You sir are beginning to spout nonsense. The church universities which have run uninterrupted academic calendars, housed students like actual human beings, provided amenities the govt can't provide are suddenly the ones who are making a mockery of education. To take it further you are quite confused also. You just accused the church of profit mongering after slandering them for not investing in industries which are huge money spinners. It is safe to assume you would end up accusing the church of anything your imagination can create if they actually go into building industries. I know your type sir you would also accuse the church of building car industries with money of the poor while the poor can't afford it. Abi what are we supposed to do when we build cars that the poor can't afford. We should share the cars for free abi. After all with una thinking the church receives tithe and should be able to share free cars it produces

Plantain plantation isn’t rocket science.. It’s something that can easily done. If you follow this article.

Plantain is known to survive, no matter how harsh the conditions are.
Thanks for sharing

Coccidiosis in poultry is still considered as one of the main diseases affecting the performance of poultry birds reared under the intensive system of management. Coccidiosis is a common disease in poultry and it is prevalent among different kinds of livestock animals, even though it is species-specific. Coccidiosis in poultry is characterized by enteritis and bloody diarrhoea. Coccidiosis is caused by protozoa of the phylum Apicomplexa, family Eimeriidae. In poultry, most species belong to the genus Eimeria and infect various sites in the intestine. The infectious process is rapid (4–7 days) and is characterized by parasite replication in host cells with extensive damage to the intestinal mucosa.
Causes of coccidiosis in poultry
Coccidiosis is a disease that is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, developing within the intestine of most domestic and wild animals and birds. Seven species of Eimeria (E. acervulina, E. brunetti, E. maxima, E. mitis, E. necatrix, E. praecox and E. tenella) are recognized as infecting chickens. Although coccidiosis is a disease known for many years, it is still considered as the most economically important parasitic condition affecting poultry production worldwide. All birds carry the coccidia organism in their guts but only some will develop the disease. The disease starts with an unsporulated oocyst, which is passed through the bird’s faeces. An unsporulated oocyst can lay dormant in the soil for up to a year and doesn’t sporulate (become infectious) unless it gets the opportunity to sit for several days in wet and humid conditions, for example, in and around waterers and feeders that is not properly cleaned
When the bird eats a sporulated oocyst, either through contaminated water, feed or during its usual scratching around the pen, the digestive acids of the chicken’s intestines will break down the hard protective layer of the oocyst. The oocyst will hatch and invade the cell lining in the small intestine. The parasite goes through several life stages, multiplying inside the bird and at each stage rupturing more cells within the gut, resulting in ulceration.
The coccidia oocyst will be expelled in the bird’s faeces and can then go on to cause infection to your other birds if they eat the faeces.
Transmission of coccidiosis in poultry
The oocysts are resistant to environmental stress and disinfectants, they remain viable in the litter for many months. Temperatures above 56˚C and below 0˚C are lethal but it seems to be impossible to decontaminate a previously contaminated poultry house or the environment. Sporulated oocysts can be spread mechanically by wild birds, insects or rodents and via contaminated feeds, boots, clothing, equipment or dust. Direct oral transmission is the natural route of infection.
Symptoms of coccidiosis in poultry
The incubation period of coccidiosis is about eight days. Symptoms can either be gradual or sudden. The most common symptom you might notice is blood or mucus in the droppings of the birds. Most birds are affected between the ages of 3 and 5 weeks old. While it can affect any chicken at any age, most chickens are immune to coccidia by the time they're 14 weeks old. Common symptoms include:
• Weakness
• Huddling together as if cold
• Pale comb and skin
• loss of appetite
• Ruffled feathers
• Weight loss
• Poor weight gain
• bloody diarrhoea
All these symptoms could be as a result of other diseases, so the only way to know for sure that you’re dealing with coccidiosis is to call your veterinarian.
Clinical signs of coccidiosis in poultry
Clinical signs observed during post-mortem of bird infected with coccidiosis include the following:
• Thin, fragile, often translucent intestinal walls,
• ballooning of the gut,
• Hyperaemia of the mesenteric blood vessels and blood vessels on the serosal side of the intestine,
• Flaccid gut edges after incision, lack of tonus
• Watery or foamy contents,
• Poorly digested feed particles at the end of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)
• Multi-coloured oily aspect of the gut contents in contact with the mucosa

Prevention and control of coccidiosis in poultry
The best way to prevent and control coccidiosis in poultry is to avoid it by being an observant farmer and maintaining a high degree of biosecurity practices in the farm. Few management practices that can help control coccidiosis in poultry:
• Coccidia oocyst needs wet, warm, and humid conditions to thrive. Keep feeding and watering areas dry always and clear out litters and droppings regularly
• Coccidiosis will spread fast in overcrowded conditions
• Blood in droppings, weakness of birds, loss of appetite, if you see any of these warning signs the sooner you act the better chance your birds have for survival
• Younger birds are more at risk, consider providing medicated starter feed for chicks
• Amprolium drugs are the normal treatment, but can also be used as a preventive drug
• Anticoccidial drugs can be mixed with their feed to limit high levels of infection.
• Keep bedding clean and dry
Treatment of coccidiosis in poultry
Amprolium drugs are commonly used in the treatment of coccidiosis or drugs with sulfaquinoxaline as their active ingredients.
Organic way of treating coccidiosis in poultry
• Coccidiosis in poultry can be prevented using crushed pawpaw seeds. Three grams of the powdered pawpaw seed for every kg of live weight. To treat coccidiosis with the powdered pawpaw seed, it requires a higher dose for a long period of time. The crushed pawpaw seed can be mix in chicken feed or water.
• Garlic can also be squeezed into their water as preventive or curative measures.
Conclusion
Infections with coccidia are often associated with severe economic losses. Currently, the prevention and control of coccidiosis are based on good hygiene, biosecurity measures chemotherapy (Coccidiostats). Generally, anticoccidial drugs alone is of little value, unless they are complemented by improvements in all aspects of poultry management. More attention should be given to improved sanitation and hygiene of the farm.
http://www.agricincome.com/coccidiosis-in-poultry/

I think i can be of help

Newcastle disease is endemic in Nigeria. The disease has been the most important disease of chickens in the country. Newcastle disease continues to be a serious economic threat to the poultry industry causing increased morbidity and mortality and loss of eggs for both breeding and human consumption. The disease is also known to cause some eggshell defects. The impact of Newcastle disease is most notable in domestic poultry due to the high susceptibility of poultry and the severe consequences of virulent strains on the poultry industries. The disease can result in significant economic impact from high morbidity and mortality accompanied by the inability to export product from flocks not known to be infected. There are numerous examples throughout the world in recent years creating sizable trade barriers. Additionally, when commercial poultry are infected with NDV strains of low virulence there may also be a negative economic impact, because of a reduction in productivity of the infected birds.
Causes of Newcastle disease
Newcastle disease is caused by Newcastle disease Virus (NDV) known as avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1). It is one of the most important infectious diseases of poultry. It is distributed worldwide and has the potential to cause large economic losses in the poultry industry. Newcastle disease is a reoccurring concern to poultry industries internationally and outbreaks caused by virulent strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are referred to as Exotic Newcastle disease (END) in the United State.

Clinical signs of Newcastle disease
Newcastle disease can cause clinical signs varying from subclinical infections to highly virulent (up to 100% mortality), depending on the susceptibility of the host and the pathotype of the NDV.
The Newcastle disease virus is categorized into velogenic mesogenic, lentogenic and asymptomatic enteric strains on the basis of their pathogenesis and virulence.
The velogenic strains cause acute fatal infection of chickens of all age groups with clinical findings of nervous signs or extensive hemorrhagic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. The mesogenic strains are of intermediate virulence and cause moderate respiratory signs with occasional nervous signs and can seriously reduce egg production while the lentogenic strains cause mild inapparent infections.
Velogenic strains often produce a rapidly developing weakness and birds may die without showing any other clinical signs. Birds that survive for a long time may experience gasping breath due to the involvement of the respiratory organs, or muscular tremors and spasm, torticollis and paralysis. Green diarrhea is sometimes present. Mortality is very high with strains of high pathogenicity. Respiratory signs dominate the early clinical phase. There is severe respiratory distress with gasping and sometimes coughing. Egg production falls dramatically in surviving birds and signs of nervous involvement may develop. These include paralysis and torticollis. Mortality is variable. Lentogenic strains tend to infect adult birds without causing severe disease but produce mortalities in young chickens when other disease agents are present. The respiratory organs are usually affected. Immune levels of the flock modify clinical signs. Chicks of immune hens are protected for some time by antibodies that are transmitted through the yolk. Birds whose immunity is sufficient to suppress clinical signs completely may still shed the virus in their faeces.
Prevention and control of Newcastle disease
The most important measures for prevention of introduction of NDV and its spread in a farm during outbreaks are the control of those conditions under which the birds are reared and the maintenance of high degree of biosecurity practices at the farm. Vaccination is never an alternative to good management practice, biosecurity and good hygiene in rearing domestic poultry but Vaccination should be employed in conjunction with them. Vaccination is usually protective, although it is easier to protect against fatal disease than against loss of production.

http://www.agricincome.com/newcastle-disease-poultry/
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Fish growth rate and yields from fish ponds can be greatly increased through emphasizing adequate management techniques, steps, and procedures that would enhance maximum productivity. Several factors contribute to the success of fish farms in Nigeria, and understanding what they are and how they work together can help your agri-business succeed.
Capital: Fund must be available as when needed according to plan to avoid creating stress factors which would cost so much in revenue loss.
Pond: Proper pond construction in compliance with the recommended standard for commercial ponds. The depth of water is also essential. Also, ensure the pond is not leaking, and the inlet and outlet are properly screened.
Stocking: Adequate stocking should be done based on the carrying capacity of the ponds. Stock only fish in good conditions.
Water: Water source is of great importance. The quality of water used for the fish pond is one of the factors contributing to fish growth and yield. For optimum performance of fish water of good quality and source must be provided. The water should be free from pathogens as well as pollutants.
Feed: Feed a quality nutritionally complete feed pellet, also feed according to fish response. Train fish to feed in the same spot of the pond.
Management: Training and retraining of staff are important no matter how small the level and acquisition of knowledge of modern trend is a factor to growth. Consultancy is paramount
Marketing: The market is the driving force for commercial fish farming. Before deciding to invest in fish farming, one must have identified a potential market to which the fish produced can be sold profitably. Consequently, it is the target market that determines the levels
of one’s investment in fish farming, the species to grow, size of harvest and even the size of the pond. Proper marketing with vigorous advertisement will ensure the product is made available to the target market.
Security: A fish farm should be protected from thieves and predators by fencing and security guards
Record keeping: Ensure a proper record is kept and regular review of records during the production cycle. Such information can be used in developing a business plan which is essential for a bank loan or grant. Records should be systematically kept in a well-organized manner in notebooks or files for easy retrieval.
http://www.agricincome.com/factors-contributing-to-the-success-of-fish-farm-in-nigeria/
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With our undaunted commitment to insight and to inform youths and the diaspora about the importance of agriculture in leveraging the Nation’s economy, I have the honour to present to you Oluwafemi Excel Salami of SailThrough Farms limited, an Extraordinaire Agro Entrepreneur… Read further as you get to know more about him.

Agricincome: Please can you introduce yourself to our readers and your agricultural background?
SailThrough Farms Limited: My name is Oluwafemi Excel Salami. I am both a Civil Servant and an Agro Entrepreneur. A lot of people think of me as an Extraordinaire Agro Entrepreneur because of the volume of experience I have and how much I have helped many get into agriculture/agribusiness. I am also called “the King of poultry feeds making” because of the unique concepts I have discovered that helps poultry farmers save at the least 30% on feeds cost just by making their own feeds. These methods/concepts have been taught to people in our master classes which they have applied with amazing results. I am the founder and CEO of Cornucopia Farms (now SailThrough Farms limited after the process of changing a company name to a limited liability). SailThrough Farms is into Poultry farming with a current capacity of 700 broilers, commodity trading and other agro allied products, manufacturing and services. I am also the founder and initiator of the Millionaires in Agribusiness Revolutionary Movement (aka MIA). An online (telegram) community that’s driven by the vision of changing the way farmers have been perceived the past years, giving credence to the sector, encouraging the youth involvement in agribusiness/agriculture, raising giants in the industry through organizing seminars, masterclass and practical workshops and ensuring that farmers not only feed the Nations but become millionaires themselves in their own separate empires.
Agricincome: How long have you been in the business?
SailThrough Farms Limited: it will be 4 years by November this year.
Agricincome: What attracted you to agriculture?
SailThrough Farms Limited: It is my belief that Agriculture is Africa’s heritage. We are blessed with vast arable lands, different varieties of plants and animals and lots of mineral resources too. My view at agriculture is beyond just seeing it as an activity of raising animals or cultivating crops. I see people under utilizing the opportunities in this sector. I hated the fact that people in this sector are looked down on as many see farming as an activity meant for the poor or those who just want hard labour and low gains. I wanted this to change. This was what inspired me. I thought, if I could just get 10% of the over 180 million Nigerians (especially the youths) to see what i saw then I would have made my 1% contribution towards the growth of this country and this will affect the world too.
Agricincome: You are bound to face some challenges in sourcing capital at one point or the other. How did you surmount this challenge initially?
SailThrough Farms Limited: We were not in a hurry. We took things in a step wise manner. This helped us understand the business we do in and out and since we got better at what we do. It was easier to convince investors to invest with us. We had our records straight. Kept good practices and were diligent at what we do. Trust me, there are lots of people with dormant cash who want to put it somewhere they can earn a little more. They will only do this if they trust in the investment, believe it is stable and can be emotionally convinced that their money will be properly handled by an expert who will keep their word. What we do is simply show these people our records, show them evidence of our present and past investors’ business history with us and emotionally convince them of the impact the money they give us will bring to the Nation.
Agricincome: What were the main challenges you faced at the early stages of your business? And do you still encounter them to this day?
SailThrough Farms Limited: We had the challenge of land, technical experience and capital but like I explained earlier we learned through the process failed and then got better. We only face the challenge of land right now as we intend to expand to 5000 capacity by the year ending.
Agricincome: What’s the secret of the success you have achieved so far?
SailThrough Farms Limited: Diligence, shamelessness and the willingness to learn, unlearn and relearn. There is also focused and intentional actions and then collaboration. No one can go far alone.
Agricincome: How do you market your products?
SailThrough Farms Limited: We employ various strategies and channels some of which are:
1. Online sales: we sell both digital and physical products online using social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp etc.
2. We sell to directly to local markets within our reach. We sell at both retails and wholesales.
3. We sell to super stores, restaurants, hotels etc.
We are working on improving sells to international too.
Agricincome: What advice would you give to youths seeking a career in agribusiness?
SailThrough Farms Limited: Be sure this is what you want and pursue it will all seriousness with great focus, diligence, hard work and perseverance.

Take failure as a part of the process. Go through the process and win BIG!
Agricincome: [/b]How do you think young people can be supported to become more productive citizens?
[b]SailThrough Farms Limited:[/b]Obviously it will be by creating jobs and the enabling environment for small businesses to thrive but since the government have failed in this. I will advise that the youth start right where they are. Use what you have for what you have is plenty (John Obidi). You will naturally attract support.
[b]Agricincome: Lastly, any advice you would like to give other farmers?
SailThrough Farms Limited: Yes please. I will advise that you keep an open mind, refuse to be used to a single way of doing things, be willing to learn, relearn and unlearn and then go all out for innovation.
Agricincome:Thank You for your time sir
http://www.agricincome.com/interview-section-agriculture-beyond-raising-animals-and-cultivating-crops/#more-319
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Heat stress in poultry production can greatly hamper production and reduces the profitability of the poultry industry. High temperature can have a major impact on the performance of poultry birds when coupled with high humidity, the combination can be critical. There is, therefore, need to reconsider the management of poultry houses and equipment used in hot weather so that heat stress can be minimized. Heat stress in poultry production not only causes suffering but death in severe cases.
What is heat stress?
Poultry birds are encounter heat stress when they have difficulty achieving a balance between body heat produced and body heat loss. This can occur at all ages and species of poultry birds. Heat is generated in poultry birds by essential body processes metabolism which includes maintenance, growth and egg production. Heat produced is affected by body weight, species and breed, level of production, level of feed intake, feed quality and the amount of exercise.
Poultry birds are susceptible to high environmental temperature due to:
• The absence of sweat gland
• Feathered body
• Fatty nature
• High body temperature
Signs of heat stress in poultry birds
Poultry birds are suffering from heat stress when any of the following signs are evident:
• Reduce feed intake
• Increase in water consumption
• Fast open mouth panting,
• Birds trying to move away from the flock
• wing spreading
• Squatting close to the ground.
• By adjusting the position of their feathers, the birds are trying to lose heat.
• By gasping they are losing water in their breath and cooling themselves by evaporation from the surface of the lungs.
• Egg production drops
• Reduced egg size, poorer egg shell quality
How to reduce heat stress in poultry
The following tips help to reduce heat stress in poultry birds:
• Make sure birds have cool, clean water.
• Add electrolytes to water. Electrolytes will help to balance the electrolytes in birds, plus birds will drink more water.
• Feed birds during cooler parts of the day, since birds produce heat while they digest.
• Make sure poultry pens are well-ventilated and comfortable. Poultry houses should be constructed in East-west direction.
• Proper insulation of the poultry pen
• Where possible, reduce stocking density of birds during hot weather
• Plant shade trees around the poultry houses
Conclusion: Adequate management helps to reduce heat stress and increase productivity in poultry birds.
http://www.agricincome.com/heat-stress-in-poultry/
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The objective of fish farming is to produce fish to supply markets at a competitive price and make profits. The market is, therefore, the driving force for fish farming. The key parameters that determine the levels of production and success in fish farming are water quality, feed quality and stock quality.
Pond Management: This involves all the various management practices directed towards ensuring optimum fish production and general success of fish farm business. Fish growth rate and yield from fish pond can be greatly increased through emphasizing adequate management techniques, steps or procedures that would enhance maximum productivity. This necessarily involves manipulating a complex of interacting biological, physical, chemical, and environmental factors that promote high stocking rate, growth rate, survival rate, good pond structure and water quality.
Stock Quality: stocking normally takes place after pond construction and preparation and is the means of introducing an adequate number of selected fish species of proper size into the ponds for culture.
• Be careful to stock only known species, and beware of releasing unknown or undesirable fish into the pond
• Stock only healthy and disease free fingerlings/Juvenile
• Stock fish based on targeted harvest size and the pond’s carrying capacity.
[b]Feed Quality and Quantity: [/b]fish growth and yields depend solely on what the fishes are been fed with. The following points are to be noted:
• Feed your fishes to shorten the production cycle and to maximize profit
• Avoid prolonged storage of feeds to avoid physical losses and nutrient deterioration.
• Feed fish twice daily at specific times (morning & evening) at specific feeding spots, and by gradual broadcasting.
• Avoid overfeeding or application of excess feed to prevent fouling and pollution of water.
• Monitor growth performance of fish by visual observation during feeding.
[b]Market: [/b]The market is the driving force for commercial fish farming. Before deciding to invest in fish farming, one must have identified a potential market to which the fish produced can be sold profitably. This is because the market influences the farm-gate price of the fish produced, what quantities one is able to sell at a time and how frequently sales can be done. Consequently, it is the target market that determines the levels of one’s investment in fish farming, the species to grow, size of harvest and even the size of the pond.
http://www.agricincome.com/5-basic-components-of-fish-farming/#more-310
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Nice one op