₦airaland Forum

Nice one Op

Why do we vaccinate
Adequate vaccination is an essential part of a good poultry management and for the success of any poultry operation. Effective preventive procedures such as vaccination protect poultry flocks from many contagious and deadly diseases and have resulted in improved flock health and production effectiveness.
Vaccination cannot be a substitute for poor biosecurity and sanitation. Thus, vaccination programs may not completely protect birds that are under stress or in unhygienic conditions.
The primary objective of vaccinating any poultry flock is to reduce the level of clinical disease and to promote optimal performance.
How do vaccines work?
Poultry vaccines are biological products that induce an immune response to the specific disease causing agents. Depending on the vaccine, they can be administered in various ways, all of which will be discussed in this post.
Depending on the type of antigen in the vaccine, the birds’ immune system will react, creating a “memory” response of antibodies and immune cells. The more a bird is exposed to the same antigen, the greater the antibody response and resulting protection. This is the reason many flocks are vaccinated multiple times for the same disease to maximize the immune system’s response.
Route of Administration
Oral Vaccination
Using the drinking water systems in poultry housing is a common method to administer live vaccines. Birds must be water restricted for some hours to insure all birds are ready to drink once the vaccine is administered. Always administer the vaccine in the water early in the morning. Sufficient drinker space is required to allow free access to the vaccine solution.

Intraocular (eye drop) or Nasal drop vaccine
The vaccination will only be considered successful if the drop (0.03 ml) is placed into the eye or nasal cavity and absorbed. For this to occur, it is important to wait a few seconds after administering the drop, before releasing the bird.
Wing web vaccination
This route is commonly used for Fowl Pox, Avian Encephalomielitis, Chicken Anemia and Live Fowl Cholera.
• Change the needle after vaccinating 500 birds. The used needles can be disinfected and used again as long as they remain sharpened.
• If during the application the wing vein is punctured, immediately change the needle and repeat vaccination.


Injectable (inactivated) vaccines
Injectable vaccines must be manually injected into each bird using an 18 gauge by 1/4” needle.
There are two major injection methods in avian species to allow suitable vaccination:
Intramuscular (IM) – into the muscle
Subcutaneous (SC) – under the skin
Vaccine Administration
• Administer the vaccine by using only the labelled dose at the chosen site of injection.
• Needles should be regularly replaced, at least once every 500 birds.
• Make sure that there is no air in the tube when the vaccine is administered.
www.agricincome.com

Nice one

Hello readers, I have the honor to present to you the first person to be featured in our interview section of this blog, I present to you a swaggerlious farmer who is shaking things up in the Agricultural Sector. Akinbolu Elemide of Kinzo farms…Read further as you get to know more about him.

Agricincome: Please can you introduce yourself to our readers and your farming background?
Kinzo farms: My name is Akinbolu Elemide CEO Elkinzo Agro Limited. I was fortunate to be part of a farm set up by an Executive Director of a Bank and the contract was given to a consultant from Niger state and my role was to supervise. I made it easy for the consultant who works for Ministry of Agric Minna Niger state, by telling him to stay there and give me orders on what to do and we successfully carried out the job, although he was coming to check up every weekend. I saw the opportunities in Agribusiness and I began to attend training 5 years ago and later started my farm.
Agricincome: How long have you been in the business?
Kinzo farms: 7 years
Agricincome: What attracted you to agriculture?
Kinzo farms: First of all agriculture informed our culture and I know that it was the oldest profession and also there are lots of possibilities and opportunities to convert it to wealth. The need to eat what you grow is also a fascinating factor but majorly the curiosity of the older generation to always retire to agriculture made me know it is a gold mine that needs to be unravelled by the youths.
Agricincome: What’s is the secret of the success you have achieved so far?
Kinzo farms: Total preparation, resilience and planning is the key. You need to have a structure in place that will form long and short term goals.
Agricincome: What were the main challenges you face since the inception of your business?
Kinzo farms: A lot of set forward I call it because experience is the best teacher. Challenges like I use to say are breakfast for champions. I have lost 100% of what I grow before, because of lack of planning and absolute preparation but in all we are stronger and better now.
Agricincome: Why do youths no longer have interest in farming?
Kinzo Farms: Because those involved made it look poor, youths want to work or invest in a sector that will boost them up and that is one major reason I have always advocate for youth inclusion in this sector and we cannot achieve that if we don’t understand their language and their mind-set.. that’s why we call it agrifuture, agriswagture, agrislayture for as long as we provide food for the nation. No country can survive if the youths are not involve in their food production.
Agricincome: What advice would you give to youths seeking a career in agribusiness?
Kinzo farms: They need to understand that they are the future of the country and they should acquire necessary trainings and not go into agriculture half baked.
Agricincome: A lot of people think that agriculture is a quick way to get rich, what is your stand about this?
Kinzo farms: Absolutely No, but when you learn the ropes and understand the possibilities you will make it. Agriculture is not MMM there are processes and there are value chains, but trust me when you understand all the factors you will be rich.
Agricincome: What prompted you to bring out this slogan “All farmers will be rich this year” what is it all about?
Kinzo farms: It is a movement that I believe in and sharing it with my senior colleagues assured me that it will happen. Government have stopped importation at least to a great extent, what this means is that farmers will provide food for 220 million people. Come what may your profit margin will increase. Majorly if you learn the ropes and strategically involved there are loads of opportunities that will make you rich. Meanwhile been rich is relative, have that in mind and if you prepare yourself with the right information you will be richer than you were before…so the movement is targeted at the youths so that together we can move the sector with glamour. The idea is not to appear rich but to be rich.
http://www.agricincome.com/all-farmers-will-be-rich/#more-218

Some people sef...
Is the prophesy from Man or God??
Instead of him to amend his ways and move closer to God, Hiz there ranting nonsense

Very inspiring .......
Rotimi Williams gat love for the Guy

Organic farming is a method of crop and livestock production that doesn't involve the use of pesticides, fertilizer, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic farming promotes the use of crop rotations and cover crops and encourages balanced host/predator relationships. Organic residues and nutrients produced on the farm are recycled back to the soil, cover crops and composted manure are used to maintain soil organic matter and fertility.
Why organic farming
The main objectives of organic farming include the following:
- To maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological activity within the soil.
- To maintain biological diversity within the system
- To protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity.
- To recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent possible within the enterprise.
Benefits of Organic farming
To assure the benefits of nutrients
Crops from organic farms are loaded with nutrients such as vitamins enzymes, minerals, and other micronutrient compared to those from conventional farms. Studies from researchers proof that organic farm produces have more nutrients than those from conventional farms.
Natural and better taste
Those that have tasted organically farmed produce would attest to the fact that they have a natural and better taste. The natural and superior taste stems from the well balanced and nourished soil.
Helps us stay healthy
Organic produce does not contain any chemical. This is because organic farmers don’t use chemicals at any stage of the crop-growing process. Organic farmers use natural farming techniques that don’t harm humans and environment. Organic crops keep dangerous diseases like cancer and diabetes at bay.
Free of poison
Organic farming does not make use of poisonous chemicals, pesticides, and weedicides. Studies reveal that a large section of the population fed on toxic substances used in conventional agriculture have fallen prey to diseases like cancer. As organic farming avoids these toxins, it reduces the sickness and diseases due to them.
Low cost of production
There is a big misconception that organic crops are relatively expensive. The truth is that they are actually cheaper because they don’t require the application of expensive pesticides, insecticides, and weedicides. In fact, you can get organic crops directly from the source at reasonable prices.
Organic farming methods are eco-friendly
In conventional farms, the chemicals applied infiltrate into the soil and severely contaminate it and nearby water sources. Plantlife, animals, and humans are all impacted by this phenomenon. Organic farming does not utilize these harsh chemicals so, the environment remains protected.
Longer shelf-life
Organic plants have greater metabolic and structural integrity in their cellular structure than conventional crops. This enables storage of organic crops for a longer time.
Some common practices of organic farming include:
- Wide crop rotation
- Very strict limits on chemical synthetic pesticide and synthetic fertilizer use
- Absolute prohibition of the use of genetically modified organisms.
- Taking advantage of on-site resources, such as livestock manure for fertilizer
- Choosing plants that are resistant to disease and adapted to local conditions.
I would stop here and write concisely in subsequent post.
www.agricincome.com

Biosecurity is a set of measures for protecting a population from infectious diseases. Biosecurity also means doing everything you can to keep diseases out of your farm. Biosecurity measures are the key to keeping healthy animals, it is also what is done to reduce the chances of an infectious diseases being carried to your farm.
Why is biosecurity important?
The main goal of biosecurity measures is to prevent, control and manage risks on your farm and animals. Practicing biosecurity can help keep disease away from your farm and keep your animal’s healthy animal produce better and increase your profits.
Who are involved?
The answer is simple, if you own, conduct business with or visit a farm you are involved. Disease carriers are no longer just new stock, but anything or anybody that comes in contact with the infected animals or objects. Infected animals shed bacterial or viral particles through faeces, exhaled air, milk, saliva, nasal secretions or urine. Most of these particles can survive in beddings, the air and almost anywhere in the environment for varying lengths of time. When objects like boots, clothing’s and vehicle enter this contaminated environment, they too become contaminated.
Main ways diseases are spread:
Livestock
- Improper disposal of dead animals
- Transfer of livestock from different areas
- Dirt, manure or contaminants.
People
- Farm personnel and family members
- Contractors and client
- Dirt, manure, contaminants from hands, boots and clothing’s
Vehicle & equipment
- Dirt, manure, and contaminants from cars and farm equipment’s.
Feed & water
- Raw materials from feed production
- Post- production contamination or spoilage during transport and storage
Pests
- Feral animals
- Rodent
Air
- As aerosol or dust particles
Biosecurity Measures
- Check animals for health status before purchasing
- Quarantine and vaccinate newly acquired animal
- Inspect and maintain adequate boundary fences
- Keep animals of unknown health status away from the farm
- Limit the unnecessary movement of people and vehicles into and around the farm
- Encourage the use of protective clothing and personal cleanliness when visitors visit your farm
- Ensure the quantity and quality of feed and water provided is suitable for the animals
- Know the symptoms of infectious diseases, contact your veterinarian in case you notice any unusual disease or death.
- Isolate and treat diseased or vulnerable animals in the case of a disease outbreak.
Biosecurity Techniques
- Cleaning and disinfecting is one of the most important parts of biosecurity measures. Thorough cleaning and scrubbing objects make applying disinfectants efficient.
- Always apply disinfectants using brush or spray units
Footbath
This is one of the effective tools of biosecurity measures. A small gutter/ditch or a low plastic is placed at the entrance of each unit of the farm which contains disinfectant mixed with water.
- Always encourage staff’s/visitors to dip their foots in the solution before entering each unit.
Conclusion
Improved health and well-being of animals are the ultimate outcomes of functioning biosecurity measures. A more holistic approach to biosecurity measures will enable healthy animals and maximum profits.
http://www.agricincome.com/biosecurity-measures/

Marketing of Agriculture Product (Vegetables)
Vegetable production is a small-scale business that you can start with little or no capital base. One benefit of this agri-business is that it requires no cost of maintenance to run the business. Also, there is always demand for fresh leafy vegetables like; the Waterleaf, Scent Leaf, Ugu leaf etc.
vegetable marketing is one of the big way to get involved in agriculture and make money very fast. You get to buy from the farmers and sell to individuals and organization that needs it. But marketing is unique for each product. This post will be on marketing of vegetables.
Point to consider when marketing vegetables
Efficient supply
Fruits and vegetables are perishable goods so selling them requires smartness. Someone that wants to venture into marketing of vegetables will need to contact reliable farmers that will supply you vegetables come rain come sun. Vegetables is abundant during rainy season so your ability to provide during dry season will show that you have come to stay in this business.
Transportation
Transporting your fruits and vegetables is a very important step so as not to lose the whole produce. Vegetables are delicate and as such should be packaged well especially if you are delivering in large quantities. You cannot just pack them all in one big truck and then expect them to remain nice (unless you are supplying the market women which will not pay you well).
Storage Facilities
Sometimes, it might be necessary that you store your vegetables maybe because your customer has gotten already and you need to get someone else to buy or you could not deliver that day because of logistics reasons. Just be prepared that situations will arise that will require that you store your vegetables and you need to be prepared against those days.
Running Cost
Running cost is a very important aspect of selling vegetables. Sometimes your customer might tell you to come back tomorrow or next week to collect your money. So having residual cash to keep the business running is important. If you stop because of shortage of cash and you think that whenever you have money you can start again, those people will not commit to you because they need consistency. Vegetables are needed every day so you must sustain yourself.
http://www.agricincome.com/vegetable-marketing/#more-203

Samuelkadi:
Hello senior man. Do u have any for sale presently?? Preferably a dutch

we only have newzealand white and chinchinlla

What is Greenhouse Farming?
Greenhouse farming is the type of farming in which vegetable crops are grown in built structures (wood, plastic, metal and net). Greenhouse vegetable farming is one ideal way to ensure optimum yields of a variety of vegetables grown in the country. Types of vegetables grown in a greenhouse include cucumbers, sweet pepper, lettuce and tomatoes. These vegetable are the most profitable due to its high consumption in the country.
Why consider Greenhouse Farming?
1. It requires a small land area for production.
2. A greenhouse protects the crops against adverse weather conditions, pests and diseases.
3. There are an easy temperature control and practice of IPM(integrated pest management) ideal for production
4. A greenhouse ensures higher yields and improved quality of vegetables.
5. There is an efficient use of resources such as water and nutrients.
6. The greenhouse can last longer and it is highly profitable.
Factors to consider when setting up a greenhouse
Location:
An ideal location for a greenhouse is where the light intensity is high, temperatures are mild, and atmospheric humidity is moderate. Such environment is good for crop growth.
Type of Greenhouse/Construction:
This is mostly dependent on the owner’s capital and other available resources. A greenhouse can be classified according to the type of materials used in its construction. This can either be a low-cost greenhouse, a semi-tech or a high-tech greenhouse. Low-cost greenhouses are usually constructed with wood/net with no control components. A semi-tech is usually constructed with metals with net and plastic coverings with some control components. In high-tech greenhouses, crops are raised in a fully controlled environment (temperature, humidity etc.).
Source of water:
Having an available and good source of water will ensure all year round production.
Type of crop:
This is largely dependent on the available market as well as consumer preference. The crops you grow can be greenhouse crops or open field crops which also do well in a greenhouse.
Market availability:
Before one decides to enter into production, it is advisable to undertake a simple market survey to ensure the type of crop in need. Also, have a cropping schedule that always meets market demand.


www.agricincome.com

The success of any agri-business depends on accurate record keeping. Farm records keeping is an activity most farmers try to avoid. They say it is time-consuming. However, record keeping is a very important task in agriculture. If you plan to be a prominent farmer with productive farms, you cannot avoid record keeping in your daily farming endeavours.
Expenses and income records helps to determine profit or loss at the end of the financial year. Above all, record keeping helps to evaluate management practices that might need to be improved upon. In this post, i will give farmers and intending farmer’s reasons to be very particular about records keeping.
• Better farm planning and forecasting
Agriculture is a business and good farm records keeping helps the farmer to plan and do a realistic forecasting. Records keeping provides valuable information on the methods that works and why others did not. In budgeting, the farmer can better predict price changes of inputs and produce from expenditure and sales records kept from previous seasons. The farmer can determine how much is required for farm expansion from good farm records.
• A requirement for Grants and Loans.
Lenders, government agencies, insurance companies and many other bodies demand good records before providing help to farmers. Extension Agents of Agricultural Agencies sometimes require good records kept by farmers to be able to give them good technical advice on their farms. Financial institution and other lenders would require good records on the farm’s income and expenditure before giving out loan facilities to farmers.
• Track income and expenditure
Farmers most of the time are not able to give proper accounts on their cash inflows and outflows. This is basically because they overlook and do not record “petty” expenses and incomes (like feeding, costs of phone calls and transportation). Keeping proper records, will at any time of reconciliation, give the farmer the correct amount of money spent or gained from the farm. Moreover, this helps in proper planning and budgeting.
• Better management of farm
A farmer who keeps records on seed germination rates of the seeds bought is in a better position to select better seeds for seasons. Besides, records keeping helps to determine the right type of crop to grow on a particular type of soil, at a particular time of the season for best yield and better pest and disease management. In the case of livestock, the farm keeps records of the bloodlines, pest, and diseases, feed types and consumption, etc. These records help to prevent inbreeding and diseases, provide the best feed for optimum performance and a whole lot.
Farmers cannot continue to avoid this activity for the reason of time consumption or any other. So we advise, that spending an average of 10mins each day on the farm to keep farm records is very much worth it. It will save the farmer lots of time and money.
www.agricincome.com

Rabbit farming is an agribusiness with a vast market, especially due to statistics showing that over 1 million tonnes of rabbit meat is consumed yearly around the world. Rabbit farming hasn’t just proven to be a great source of income to thousands of people worldwide, but has also been identified as a great source of food for parts of Africa, including Nigeria.
Rabbit farming has come a long way. Since the growing need for meat protein, over the years, the animal protein intake of the average Nigerian is lower than 20 percent of his counterpart in Europe. Along with the decline in land availability to raise cattle and other livestock’s, this as make rabbit farming very common in Nigeria. It is equally creating wealth to the teeming unemployed youths and rabbit farmers.
Rabbits have a maturing period of 4-5 months after which they can start reproducing. A female rabbit gives birth every 2 months (60 days) to a litter of 6 on average after a gestation period of between 28 and 31 days. The litter number may be more in some cases. The weaning period (suckling) is 28-31 days after which a farmer should start feeding them on green vegetation’s and pellets.
Common Breeds of Rabbit in Nigeria
New Zealand White: Theses rabbits are usually fully white, small to medium sized, and can reach a lifetime maturity of 3 to 5kg.
Chinchilla: These rabbits are small to medium sized and can weigh an average size of 2.5kg when they reach adulthood.
Dutch Rabbits: Just as the Chinchilla, they are also small to medium sized and can weigh between 2 to 2.5kg when they are fully mature. As a breed, they’re gentle and easy-going.
Flemish Giant: These very large rabbits can reach a peak weight of 6 to 7 kg at maturity. They have a smooth coat with a dense undercoat, so grooming them regularly is important to keep their coats in top condition. They’re often referred to as the “friendly giants”.
Things to note when establishing a rabbit farm
Do your research
As with any business you want to venture in, you need to do your research before starting. As noted before, rabbits come in different breeds and sizes. Learn about rabbit habits so that you will be able to quickly notice if anything is amiss or if your rabbit is uncomfortable. Learn about diseases and what to do in case your rabbit becomes sick. Learn how to differentiate male and female rabbits and how to know if your rabbit is pregnant.
Choose A Farming Method:
After deciding to start up a rabbit farming business, the first step is to determine what type of farm to run. Some factors to consider in choosing the housing type are: the cost, access to light and fresh air, protection from the sun, and the spaciousness
There are two primary types of rabbit farming methods and their mode of operations vary. They are:
Deep Litter Method:
This method is highly recommended if you intend to raise a few rabbits. Here, the litter material is about 4 to 5 inches in depth with straw, hay and wood shavings. In this method, the floor should be concrete. Disease outbreak in this system is high, the male rabbits should usually be kept in a separate compartment from the female rabbits, except for copulation purposes.
Cage Method:
The cage method is highly effective for a commercial rabbit farming business. Here, the rabbits are usually kept in cages that are made of wire because, this is a highly effective way to raise so many rabbits in an organised environment. Each rabbit in this setting should have a space of about two feet wide, three feet long, and two feet high. In summary, there must be enough room for the young rabbits to move around in.
Feeding:
Rabbits feed on dry grass, kitchen waste and green vegetation,that can be found easily in the environment. They also enjoy vegetables such as cabbages and can eat things like maize, banana and cassava peels. So basically, finding feed for your rabbits should not be difficult. Ensure that you also give them water to drink as part of their diet.
Rabbits should also be well fed at night because, rabbits are nocturnal animals and largely prefer to feed at night. So feeding them well in the evenings is very important.
Hygiene and prevention of disease
When you embark on rabbit farming, you should take the prevention of diseases seriously. Disease outbreaks can occur in an area, and this could cause havoc to your rabbit farm. However, if you develop a habit of disinfecting before handling rabbits, your rabbits will be free from disease. Do not allow anyone to enter the rabbit houses before disinfecting as this can lead to your rabbits becoming sick. You can put a container with the disinfectant just outside the door so that those who go in can quickly step on the disinfectant before entering.
Marketing
To effectively market your rabbits, you have to create your own market. You can start by educating the community on the health benefits of rabbit meat, market your rabbits online, selling to restaurants and bars that prepare rabbit meat. I strongly advice farmers to first figure out the market.ie where to sell it before venturing into it.
Conclusion
Without doubt, a choice of investment in rabbit breeding has the potential of impacting on the socio-economic well-being of the community. The benefits include: wealth creation, employment generation and provision of much needed protein nourishment to the populace.

www.agricincome.com

Sheep and Goat Farming?
Sheep and Goat farming in Nigeria is not a new enterprise, it is a traditional business that is profitable, risk-less and very easy to start up. Sheep&Goat farming has been in existence since the ancient time. Generally it means rearing Sheep&Goat for the purpose of harvesting milk, meat, wool and fiber. At present, Sheep&Goat farming has become a profitable business as it requires a very low investment because of its multi-functional utility. Sheep&Goat also can be used as a tool for poverty reduction and plays an important role in the economic growth of Nigeria.
Farm Location
Selecting a suitable location for starting a Sheep&Goat farm is very important. Consider the essential facilities, while selecting the location. Clean and fresh water source, availability of adequate amount of greens, access to proper medication, transportation and proper marketing are the essential facilities for starting commercial sheep&goat farming.
Purchase Quality Breeds
Always try to purchase quality breeds from famous farms or breeders. There are numerous Sheep&Goat breeds available around the world. But not all breeds are not suitable for farming in all areas. Some breeds are suitable for commercial meat production and some breeds are suitable for wool production. Choose suitable breeds according to your desired production purpose.
Housing
Sheep&Goat don’t require expensive housing, as long as you fulfil their basic housing needs. Even you can raise them with other livestock animals, in small scale production. But for commercial production, you have to make a separate and suitable house for them. Their house must have to be suitable enough to keep them safe from adverse weather and harmful predators. Always try to keep the house clean and dry. Ensure flow of sufficient air and light inside the house
Feeding
Good feeding is essential for proper growth and maximum production. High quality feed also helps to keep the animal healthy, productive and diseases free. So always try to feed your Sheep&Goat adequate and nutritious feeds. Usually all types of grasses, plants are there favourite. Always provide your animals with adequate amount of clean and fresh water. Supplementation of concentrate is also necessary.
Fencing
Make a suitable fence around the pasture, if you allow them to graze on the pasture. Keep the fence strong enough, so that they can’t go out. Good fencing also help to keep all types of predators out. You can make a wire or wooden fence.
Management
Good management can ensure maximum profit from your sheep&goat farm. So always try to take good care of your animals. Always try to purchase quality and productive breeds, feed them nutritious feeds and make a suitable house for them. Vaccinate them timely to prevent them from various types of diseases.
Vaccination
Various types of viral diseases like PPR, goat pox, foot and mouth diseases and bacterial diseases like anthrax, brucellosis etc. are very harmful for goats. So, proper vaccination is a must to prevent this types of diseases. The does which was not vaccinated PPR, goat pox, brucellosis vaccines previously, vaccinate them at the fifth month of gestation period. Vaccinate the kids PPR vaccine when they reach 5 months of age. Always take good care of your animals and vaccinate them timely to prevent unwanted health hazard and diseases. See the chart below.

Vaccine Name Applying Rate Applying Method
PPR 1 ml Injection Under Skin
Foot & Mouth Disease 2 ml Injection Under Skin
Anthrax 1 ml Injection Under Skin

Marketing
To effectively market your animals, you have to create your own market. By trying your local livestock market. Market your rabbit’s online, sell to restaurants and bars that prepare pepper soup. I strongly advice farmers to first figure out the market where to sell their animals/products before venturing into it.
Conclusion
Sheep and goat farming are traditional livestock farming business that is profitable. Before starting, choose proper breeds. Because maximum profits mostly depend on selecting high quality and healthy breeds.
www.agricincome.com

WHY MOST AGRIC BUSINESS FAIL
Why most agribusiness fail today is because of lack of foresight to implement change at the appropriate time as the business runs. To be a successful agripreneur, you need to able to move your business from one stage to another, so as to create wealth and build up sustainably...http://www.agricincome.com/whyagric-business-fail/

Getting into a new business is a milestone as you have triumph the problem deciding what line of business to engage in and kick starting it. However, studies have shown that sustaining business to successfully go through transition at different stages of growth have been more daunting challenge than starting them.
Many agribusiness fail today because of lack of foresight to implement change at the appropriate time as the business runs. To be a successful agripreneur, you need to able to move your business from one stage to another, so as to create wealth and build up sustainably. Generally planning, decision making, management, business performance evaluation, self-discipline, customer service and retention strategy, financing the business and handling of stress and pressure are implicated in the actualization of success or not of a business. However imperative causes of why most agribusiness fail and possible solutions would be pointed out in this post:
Bad business idea
No business idea is actually bad in itself, but a particular business idea can be circumstantially good for one while it is bad for another. Nevertheless, business decisions should be based upon factors that provide one with comparative advantage to engage in a particular business and not the other.
Comparative advantage for a business could be in form of knowledge, skill and availability of the necessary resources to start-up and grow the business; which could all be evaluated by a business plan to evaluate the technical and economic viability of a business idea than starting up a business on the basis of how lucrative it seems elsewhere or your passion which cause you affinity to a business as the business would require more than and not only your passion to sustainably create wealth for you.
Cash problem/fund problem
Predominant insufficient and at times total lack of fund for your business can fail the business, and with a worsening situation with most agribusiness as cash plans are required and advised to be made to cover a full production cycle before start. Pitching the business with confidence to investors, banks and people who can help to provide fund adequately for the business can be a solution, but it is important to understand that “small and available” funds could be judiciously invested and grown into wealth.
Another dimension of cash being a problem for agribusiness is the mismanagement of the cash flow of the business. Effectively managing cash flow is important for any agripreneur by sacrificing enjoyment until he/she reaches a comfortable stage before reaping the fruits of the labour, as it is easy to get side tracked by things that seems to be important but have little to do with achieving your original target for your business. Self-discipline is solution to this, so as to achieve success in business.
Managerial inexperience/incompetence
Professional management is key to successful agribusiness venture. Inexperience and incompetence of management affects planning, decision making, business performance evaluation which are important to sustain and grow a business. Most agribusiness require high precision in decision making to cope to the high risk and uncertainty nature of the business. Hence, agribusiness management should be well equipped with the technical, emotional and virtue to get the business started and grow.
Moreso, while the business grow, competencies expected from the management to sustain growth. Often the basic challenge is in transition from owner to leader, having the right business leadership skills and self-discipline growth comes with increase in employee size, income and Challenges to maintain a narrow strategic focus.
Lack of customer focus
Customers are integral part of business. A business with all excellent start-up requirement without customer consideration is bound to fail, hence the customers are evaluated in terms of quantity and quality during the business planning process to ensure the future of the business. Setting business target for yourself and your employees who should be focused on increasing the number of customer through improved customer service is key to success for your business. Excellent customer delivery is not an option because it breeds trust, reliability, love, patience, fairness and edge in competition. If your immediate resources are unable to manage a large client base, identify and focus on segment for which the most value can be created in order to optimize your returns. It has been proven time and again, that it is far cheaper to retain an existing customer than it is to acquire a new one, however watch out for customers with buying habits that are detrimental to the success of the business.
http://www.agricincome.com/whyagric-business-fail/

dynamix101:
Hello

Nice write-up and an encouraging one. Piggery can be a rewarding experience, but in the long term. I have some observations and additions:

1. You didn't include the cost price of the pig which is around 5000-6000 for weaners and 12000 for growers.
2. You didn't account for cost of accommodation which averages 200 naira per month per pig.
3. Cost of attendant isn't included.
4. U said it takes 125 days or 4 months to achieve 50kg. In theory it's okay. In practical, it takes an average of 8 months from weaner age to attain 60kg.
5. Pigs require around 3kg of feed daily esp as they grow older
6. The cost per kg live weight is 420 naira as at today in oke aro. Outside farms sell for 470 thereabouts. Selling at 1100 means you are slaughtering and you then have to add 1500 as slaughtering cost minus the whole wahala of transporting, marketing etc.

From this, the profit of 10,281.25 per animal (35kg X 293.75) will have been decimated.

Pig farming can be a very rewarding experience but it's not a get rich scheme; it takes time and lots of it. If you aren't passionate, you will run in and run out as a lot of people have been doing.
Check
https://www.nairaland.com/3728830/before-venture-into-piggery-read

Nice observations, but all what you listed varies cause of location. In Abia state, a kg of pork meat goes for #1100

zoogy2007:
Nice, but there are a lot of hidden costs that you failed to highlight. You only talked about food and drugs. What about labor, transport and other infrastructural costs? Please guide the newcomers well in your posts. We do not want to be misleading young entrepreneurs.

Those type of cost is not determinable, because of location

10 ways you can make money investing in Heliculture......http://www.agricincome.com/10-ways-can-make-money-investing-heliculture/

10 ways you can make money investing in Heliculture......http://www.agricincome.com/10-ways-can-make-money-investing-heliculture/

Agripreneurs are a new breed of entrepreneurs combining their love of farming and agriculture with business. A successful agripreneur is one who has the ability to think outside the box, recognizing opportunities which others could not see. Here are some Start up lesson for every agripreneurs:
Identify one area of agribusiness
If you are a “Jack of all trades” you will find it difficult being a master in one business. You need to concentrate on building and promoting a business. Do not start agri-business because you heard it bring high returns, venture into a business you love and have background information on, study the business carefully, build an energy around the business, acquire more skill on the business, apply your own ideas, bring in experts that will help you grow the business.
Don’t expect to start perfectly
Procrastination is the killer of dreams. Do not expect to have enough money or investors before you can start that new business. You can start very little, what matters is your dream for the business. You can only stop growing when you stop dreaming higher. Do not be satisfied with where you are per time, always aim for the top while you gradually take the steps.
Have your customers at the back of your mind
Every business is set up not for the owner but for the people. Whichever area of agriculture you plan to venture into, have your intending customer’s interest at the back of your mind. If your service/product is good, you will have not only return customers but referral customers too. Your satisfied customers will be part of your media team. If possible, when starting that business, conduct a survey on what the people want.
Success is a gradual process
You must do what is required to acquire what is desired. Do not rush success. It takes the demands of discipline and diligent to be successful. Take your success journey one at a time, be focused on your defined goal and be determined to attain your goal and you will definitely get there.
Learn how to market
If you cannot market your agriproducts, you are not going to succeed as an agripreneur. As a matter of fact, I think marketing should be one of the basic concepts an agripreneur must learn how to do. There are different forms of marketing, so depending on the service you are rendering or product you are selling, you can choose the best that suits your business and brings higher returns.
An agripreneur should keep assessing different market strategies until he finds the most effective. He should also seek the service of a good marketing manager to help promote his business.
Stay updated with the trends
To be successful in agri business, you must be well-informed of the latest trends. Always do research on how the business is being done by your competitors. In agriculture today, most agripreneurs have developed easier ways of doing business with maximum profit assured. They spend lesser time and still get better profit.
Don’t be afraid to fail
Life is too short to let fear make the decisions for you. It is not easy to overcome the fear of failure but once you build up the confidence to not let fear hold you back you will achieve more success. So if you must be successful, be ready to face failure. Many successful agripreneurs failed countless times before they succeeded, let your passion for agriculture see you through.
Believe in yourself
If you don’t believe in yourself, you cannot succeed in your agribusiness exploit. You cannot sell/promote what you don’t believe in. No matter what you are facing, always brace up to the challenge. Be proud of yourself and the small success you achieved and you will be a big success.
http://www.agricincome.com/start-lesson-every-agripreneurs/
cc; lalasticlala

Here are several business opportunities available in the agricultural industry and one good thing about the industry is that there is market for all the produce which the industry produce. Over the years, researchers and scientist have been reaching for ways to improve the agricultural sector. For beginners the investment costs are generally low, and the return on investment are decent…http://www.agricincome.com/112-2/

PIG FARMING AS A LUCRATIVE BUSINESS IN NIGERIA

Pigs are kept in almost all the farms in Nigeria. It is still common to find pigs roaming freely around communities in rural areas of southern Nigeria than in the Northern parts due to religious taboo associated with pig farming. However, pig farming enterprises are also found in and around towns and cities in many areas of Nigeria, and stands a good lucrative source of income when properly managed like every other farming business.

Good pig farming in Nigeria relies on a combination of inter connected aspects such as housing, breeding and reproduction, nutrition, disease prevention & control and management; which are incorporated into intensive system of pig keeping to achieved a desirable and sustainable production. However, a blend of technical know how to make the right decisions at the right time, capital to provide improved building, feed and drugs, marketing viability to ensure that the animals have to be brought to the market when they have reached the desired weight and with optimum strategy for buying and selling of inputs (drugs, feed, farm facilities & equipment) and output (pork) with dependable sales outlet are key to sustainable income flow from pig farming.

PROFITABILITY OF PIG FARMING IN NIGERIA

NOTE: this is mainly for pig fattening aspect of pig farming.

A simple way to judge whether pig farming is profitable is by comparing the pork price (pig meat) and cost of production.

Assumptions (NB; Based on the available contemporary experience on pig farming)

• Average daily weight gain of 0.4kg
• Average daily feed consumption of 1.64kg from weaner to finisher of (50kg live weight in this case)
• Target live weight of 50kg
• Resultant pork from pig as 80% of its market weight
• Average feed price per kg of diet= #150
• Selling price per kg of pork= #1100
• Other costs(drugs and vaccine) = #1500
Hence,
• The pig would require 50÷0.4= 125 days to reach the target market weight of 50kg
• Total feed consumed throughout growth (125×1.64) = 205kg
• Total cost of feed consumed (205×150)= #30,750
Therefore Total cost of production = total cost of feed + other cost
= 30,750 + 1500
= #32,250
• Resultant pork = 80% of 50kg
= 35kg
• Cost price per kg of pork = 32,250÷ 35
= #806.25
• Selling price of pork per kg = #1,100
• Profit per kg of pork = selling price of pork per kg – cost price per kg of pork
= 1100 – 806.25
= #293.75
Therefore, you make #293.75 for every kg of pork meat!!

HOW CAN MORE PROFIT BE MADE?

While the above illustrations were ensured to be real as obtainable in pig farming. More profit can be made in the following ways:
• Ensuring improved housing to provide convenience to pigs to facilitate better growth.
• Employing good breeding practice by avoiding in breeding and ensuring selection of best animals in the herd for breeding
• Provision of good and well balance feed to your stock to ensure availability of nutrients for fast growth.
• Ensure a good disease control measure, to reduce cost through reduced medication (drugs) and to facilitate the animal’s utilization of nutrients for growth.
• Push to expand production, so as to enjoy more flexibility with economics of scale for production at lesser cost.

http://www.agricincome.com/profitability-pig-farming-nigeria/

upsyLi:
O faro, my nigga

Baba nla

Cost and returns of broiler production is often a critical factor to be considered once there is a concept to invest in broiler production cost and returns of broiler production in Nigeria is important so as to evaluate the viability of investment in broiler production for “return of investment cost” and profit, which however could be foreseeably determined based on certain regulating principles of broiler production….…http://www.agricincome.com/broiler-production/

Cost and returns of broiler production is often a critical factor to be considered once there is a concept to invest in broiler production cost and returns of broiler production in Nigeria is important so as to evaluate the viability of investment in broiler production for “return of investment cost” and profit, which however could be foreseeably determined based on certain regulating principles of broiler production….…http://www.agricincome.com/broiler-production/

Cost and returns of broiler production is often a critical factor to be considered once there is a concept to invest in broiler production cost and returns of broiler production in Nigeria is important so as to evaluate the viability of investment in broiler production for “return of investment cost” and profit, which however could be foreseeably determined based on certain regulating principles of broiler production Generally the regulating principles of broiler production, accounts for the optimistic and pessimistic views and approach towards the cost and returns estimation of broiler production so as to provide a clear and accurate situation for the expectation of investment in broiler production. However, the projection of the costs and returns of broiler production in Nigeria can be practically be unactualized, actualized even more so surprising, depending on the management of the broiler as with every other livestock. These principles are vital to provide a bankable business plan for an investor for broiler production.
Principles and important guides for cost and returns of broiler
1. Type of House – deep litter with open sides for cross ventilation
2. Production plan – all-in- all- out
3. Feeding system – Ad libitum
4. Litter type – wood shavings of appropriate type and quality
5. Stocking density – 12 mature broiler per m2
6. Breed of broiler – viable commercial breeds/hybrids
7. Maturity age and live weight – 6-7 weeks and 1.6-2kg
8. Mortality – 5-10% maximum (including runts and deformed)
9. Feed intake – per broiler from start to finish
10. Price of mature live broiler
11. Recommend 6-6.5 production batch per year
12. One batch/production period takes 7-8 weeks to completion( including one week period of cleaning and rest of the pens)
13. Medication – maximum of 5% of the feed cost including payment for vet services
14. Minimum of 5 years financial projection is required for a business plan.
Assumption: Cost and returns of 600 broilers
*Assumption: 1. already available land with bore hole
2. Each production cycle will be made up of 600 birds per batch of production.
3. Minimum of 6 batches of birds per year
4. Selling price of mature broiler = #2000
COSTS
Expenditure
(Fixed cost) Cost Annual Cost Cost per batch
Building(10m/5m) 362500 30208.33 5034.78
Poultry Equipment and facilities 125200 15435.33 2572.22
Variable Cost
Day old chick@ #250 per chick __ __ 138,000
FEED
Starter (960kg @#140 per kg) __ __ 134,400
Finisher (1440kg @ #132 per kg) __ __ 190,080
TOTAL: 324,480
Medication (5% of feed cost, including Vet services) -----------------------------------16,224
http://www.agricincome.com/broiler-production/