I have received many inquiries for partnership, but I have relocated to the winning region. I want to post my objectives here so people can understand me. I am cultivating tomatoes which I am going to start this December. After a deligent search for a place, I settled for the north.

You should follow my other threads before sending me messages and understand the kind of person I am. Presently, I can only work with you if you need assistance to tweak your farm. If you srent relying on me 100% to be your joker to success. I can walk you through getting your irrigation system right, set up, soil preparation, the best seeds and varieties for your soil and style, best practice to move toward optimum production, and crop rotation. Please if your request are outside these, I wont bother to respond to your request. Sorry.

Attit:

If you use the same specification above I gave you which gives N420,000 sales on 4.5 to 5 plots (less than an acre), you will have 15,000 plants. If you use 20cm emitters, you will have 22,500 plants on the same piece of land. I believe you can have 14,000 plants at the end of the day. From what I know, about 4 cobs of sweet corn make 1kg which you can easily sell at N400. However you have to send it to farm. You must pay for logistics. It's even better. I dont know why you want to do farm Gates price. I think you can easily hit N1.3million to N1.5million sales easily. But you may not be able to sell them all at the same time, so you have to strategize staggered production.

If you want to try this, send me message and I will hook you up with one or two people who can sell your sweet corn. If I tell the person tk reserve you a spot, be assured he will. But make sure you dont fail.

So, go and get drip irrigation and get in touch with me.

Chairman, good day, please, i'm just learning of sweet corn today and i would really appreciate it if you can give me more information on it. Thanks and remain blessed.
NB: i have done some online research online for it but the big question is where can i sell it?

abouzaid:
Chairman, good day, please, i'm just learning of sweet corn today and i would really appreciate it if you can give me more information on it. Thanks and remain blessed.
NB: i have done some online research online for it but the big question is where can i sell it?

Used as continental dishes ingredients and salad. Those selling veggies to expats and groceries stores trade it. Usually in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The market is slim, so you dont produce too much at a time. There are many other kinds of veggies in this category also. Cauliflower, beetroot, brocolli, eggplant, and many others.

Attit:

Used as continental dishes ingredients and salad. Those selling veggies to expats and groceries stores trade it. Usually in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The market is slim, so you dont produce too much at a time. There are many other kinds of veggies in this category also. Cauliflower, beetroot, brocolli, eggplant, and many others.

Thanks a million, i appreciate.

Attit:
If you have any trouble or challenge on your farm, send it here. Let's brainstorm together. Let us make 2021 better than 2020. Scammers, stay away! Haters, buzz off! "I too know" enterprises, Stay away! I have decided to listen to many cries and private messages, here is the opportunity to get solutions again. I want even haters to learn. 2021 will be great!

good day, i took up farming recently as a side attraction but is now thinking of retiring to or close to a semi rural homestead on land measuring 100 feet by 180feet, i intend to build a home on a section so my question is 1) can i make an annual profit of 3 million naira on a plot of land measuring 100feet by 150feet planting high value crops like cucumber, Okra,Pepper, tomatoes etc year long with irrigation from a commercial borehole? I have no intention of going organic because the market doesn't appreciate it here. Thanks and remain blessed as i expect a lengthy and detailed answer from you as usual.

abouzaid:
good day, i took up farming recently as a side attraction but is now thinking of retiring to or close to a semi rural homestead on land measuring 100 feet by 180feet, i intend to build a home on a section so my question is 1) can i make an annual profit of 3 million naira on a plot of land measuring 100feet by 150feet planting high value crops like cucumber, Okra,Pepper, tomatoes etc year long with irrigation from a commercial borehole? I have no intention of going organic because the market doesn't appreciate it here. Thanks and remain blessed as i expect a lengthy and detailed answer from you as usual.

Funny you expect a lengthy reply. Lol. I will give you.

I have reduced my activities because of the political and security in Nigeria. Also, there is uncertainty about the naira value in the world market. But my return is soon, and it is going to be massive. As in with the latest innovation.

Many farmers are caught unguarded as a result of not looking forward. I am writing this because you said you want to retire. Hmmmm. And many even on Nairaland are victims too. You see, they see someone with forward thinking gift as unusual, but funny, they always follow the lead of the person. I have been trying to tell many this issue for the past 3 years, and it's getting obvious. The message is: Get into technology.

The world is going tech, and agric is not an exemption. Drip, mulch, and the rest are going to be obsolete soon; yet, "sapa" (poverty) has made many to be devil's advocate in preaching against anything which is not within their reach. As in they want extreme cheap methods. And funny, they want to sell at high price. Lol.

Not how large, but how well
World economic leaders and rulers are not thinking about expanding horizontally anymore. It's more of vertical, and this is why nations like Isreal, Singapore South Korea, Holland, etc all have huge GDP more than natural resourceful African nations. I have stopped looking for more land for anything. Even, I have started educating my family to buy only properties registered and stop buying land in non regulated area. I will rather buy a flat built on Lagos Island rather than buy a land in Ikorodu or Epe and build it. See, everything will soon be demolished cos Lagos is moving toward real capitalism - world class city.

The future of Agriculture
What many do not realise is that Agriculture is going out of reach of common men soon. Oil is going to finish soon, and the two areas which I know will stay are: Technology and Agriculture. Other areas will come in, but these are the major areas. For the next 20 years, massive constructions will continue going on, and we will keep accumulating debts, except a more brilliant president comes in who can turn around things. Power is essential.

3 million today is what tomorrow?
You need to think about this. The best way around it is to sit down and say: 3 million is around $5,500. Cos we dont know the equivalent of that amount next year cos the way naira is. Only use dollars for projecting forward.

Thus issue is why I pity most people here. When I say they need N2 to N5million to set up 1 hectare of land, they shout. Let me do the calculation for you. This N2 million is $3,700. As at 2014, it was around N150 to N170 to $1. Let's even use N170. Its N629,000. Wow! Just imagine it. And withing 6 years, we are talking of N2,000,000. And so people hear million and they shout. But dollars remain same.

So, why do they want to reduce the cost of set up? For what? The luck we have in agric is that as the inputs go up, the finished products even go up more. Imagine....as at that time a dollar is N170, do you know that the price of tomato is not even that expensive? Now, it even pays us more. I remember that the bench mark was N10 000,000 then for one ha sale....as in people cannot meet up cos of low yield, but that's the benchmark for optimum. Let us say we can meet it... we have N10,000,000 as $58,000. Now, we assume to make 100tons per ha, and sales is high at around N15,000 per crate during ths period which can even be higher, its $60,000. Can you see that the benchmark of $58,000 and $60,0000 are in the same range
? And then if it shoots to N20,000 per crate cos of what we are facing which is very likely, we will have N80million sales which is $140,000. Can you see my point?

Pensioners always make mistake
So, for agric at this stage, when you invest high now, you will certainly make it. Take it from me. You will. Nothing stops you from making it if you follow the rule. And it is simple...buy what will last you minimum of 5 years. And to do this, you must import by yourself or ask someone do it for you. This is how I have helped many. You move in the first and you make mistake, you have more years to recover. But when you buy rubbish, that's it. You lose out.

Reduce labour impact with technology
Sit down and invest the way the world is going. The world economic leaders are shaping the world economic presently. When Asian had this wahala, no one did anything. And they decided to be slaves to the US. Lol. Or maybe they pretended. And US moved all production to China. Lol. Look at what is happening? It got to the state labor dealt with GM (america company) massively, while Toyota a Japanese company had it a bit easier with labor. And what's the solution? America has started using robots and machines. So, agric will soon be out of reach of many. And then, big men will move into it. When the chances of infection are reduced drastically, small people will not be able to come in again. I am just trying to tell you to look forward sir/ma. Covid-19 has changed all.

Looking forward, I have seen many things will change, and this is why I have limited old way.

My answer to your questions
3million profit is roughly N3.9million sales. So, can you make $6,800 sales on a plot per annum? Yes, absolutely yes. How? Through tech. What about without tech? Absolutely Not. You cannot.

To make, the kind of cucumber you can grow to make such...you may not have enough market. What I think you focus on is tomato or bell pepper, or combo of exotic ones. And then rotate. On the benchmark for tomato, you need to make 390 crates on that plot of land. And the highest so far is 160 crates..the person did 15 plots. But I know it is possible to make twice cos I made 89 crates on 1/4 of a plot with a serious effort, and only me take charge from A to Z. I cannot increase beyond this level cos I dont have the strength to do it. And when I asked for help for 2 plots, efficiency will drop seriously.

My advice
If you have cash, go and do a fairly good size. To me, 1 acre to 1 ha is fair enough. Spend well, and cash out well. Even you dont get it right now, you will by next year as long as you are have quality equipment. And hit N7million and above sales. Now, you still have strength. Then, use the money to build you small farm. I always recommend anything higher than 1 plot. Build a house there. Fix it well. But serious, an acre makes sense. Fence it round too. Invest in solar panels there and make yourself comfortable.

Then, you can go easy. Once in a while, use a rented 1 ha to raise cash again and again. Pack in your equipment after each time. If you have strength, go out again and again on the large plot to keep raising money. But you know your small plot where you have house and other stuff is there.... That place must not be in bush but near the city cos it is your retirement plan. Can be anywhere in the city, or very close. So that when you get to the stage you cannot do large portion cos of health issues, just stay in your small farm and live long to fulfill your destiny.

If I were you this would be the steps to take:
1. Go for 1 ha tomato or pepper or anything else which you can do to raise N20 million and above. I know tomato can do it if you do it well.
2. Buy quality products that you can use for 5 to 10 years. If you fail the first time, move there again the second and third.
3. Use the income to set up your retirement garden where you will have everything. The garden may not give you what you desire in full, but at least, you may even combine livestock. Of course you may do organic for yourself to live long.
4. Solar panels, good water, plant air filtering plants so you breath good air, plant exotic fruits for yourself - strawberry, cherry, pineapple, banana, etc. Also have good internet (satelite internet is coming soon). Buy a durable utility farm vehicle. etc.
5. Create a portion for products you will be selling there.
6. You can still do large area when you have the desire and strength.

The above is a better strategic retirement plan than just saying you want to create a plot which you want to use. You may get frustrated there with that 1 plot if things do not work out well immediately. Do it gradually. But I believe more in the equipment you are buying now which you will use to raise the cash to build your dream profitable garden. When you perfect 15 plots tomato or pepper. Even this 15 plots, you may end up doing just 1 plot or 2 the first year. But buy all your equipment. This is what people do not realise. How many are successful with the approach here and templates we see here? But that time your pension fund is with you, buy then and keep. You will use them after you have eradicated everything hindrances.

First attempt - you go in and see the challenges. I can knky give you good management techniques....but there are challenges there only you can solve. Or mayne you move away from the place.

Second attempt - may be downsizing, and perfection.

Third attempt- may be scaling up again

Fourth attempt - then real profit and start developing you dream garden with tech. Everything you learned out there, put it all in your dream garden.

It may even take you just one attempt to start developing your dream garden. It depends on you, the people you meet on your farm, your workers, a d many other things. But in all, buy quality equipment.

Attit:

Funny you expect a lengthy reply. Lol. I will give you.

I have reduced my activities because of the political and security in Nigeria. Also, there is uncertainty about the naira value in the world market. But my return is soon, and it is going to be massive. As in with the latest innovation.

Many farmers are caught unguarded as a result of not looking forward. I am writing this because you said you want to retire. Hmmmm. And many even on Nairaland are victims too. You see, they see someone with forward thinking gift as unusual, but funny, they always follow the lead of the person. I have been trying to tell many this issue for the past 3 years, and it's getting obvious. The message is: Get into technology.

The world is going tech, and agric is not an exemption. Drip, mulch, and the rest are going to be obsolete soon; yet, "sapa" (poverty) has made many to be devil's advocate in preaching against anything which is not within their reach. As in they want extreme cheap methods. And funny, they want to sell at high price. Lol.

Not how large, but how well
World economic leaders and rulers are not thinking about expanding horizontally anymore. It's more of vertical, and this is why nations like Isreal, Singapore South Korea, Holland, etc all have huge GDP more than natural resourceful African nations. I have stopped looking for more land for anything. Even, I have started educating my family to buy only properties registered and stop buying land in non regulated area. I will rather buy a flat built on Lagos Island rather than buy a land in Ikorodu or Epe and build it. See, everything will soon be demolished cos Lagos is moving toward real capitalism - world class city.

The future of Agriculture
What many do not realise is that Agriculture is going out of reach of common men soon. Oil is going to finish soon, and the two areas which I know will stay are: Technology and Agriculture. Other areas will come in, but these are the major areas. For the next 20 years, massive constructions will continue going on, and we will keep accumulating debts, except a more brilliant president comes in who can turn around things. Power is essential.

3 million today is what tomorrow?
You need to think about this. The best way around it is to sit down and say: 3 million is around $5,500. Cos we dont know the equivalent of that amount next year cos the way naira is. Only use dollars for projecting forward.

Thus issue is why I pity most people here. When I say they need N2 to N5million to set up 1 hectare of land, they shout. Let me do the calculation for you. This N2 million is $3,700. As at 2014, it was around N150 to N170 to $1. Let's even use N170. Its N629,000. Wow! Just imagine it. And withing 6 years, we are talking of N2,000,000. And so people hear million and they shout. But dollars remain same.

So, why do they want to reduce the cost of set up? For what? The luck we have in agric is that as the inputs go up, the finished products even go up more. Imagine....as at that time a dollar is N170, do you know that the price of tomato is not even that expensive? Now, it even pays us more. I remember that the bench mark was N10 000,000 then for one ha sale....as in people cannot meet up cos of low yield, but that's the benchmark for optimum. Let us say we can meet it... we have N10,000,000 as $58,000. Now, we assume to make 100tons per ha, and sales is high at around N15,000 per crate during ths period which can even be higher, its $60,000. Can you see that the benchmark of $58,000 and $60,0000 are in the same range
? And then if it shoots to N20,000 per crate cos of what we are facing which is very likely, we will have N80million sales which is $140,000. Can you see my point?

Pensioners always make mistake
So, for agric at this stage, when you invest high now, you will certainly make it. Take it from me. You will. Nothing stops you from making it if you follow the rule. And it is simple...buy what will last you minimum of 5 years. And to do this, you must import by yourself or ask someone do it for you. This is how I have helped many. You move in the first and you make mistake, you have more years to recover. But when you buy rubbish, that's it. You lose out.

Reduce labour impact with technology
Sit down and invest the way the world is going. The world economic leaders are shaping the world economic presently. When Asian had this wahala, no one did anything. And they decided to be slaves to the US. Lol. Or maybe they pretended. And US moved all production to China. Lol. Look at what is happening? It got to the state labor dealt with GM (america company) massively, while Toyota a Japanese company had it a bit easier with labor. And what's the solution? America has started using robots and machines. So, agric will soon be out of reach of many. And then, big men will move into it. When the chances of infection are reduced drastically, small people will not be able to come in again. I am just trying to tell you to look forward sir/ma. Covid-19 has changed all.

Looking forward, I have seen many things will change, and this is why I have limited old way.

My answer to your questions
3million profit is roughly N3.9million sales. So, can you make $6,800 sales on a plot per annum? Yes, absolutely yes. How? Through tech. What about without tech? Absolutely Not. You cannot.

To make, the kind of cucumber you can grow to make such...you may not have enough market. What I think you focus on is tomato or bell pepper, or combo of exotic ones. And then rotate. On the benchmark for tomato, you need to make 390 crates on that plot of land. And the highest so far is 160 crates..the person did 15 plots. But I know it is possible to make twice cos I made 89 crates on 1/4 of a plot with a serious effort, and only me take charge from A to Z. I cannot increase beyond this level cos I dont have the strength to do it. And when I asked for help for 2 plots, efficiency will drop seriously.

My advice
If you have cash, go and do a fairly good size. To me, 1 acre to 1 ha is fair enough. Spend well, and cash out well. Even you dont get it right now, you will by next year as long as you are have quality equipment. And hit N7million and above sales. Now, you still have strength. Then, use the money to build you small farm. I always recommend anything higher than 1 plot. Build a house there. Fix it well. But serious, an acre makes sense. Fence it round too. Invest in solar panels there and make yourself comfortable.

Then, you can go easy. Once in a while, use a rented 1 ha to raise cash again and again. Pack in your equipment after each time. If you have strength, go out again and again on the large plot to keep raising money. But you know your small plot where you have house and other stuff is there.... That place must not be in bush but near the city cos it is your retirement plan. Can be anywhere in the city, or very close. So that when you get to the stage you cannot do large portion cos of health issues, just stay in your small farm and live long to fulfill your destiny.

If I were you this would be the steps to take:
1. Go for 1 ha tomato or pepper or anything else which you can do to raise N20 million and above. I know tomato can do it if you do it well.
2. Buy quality products that you can use for 5 to 10 years. If you fail the first time, move there again the second and third.
3. Use the income to set up your retirement garden where you will have everything. The garden may not give you what you desire in full, but at least, you may even combine livestock. Of course you may do organic for yourself to live long.
4. Solar panels, good water, plant air filtering plants so you breath good air, plant exotic fruits for yourself - strawberry, cherry, pineapple, banana, etc. Also have good internet (satelite internet is coming soon). Buy a durable utility farm vehicle. etc.
5. Create a portion for products you will be selling there.
6. You can still do large area when you have the desire and strength.

The above is a better strategic retirement plan than just saying you want to create a plot which you want to use. You may get frustrated there with that 1 plot if things do not work out well immediately. Do it gradually. But I believe more in the equipment you are buying now which you will use to raise the cash to build your dream profitable garden. When you perfect 15 plots tomato or pepper. Even this 15 plots, you may end up doing just 1 plot or 2 the first year. But buy all your equipment. This is what people do not realise. How many are successful with the approach here and templates we see here? But that time your pension fund is with you, buy then and keep. You will use them after you have eradicated everything hindrances.

First attempt - you go in and see the challenges. I can knky give you good management techniques....but there are challenges there only you can solve. Or mayne you move away from the place.

Second attempt - may be downsizing, and perfection.

Third attempt- may be scaling up again

Fourth attempt - then real profit and start developing you dream garden with tech. Everything you learned out there, put it all in your dream garden.

It may even take you just one attempt to start developing your dream garden. It depends on you, the people you meet on your farm, your workers, a d many other things. But in all, buy quality equipment.

You wrote so well that you touched on some of the biggest issues troubling me, i would try to adopt each of your advice as much as i can and i hope you would be very gracious to guide me along the way. For a start, i'm in low paying thankless and pensionless job as a private school teacher, currently in my thirties and single and would like to move to a homestead in six years time in early retirement from the rat race.
(1) the land i talked about is not a plot of land but a stretch of land measuring 180by100feet (18,000sqft). I own it outright, it's 99% cleared and destumped. I want to dedicate 15,000 sq ft of that to high worth vegetables and fruits cultivation,which at a drip spacing of 1ft (30cm) by 3ft(90cm) would yield 5000 stands of crop.
(2) I have borrowed a land closer to my current residence, i can get an acre or two of good soil on it but i can't drill a borehole because it doesn't belong to me, i want to start to with two plots of watermelon intercropped with other crops by March, then another batch on another plot by September.
(3) I have mapped out plans to scout for more land in the community i own my land, my siblings owns a 100by250 plot which i can buy them out if i can make enough money on it or from my own land, their land is just a few minutes walk from mine. A second plot owned by them is about 50by600 with very thin soil which i intend to put into a plantain orchard with maybe a cover crop on it.

I'm also in pursuit of leasing land by a river side because of irrigation, i can get hectares of land there too but the distance from my current residence to this community that i own land and is making all these plans is a bit far, i intend using a farm manager but visiting regularly.last but not the least, my land joins directly to a swamp that i hope to gain a hectare or two if drained and cleared but i can only take on such a project when my homestead proper has been set up.
Clearly, my problem is irrigation, lack of experience and knowledge, distance and offcourse money as always. I have no previous farming experience but have researched enough to start something this year, i am still aggressively researching and learning and would really appreciate your guidance as i transition to retirement over the next 6 years.
NB: you talked about livestock, i intend to raise at least a 100 layers on the built up side of the homestead and thousands of cat fishes a year to Melange size on plastic ponds for smoking and sale. I'm literally occupied in research in my free time and i'm making progress thanks to good fellows like you.
NB: Your ideas on planning in dollars and getting a spot that i can sell things directly are sound and adopted by me.

abouzaid:


You wrote so well that you touched on some of the biggest issues troubling me, i would try to adopt each of your advice as much as i can and i hope you would be very gracious to guide me along the way.

Sure, why not. And if you post your progress here, there are good people who will help out. Sir, I am just one man who can take bullying and online bullets. Really, there are outstanding people I have met here who are silent cos saying the truth here harms many. Quite a few will help you.

For a start, i'm in low paying thankless and pensionless job as a private school teacher, currently in my thirties and single and would like to move to a homestead in six years time in early retirement from the rat race.

You just have to scale up or down. Then, consider the effort and what you want to do. Also, put into consideration the risks. And above all, remember "failing forward". If you fail and you know the reason, return and correct it. But when you fail and you give up, that is it. Give yourself the grace to return by purchasing quality from the start. Some fail and come here lamenting or shouting on managers and workers when they are the real wahala. If you cannot afford it, do not do it. This is my advice. And you can know after you have done your business plan accurately.

(1) the land i talked about is not a plot of land but a stretch of land measuring 180by100feet (18,000sqft). I own it outright, it's 99% cleared and destumped. I want to dedicate 15,000 sq ft of that to high worth vegetables and fruits cultivation,which at a drip spacing of 1ft (30cm) by 3ft(90cm) would yield 5000 stands of crop.

It is just a little bit above 2 plots you want to dedicate. Your crop determines your spacing. 5,000 stands of tomato are at the upper population rate which I do not reccomend for any newbie. Yield is not determined by the number of stands. This is why manufacturers do not give yield per plant. Even determinate is 30,000 for 1 ha (15 plots) which can stretch to 35,000 or max of 40,000. . The standard every producer wants to meet is 40 tons per acre regardless of the number of stands. Some achieve it with just 4,000 stands while others achieve it with 12,000 to even 15,000 stands. But you should know that the cost of labor will be higher for higher population. And most likely inputs will be higher too.

(2) I have borrowed a land closer to my current residence, i can get an acre or two of good soil on it but i can't drill a borehole because it doesn't belong to me, i want to start to with two plots of watermelon intercropped with other crops by March, then another batch on another plot by September.

And you want to rely on rain. Do not waste your time. If you know you canno fix borehole, let it slide. But I have fixed boreholes on lands which didnt belong to me, I just made sure I had 5 years or more access to the land. I made sure I let the owner know that I want to dig borehole and i would need 5 years for me to recover. And I was permitted. Even it is 3 years, it should be fine for me, but I would tell the owner 5. If such comes up again and I say 5, they may want to say 2, and I can easily move it to 3.

You arent forfeiting all the cost of borehole. The cost includes rope, pump, and inner pipes which you can remove (tell them to not use gum to seal the pipes, use connectors). The things you will forfeit are: the cost of digging (labor) and casing (the bigger pipe which acts as casing. If you can forfeit these two costs, you can fix a borehole there. You can always remove your pump, inner pipes and the rope else where (this is for non industrial type). Maybe you will forfeit N50k at the end of the day...but will not be up to N100k. But think of the convenience...the efficiency ?nearness to your place), reduced cost of transportation, reduced cost of feeding since you will not need additional food there, etc and add these expenses up for a period of a year. Does it worth it? These are analysis I do with people when they ask me for my opinion. Many do not think like this, and they dont make good decisions. But after talking to someone who knows it well, they always see the big picture.

The main issue is that you look at the opportunity cost and see if it is favorable. Trust me, if you think like this, you will know what to do. I didn't dig borehole in some places after a thorough analysis, so, it is a decision you have to make. And this process is all through the project. To do or not to.

I'm not the kind who tells you what to buy. I will give you pros and cons, and you use your own head and hands to make or break yourself. But when you observe I'm laying emphasis on something, it means something. Even many people are stubborn and the only thing in their head is to lower the cost of production by all means without lowering the size of the project. I may give options. I started telling someone to look at something else as an option, and I started praying for the person, but still didnt get it. I knew something was wrong. I saw lies, but at the end, they became clearer. I was even sending multiple messages. My mind would run fast when I was meditating then around 4am, boom...I would send messages...but this person was still stubborn. But later, I got the many lies. I said, no wonder the fellow felt a bit at peace. But really, that person wont go far cos I have seen many things wrong, but didnt say anything. I was waiting to know who the person is before I release them. That would have made him. In fact, someone was interested in the project which would have been a big connection, but I just let it go.

So, if you will work with me, you need to be able to read signs. I do not tell people directly what to do.

(3) I have mapped out plans to scout for more land in the community i own my land, my siblings owns a 100by250 plot which i can buy them out if i can make enough money on it or from my own land, their land is just a few minutes walk from mine. A second plot owned by them is about 50by600 with very thin soil which i intend to put into a plantain orchard with maybe a cover crop on it.

The challenge with small land area is the cost of erecting boreholes. Think it through well. Avoid relying on rain if you are in South West.

I'm also in pursuit of leasing land by a river side because of irrigation, i can get hectares of land there too but the distance from my current residence to this community that i own land and is making all these plans is a bit far, i intend using a farm manager but visiting regularly.last but not the least, my land joins directly to a swamp that i hope to gain a hectare or two if drained and cleared but i can only take on such a project when my homestead proper has been set up.

Think it through well. Everything depends on the manager. Think it through well. The lesson you will only learn is not to rely rely on a manager which is a well known problem which is wise to avoid. It is wtter to fail forward with technical issues instead of the issue of a bad manager which to me is not failing forward. It is just a waste of energy, resources and time. But if you are confident the manager can deliver, why not? For me, it is too risky to use a manager I have not groomed well myself. I cannot. Never!

Clearly, my problem is irrigation, lack of experience and knowledge, distance and offcourse money as always. I have no previous farming experience but have researched enough to start something this year, i am still aggressively researching and learning and would really appreciate your guidance as i transition to retirement over the next 6 years.

Irrigation - Will 3 years on a borrowed 2 acres be more profitable and assuring than several years on your land? Will the owner not turn against you after 5 months and tell you to leave? Will digging borehole for 2 plots be ok for you? Or will doing your 2 plots first do the magic and then you can move to the 1 acre borrowed land? Will you have to spend massively on the 2 acres ...borehole and clearing....? Just consider everything. I cannot make the decision. You need to make it by yourself.

NB: you talked about livestock, i intend to raise at least a 100 layers on the built up side of the homestead and thousands of cat fishes a year to Melange size on plastic ponds for smoking and sale. I'm literally occupied in research in my free time and i'm making progress thanks to good fellows like you.
NB: Your ideas on planning in dollars and getting a spot that i can sell things directly are sound and adopted by me.

If you put a borehole in that 1 acre, that can be a place to start layers too. See eh! Dont ever let workers handle your birds oooo. They will break you. The only option you have for layers is a place near you. If the odor wont disturb the neighbor, fine. In fact, I have raise 50 birds in an urban area. They were all afraid when I started, but half way, they were at peace cos it was odorless. And I did it single handedly. I was working on a project at home, and I decided to add chicken to it. I personally fed them early morning and late night. I pack the dung myself. I made sure, it was always clean. The only period there is foul smell was when cleaning. And when I noticed it, I moved it to early morning so no one noticed me. I could do it well because I was the one doing it. Next time, I may do 300, but I will need help. Then, I know what to do and how to tell the workers to do it. This is my style. I know people arent reliable in this Nigeria, so I get my things done. I make sure i know A to Z by first doing what only I can handle.

But some see the process time wasting. Doing a plot in the bush where one travels 3 hours is not wise. But they also must get it right too. But they want to rely on consultants. In this present Nigeria? Just like you, they want to set up something before they quit their job. But I think it is better they dont do anything now. They must quit first. I am talking about Nigeria only. But such people if they want to do something, they can start on a plot near them and install high powered tech. But they will always look at it and the yield, and say no way. They want that cheap inside bush where they will use N900k for 1 acre instead of N5million for 1 plot. But that N5million for a plot can be really rewarding...and on top, it is sure they willl make it. Hmmmm. It may just take them 1 to 2 years to start making profit. But they want instant profit. On top, they have experience which they willl take to farm immediately after retiring instead of depending on consultants again.

I invest in my brain seriously. I bought incubator just for learning. I dont care. This is me. But you see many here come to ask for kerosene incubator when they can afford battery powered. Yes, they can. I bought a cage straight when I wanted to start...the cage is there idle presently. I didnt have time for this Xmas production and my family is on my neck...lol. I had to go and buy extra huge ones cos they said they cannot accept it. Since I had made them eat chickens on non Xmas and New Year days, and now non....no way. imagine slaughtering 3 chickens weekly with a 18kg to 24kg turkey every fortnight ... before. Lol. I had to avoid world war by going out to get for the months of Dec and Jan. I will get back to it in the middle of January. And I do not eat chemical fed and vaccinated birds anymore.

Think it all through very well again. And start drafting your business plan.

Attit:

Sure, why not. And if you post your progress here, there are good people who will help out. Sir, I am just one man who can take bullying and online bullets. Really, there are outstanding people I have met here who are silent cos saying the truth here harms many. Quite a few will help you.


You just have to scale up or down. Then, consider the effort and what you want to do. Also, put into consideration the risks. And above all, remember "failing forward". If you fail and you know the reason, return and correct it. But when you fail and you give up, that is it. Give yourself the grace to return by purchasing quality from the start. Some fail and come here lamenting or shouting on managers and workers when they are the real wahala. If you cannot afford it, do not do it. This is my advice. And you can know after you have done your business plan accurately.


It is just a little bit above 2 plots you want to dedicate. Your crop determines your spacing. 5,000 stands of tomato are at the upper population rate which I do not reccomend for any newbie. Yield is not determined by the number of stands. This is why manufacturers do not give yield per plant. Even determinate is 30,000 for 1 ha (15 plots) which can stretch to 35,000 or max of 40,000. . The standard every producer wants to meet is 40 tons per acre regardless of the number of stands. Some achieve it with just 4,000 stands while others achieve it with 12,000 to even 15,000 stands. But you should know that the cost of labor will be higher for higher population. And most likely inputs will be higher too.


And you want to rely on rain. Do not waste your time. If you know you canno fix borehole, let it slide. But I have fixed boreholes on lands which didnt belong to me, I just made sure I had 5 years or more access to the land. I made sure I let the owner know that I want to dig borehole and i would need 5 years for me to recover. And I was permitted. Even it is 3 years, it should be fine for me, but I would tell the owner 5. If such comes up again and I say 5, they may want to say 2, and I can easily move it to 3.

You arent forfeiting all the cost of borehole. The cost includes rope, pump, and inner pipes which you can remove (tell them to not use gum to seal the pipes, use connectors). The things you will forfeit are: the cost of digging (labor) and casing (the bigger pipe which acts as casing. If you can forfeit these two costs, you can fix a borehole there. You can always remove your pump, inner pipes and the rope else where (this is for non industrial type). Maybe you will forfeit N50k at the end of the day...but will not be up to N100k. But think of the convenience...the efficiency ?nearness to your place), reduced cost of transportation, reduced cost of feeding since you will not need additional food there, etc and add these expenses up for a period of a year. Does it worth it? These are analysis I do with people when they ask me for my opinion. Many do not think like this, and they dont make good decisions. But after talking to someone who knows it well, they always see the big picture.

The main issue is that you look at the opportunity cost and see if it is favorable. Trust me, if you think like this, you will know what to do. I didn't dig borehole in some places after a thorough analysis, so, it is a decision you have to make. And this process is all through the project. To do or not to.

I'm not the kind who tells you what to buy. I will give you pros and cons, and you use your own head and hands to make or break yourself. But when you observe I'm laying emphasis on something, it means something. Even many people are stubborn and the only thing in their head is to lower the cost of production by all means without lowering the size of the project. I may give options. I started telling someone to look at something else as an option, and I started praying for the person, but still didnt get it. I knew something was wrong. I saw lies, but at the end, they became clearer. I was even sending multiple messages. My mind would run fast when I was meditating then around 4am, boom...I would send messages...but this person was still stubborn. But later, I got the many lies. I said, no wonder the fellow felt a bit at peace. But really, that person wont go far cos I have seen many things wrong, but didnt say anything. I was waiting to know who the person is before I release them. That would have made him. In fact, someone was interested in the project which would have been a big connection, but I just let it go.

So, if you will work with me, you need to be able to read signs. I do not tell people directly what to do.


The challenge with small land area is the cost of erecting boreholes. Think it through well. Avoid relying on rain if you are in South West.


Think it through well. Everything depends on the manager. Think it through well. The lesson you will only learn is not to rely rely on a manager which is a well known problem which is wise to avoid. It is wtter to fail forward with technical issues instead of the issue of a bad manager which to me is not failing forward. It is just a waste of energy, resources and time. But if you are confident the manager can deliver, why not? For me, it is too risky to use a manager I have not groomed well myself. I cannot. Never!


Irrigation - Will 3 years on a borrowed 2 acres be more profitable and assuring than several years on your land? Will the owner not turn against you after 5 months and tell you to leave? Will digging borehole for 2 plots be ok for you? Or will doing your 2 plots first do the magic and then you can move to the 1 acre borrowed land? Will you have to spend massively on the 2 acres ...borehole and clearing....? Just consider everything. I cannot make the decision. You need to make it by yourself.


If you put a borehole in that 1 acre, that can be a place to start layers too. See eh! Dont ever let workers handle your birds oooo. They will break you. The only option you have for layers is a place near you. If the odor wont disturb the neighbor, fine. In fact, I have raise 50 birds in an urban area. They were all afraid when I started, but half way, they were at peace cos it was odorless. And I did it single handedly. I was working on a project at home, and I decided to add chicken to it. I personally fed them early morning and late night. I pack the dung myself. I made sure, it was always clean. The only period there is foul smell was when cleaning. And when I noticed it, I moved it to early morning so no one noticed me. I could do it well because I was the one doing it. Next time, I may do 300, but I will need help. Then, I know what to do and how to tell the workers to do it. This is my style. I know people arent reliable in this Nigeria, so I get my things done. I make sure i know A to Z by first doing what only I can handle.

But some see the process time wasting. Doing a plot in the bush where one travels 3 hours is not wise. But they also must get it right too. But they want to rely on consultants. In this present Nigeria? Just like you, they want to set up something before they quit their job. But I think it is better they dont do anything now. They must quit first. I am talking about Nigeria only. But such people if they want to do something, they can start on a plot near them and install high powered tech. But they will always look at it and the yield, and say no way. They want that cheap inside bush where they will use N900k for 1 acre instead of N5million for 1 plot. But that N5million for a plot can be really rewarding...and on top, it is sure they willl make it. Hmmmm. It may just take them 1 to 2 years to start making profit. But they want instant profit. On top, they have experience which they willl take to farm immediately after retiring instead of depending on consultants again.

I invest in my brain seriously. I bought incubator just for learning. I dont care. This is me. But you see many here come to ask for kerosene incubator when they can afford battery powered. Yes, they can. I bought a cage straight when I wanted to start...the cage is there idle presently. I didnt have time for this Xmas production and my family is on my neck...lol. I had to go and buy extra huge ones cos they said they cannot accept it. Since I had made them eat chickens on non Xmas and New Year days, and now non....no way. imagine slaughtering 3 chickens weekly with a 18kg to 24kg turkey every fortnight ... before. Lol. I had to avoid world war by going out to get for the months of Dec and Jan. I will get back to it in the middle of January. And I do not eat chemical fed and vaccinated birds anymore.

Think it all through very well again. And start drafting your business plan.

thanks a million for your response, it's always a reality check for me. Sir, i accidentally came across shade net houses online, do you think it can be a viable way of raising crops in the south without running into the humidity problem often associated with greenhouses. It seems cheaper too as one can be up with bamboo and a shade net only, high temperature is the major problem affecting the cultivation of cabbage in the south and i was wondering if a shade net house with the net having at least 50% reduction is the way forward. What do you think about it?

abouzaid:
thanks a million for your response, it's always a reality check for me. Sir, i accidentally came across shade net houses online, do you think it can be a viable way of raising crops in the south without running into the humidity problem often associated with greenhouses. It seems cheaper too as one can be up with bamboo and a shade net only, high temperature is the major problem affecting the cultivation of cabbage in the south and i was wondering if a shade net house with the net having at least 50% reduction is the way forward. What do you think about it?

Using only shade net, the humidity outside is same as inside cos of free airflow. It is meant to reduce the effect of direct sunlight on plants during hot period. Having nylon cover on the roof is what increases temp and humidity inside drastically. So, having shade net all through is very ok for hot weather. The only challenge is during rainy season.

Global warming is real. Even it is worse in Nigeria cos of pollution. Temp will keep increasing and it is a problem. Do not go into cabbage and cauliflower if you do not have heat resisted seeds. We will have no choice very soon but to start buying modern expensive heat resistance seeds. That's the new hot cake. Seeds that can resist 40C. Tomato heat resistant was 30C benchmark when it first came out cos tomato can do well normally in those day in 25C. Presently, producers are going for 40C. Lol. The genes are already out there now. And these seeds we have know will be thrown away. I have written about seeds varieties. Check my other thread for more info.

Attit:

Using only shade net, the humidity outside is same as inside cos of free airflow. It is meant to reduce the effect of direct sunlight on plants during hot period. Having nylon cover on the roof is what increases temp and humidity inside drastically. So, having shade net all through is very ok for hot weather. The only challenge is during rainy season.

Global warming is real. Even it is worse in Nigeria cos of pollution. Temp will keep increasing and it is a problem. Do not go into cabbage and cauliflower if you do not have heat resisted seeds. We will have no choice very soon but to start buying modern expensive heat resistance seeds. That's the new hot cake. Seeds that can resist 40C. Tomato heat resistant was 30C benchmark when it first came out cos tomato can do well normally in those day in 25C. Presently, producers are going for 40C. Lol. The genes are already out there now. And these seeds we have know will be thrown away. I have written about seeds varieties. Check my other thread for more info.

chairman, good day, you said that under a shade net, the only challenge is during rainy season, do you mind explaining more?
Thanks and remain blessed.

abouzaid:
chairman, good day, you said that under a shade net, the only challenge is during rainy season, do you mind explaining more?
Thanks and remain blessed.

Template 1: Use shade nets all round the structure.
Template 2: Use plastic on top, and net by sides.

Rain will enter the structure in 1 above but there will be free air flow. And the direct impact of heat will be reduced during hot season.

During hot season nylon may trap heat inside if not well constructed, and humidity will be high. But all round shade will stand kampe.

So, when you get to rainy season, rain will enter the roof covers with net.

I hope it clear.

You need to make up your mind what you want to do. Look at your budget also. If you keep going round different things, you will not settle down well. Pick one, do it well.

To me, you give me the impression you want to manage your resources, so why greenhouse or net shade? Why dont you concentrate on one thing. Why not open field since you dont habe a robust wallet?

Attit:

Template 1: Use shade nets all round the structure.
Template 2: Use plastic on top, and net by sides.

Rain will enter the structure in 1 above but there will be free air flow. And the direct impact of heat will be reduced during hot season.

During hot season nylon may trap heat inside if not well constructed, and humidity will be high. But all round shade will stand kampe.

So, when you get to rainy season, rain will enter the roof covers with net.

I hope it clear.

You need to make up your mind what you want to do. Look at your budget also. If you keep going round different things, you will not settle down well. Pick one, do it well.

To me, you give me the impression you want to manage your resources, so why greenhouse or net shade? Why dont you concentrate on one thing. Why not open field since you dont habe a robust wallet?

I'm not planning a shadenet house or greenhouse soon rather i just shared an idea with you on growing cabbage in the southern part of the country using shade net. I'm not even planning to grow cabbage. I like discussing ideas by nature.

abouzaid:


I'm not planning a shadenet house or greenhouse soon rather i just shared an idea with you on growing cabbage in the southern part of the country using shade net. I'm not even planning to grow cabbage. I like discussing ideas by nature.

Cabbage can be grown in dey and wet seasons in open fields. Cauliflower and Brocolli which are even more delicate can too. I have told you, it depends on your seeds varieties, experience, and level of persistence.

Not saying you should discuss ideas by nature, but it is more proper to get inside the farm and discuss what you face there.

This thread is for real brainstorming. The challenges people face pn faema now. I do not just like discussing theories and general talk. It's why I dont consider anyone who osnt ready. Most people would come and tslk and talk...for what na?

If you are really interested in farming, you will start. This I my opinion. Even you do not now, start buying your equipment.

Well Explained. Thanks for sharing the Post. Enroll for Best GATE Coaching in India for more explanation

What has the Russo-Ukrainian war shown? To earn forex and command respect, go into grains and store them in silos. Mechanized farming is the way forward. And believe me it is not just having tractors on farm. The world of farming has advanced beyond just using tractors. In fact, you are killing yourself if you try to rent tractors from government. You better have yours and get your work going.

I guess vegetables production has clouded our decision making ability in the South here because people like me showed many you can still use cutlass and hoes to farm it and make huge profit. I know vegetables farming is still a good option, and going into a big project is still possible. However, I dont think anyone will do it in the South West. But guess what? South South is a good place. I was seeing Cameroon right ahead of me from in a farm I visited recently. Everything was beautiful there.

By the way, I have an advise for many of you out there, especially those dealing with forex. Naira is a crap...and just imagine, it is presently over N600..wow! If you know about cryptocurrency, you would have known that stable currencies are beginning to get unstabled. In fact, one of them lost about 80 to 95 percent of value recently. But still, I think it is better than keeping it in naira if you deal with forex.

It has been a long ride getting to where I am today, but the game is changing. Mechanized farming is not about borrowing dead tractors from government.. that's not it.

I do not know how to explain this here cos most of you are not ready to do what will make you rich. I knew things were changing and I had to leave practical farming to learn. Do not just stay in farm.... learn forex, risk management, using modern equipment etc ... they are all part of the game. I hope you know about the new virtual world in business. The virtual reality in agriculture is so real that I was blown away. Everything started from the blockchain and cryptocurrency.

To still be carrying cutlasses and hoes in 2022 is a sad story. A real sad one. A terrible one indeed. Most of you don't even know that Nigeria is in a serious trouble, and the way you see N1million is funny. I think drip sellers are beginning to feel the heat. They made serious gains in those days that even an individual could import and sell drips in those days.. I guess only those who can import in bulk (in containers) are standing in the business now. The ones still making money are seed sellers.

This post will not make sense to many of you, but to only the smart ones here can get my points here. I have released something here that if you follow well, you will unearth gold.

Best of luck to you all..

I have received so many messages that I cannot keep ignoring them. Well, I must say that I am not impressed with the leadership here. It is really a messed up set up. In any way, many have been asking me what they should do. OK. I noticed my threads have been inspirational to many and many bookmarked my old threads. For sure, the gems inside those threads are loaded. I deliberately opened secrets in those threads. But your consultants here are always angry....and some new people who don't know the background story jumped into conclusion the kind of person I am. I can count many of your useless consultants here who pretended to be friends, but you know me na....I knocked off their heads.

What I am up to recently
Covid-19 is an inspirational period for me, and I have diversified into different areas. For me farming is scientific and I have passion for it.

Kidnapping is another issue that has forced me to tone down my operations. Recently, I heard of a farmer who was kidnapped on his 6 plots maize farm in Epe. He spent almost 100 days in the den of the kidnappers after coughing out 5 million naira. How much revenue will 6 plots corn give him?

Do you remember my 40 fruits cucumber thread? Many of the as.sholes here said it is not possible. Why? The level of their knowledge is where they are limited to. But we have seen such varieties now being pushed out because of my thread. I told some as.sholes that a seed of good cucumber and tomatoes can cost N10 to N100, and they shouted. Today, there is a seed of cucumber presently sold at N50. I said that around 5 years ago when they have only 1 kobo per seed. Lol.

So you can imagine the kind of improvement that has happened in veggie farming so far. Nigeria is so backward because of the people in it. Most here are dullard. Rank Xerox. Some of the dullards want to use fast one on me to get knowledge and even cheat me. In fact there is one foolish man here who played the prank. I laughed and told him that his business will fall. He felt I was cursing him, but he didnt knkw that I was telling him the reality. I have measured his ability as a microbiologist graduate (maybe he lied) and I have seen that he lacks the capacity of being innovative. Yet, trying to be over smart is where he specializes. Some people are professional liars. Good people leave such and son he will find himself in the ocean of calamity he created for himself. Guy man came through another new moniker pretending to reside in Australia. I only gave him a signal when I reached out to one of the boys I introduced to him. I know that one conveyed my message, and ever since, guy man dropped his stupidity. He was always following me here back to back to steal ideas and put them in some of the posts I have seen as his idea. Not saying he shouldn't buga oooooo, but it is sure the guy will fall flat soon. Such cannot make it far. Guy man boasted of having 100 acres and able to buy 200 acres when he was operating on 3 plots or so. But is 3-plot of land not OK? Very very OK. But he wanted to buga of buying 200 acres from an unknown professor.

But really, what improvement has taken place here? I can see absolutely nothing. Garbage in garbage out. Be honest with yourselves....what significant improvement has occurred on NL in the past 3 years? What new message has been preached are taught here? Personally, I went through all the threads. I saw zero.

Well, innovation is the mother of necessity. Ok...I will tell you what I have been doing - Optimizing Urban Mixed Farming Production. And so far, I have improved it. Kidnapping is a blessing in disguise because most of you who go inside the bush shouldn't have in the first place. Your one plot can make you huge profit. In fact, I have started investing in purchasing land 1, 2, 3 to 6 plots in urban areas. Fence it round, and put a temporary structure there. Then, employ just a hand there. That's it. And it has been more rewarding. My income on a plot is more than 1 ha. You heard me right.

Well, like I said earlier when I returned, I will not be teaching anything. I will answer questions, but won't teach anything on NL. It is a disgusting forum with a disgusting owner, and filled with disgusting mods. Esp these Agric mods who are extremely disgusting. Make dem ban me for saying they are all trashes...esp the farm tech who is actually farm back ages...

So, their disgusting attitude is why I am mot posting, but I will post probably towards the end of this year to share recap of 2022 and overview of 2023. This post is to tell them that I am still around, and enjoying the messes in Agric section.

For now, permit me to keep reading stagnacy on NL. Same story.... same stupidity... backwardness.

Peace!!!

...........been patiently waiting for u to come back

Boss! How can I reach you privately. I have been trying to send you a message. But it's not working at all. Please if there is a way I can reach sir, please help. Thanks

Attit:
I have received so many messages that I cannot keep ignoring them. Well, I must say that I am not impressed with the leadership here. It is really a messed up set up. In any way, many have been asking me what they should do. OK. I noticed my threads have been inspirational to many and many bookmarked my old threads. For sure, the gems inside those threads are loaded. I deliberately opened secrets in those threads. But your consultants here are always angry....and some new people who don't know the background story jumped into conclusion the kind of person I am. I can count many of your useless consultants here who pretended to be friends, but you know me na....I knocked off their heads.

What I am up to recently
Covid-19 is an inspirational period for me, and I have diversified into different areas. For me farming is scientific and I have passion for it.

Kidnapping is another issue that has forced me to tone down my operations. Recently, I heard of a farmer who was kidnapped on his 6 plots maize farm in Epe. He spent almost 100 days in the den of the kidnappers after coughing out 5 million naira. How much revenue will 6 plots corn give him?

Do you remember my 40 fruits cucumber thread? Many of the as.sholes here said it is not possible. Why? The level of their knowledge is where they are limited to. But we have seen such varieties now being pushed out because of my thread. I told some as.sholes that a seed of good cucumber and tomatoes can cost N10 to N100, and they shouted. Today, there is a seed of cucumber presently sold at N50. I said that around 5 years ago when they have only 1 kobo per seed. Lol.

So you can imagine the kind of improvement that has happened in veggie farming so far. Nigeria is so backward because of the people in it. Most here are dullard. Rank Xerox. Some of the dullards want to use fast one on me to get knowledge and even cheat me. In fact there is one foolish man here who played the prank. I laughed and told him that his business will fall. He felt I was cursing him, but he didnt knkw that I was telling him the reality. I have measured his ability as a microbiologist graduate (maybe he lied) and I have seen that he lacks the capacity of being innovative. Yet, trying to be over smart is where he specializes. Some people are professional liars. Good people leave such and son he will find himself in the ocean of calamity he created for himself. Guy man came through another new moniker pretending to reside in Australia. I only gave him a signal when I reached out to one of the boys I introduced to him. I know that one conveyed my message, and ever since, guy man dropped his stupidity. He was always following me here back to back to steal ideas and put them in some of the posts I have seen as his idea. Not saying he shouldn't buga oooooo, but it is sure the guy will fall flat soon. Such cannot make it far. Guy man boasted of having 100 acres and able to buy 200 acres when he was operating on 3 plots or so. But is 3-plot of land not OK? Very very OK. But he wanted to buga of buying 200 acres from an unknown professor.

But really, what improvement has taken place here? I can see absolutely nothing. Garbage in garbage out. Be honest with yourselves....what significant improvement has occurred on NL in the past 3 years? What new message has been preached are taught here? Personally, I went through all the threads. I saw zero.

Well, innovation is the mother of necessity. Ok...I will tell you what I have been doing - Optimizing Urban Mixed Farming Production. And so far, I have improved it. Kidnapping is a blessing in disguise because most of you who go inside the bush shouldn't have in the first place. Your one plot can make you huge profit. In fact, I have started investing in purchasing land 1, 2, 3 to 6 plots in urban areas. Fence it round, and put a temporary structure there. Then, employ just a hand there. That's it. And it has been more rewarding. My income on a plot is more than 1 ha. You heard me right.

Well, like I said earlier when I returned, I will not be teaching anything. I will answer questions, but won't teach anything on NL. It is a disgusting forum with a disgusting owner, and filled with disgusting mods. Esp these Agric mods who are extremely disgusting. Make dem ban me for saying they are all trashes...esp the farm tech who is actually farm back ages...

So, their disgusting attitude is why I am mot posting, but I will post probably towards the end of this year to share recap of 2022 and overview of 2023. This post is to tell them that I am still around, and enjoying the messes in Agric section.

For now, permit me to keep reading stagnacy on NL. Same story.... same stupidity... backwardness.

Peace!!!

Truth be heard, I wonder how this agric section became so deserted. Years ago, this place used to be fun, interactive and informative, wealth of information being shared. It was an agric hub. About a 3rd of my agric knowledge came from this section.

The only thing happening here now is advertisements. I wonder how we got here. People don't make meaningful threads again. Heck, the few meaningful ones don't get engagement. How did we get here? How did the mods manage to pursue all her interactive members from here?
I miss the old interactive agric section.

I am looking to go into black soldier fly larvae production. What do you think are the prospects of it replacing soya and fish meal me?

Note: the production of it would be from bio wastes that would be gotten from cheap to no cost

bassey25:
Boss! How can I reach you privately. I have been trying to send you a message. But it's not working at all. Please if there is a way I can reach sir, please help. Thanks

Why don't you discuss it here if it is about brainstorming so others can learn. If it is a private stuff, then, drop your email.

RichieMichie:
I am looking to go into black soldier fly larvae production. What do you think are the prospects of it replacing soya and feal me?

Note: the production of it would be from bio wastes that would be gotten from cheap to no cost

Definitely it is worth doing. In fact, your livestocks (chickens, quails, turkeys, fish, etc) will convert it into flesh more than soy. It is very good.

I optimized it for someone recently. I gave him a program that he followed strictly so that the protein content if all his production batches will be +/- 3% difference. The protein content was higher than that of soya beans "far far".

You need an artificial light if you want be successful in it. It makes life easier. Also, you need a source of feed for the larvae. Transportation is another issue. If you are able to sport these things out, you will make a lot of profit.

All you have to do is find a very source of Corn...and add some additives to block toxins inside the grains.

Yes, if I was doing poultry or any other livestock, it will be my source of protein for supplements.

Attit:

Definitely it is worth doing. In fact, your livestocks (chickens, quails, turkeys, fish, etc) will convert it into flesh more than soy. It is very good.

I optimized it for someone recently. I gave him a program that he followed strictly so that the protein content if all his production batches will be +/- 3% difference. The protein content was higher than that of soya beans "far far".

You need an artificial light if you want be successful in it. It makes life easier. Also, you need a source of feed for the larvae. Transportation is another issue. If you are able to sport these things out, you will make a lot of profit.

All you have to do is find a very source of Corn...and add some additives to block toxins inside the grains.

Yes, if I was doing poultry or any other livestock, it will be my source of protein for supplements.

Can they also feed on animal dungs like rabbit droppings? I once saw a YouTube video of a woman in Uganda that generates BSF larvae from pig dung thereby getting two different products for sale - organic fertilizer from the dung broken down by the larvae and the BSF larvae.

Attit:

Definitely it is worth doing. In fact, your livestocks (chickens, quails, turkeys, fish, etc) will convert it into flesh more than soy. It is very good.

I optimized it for someone recently. I gave him a program that he followed strictly so that the protein content if all his production batches will be +/- 3% difference. The protein content was higher than that of soya beans "far far".

You need an artificial light if you want be successful in it. It makes life easier. Also, you need a source of feed for the larvae. Transportation is another issue. If you are able to sport these things out, you will make a lot of profit.

All you have to do is find a very source of Corn...and add some additives to block toxins inside the grains.

Yes, if I was doing poultry or any other livestock, it will be my source of protein for supplements.

For now, starting small, cause I am doing my nysc. Later on when I secure a good funding, I plan on collating cassava peel as the biowaste source for the larvae as it is abundant in my area. But this would be a little bit challenging, but I'll scale through.

The artificial light, definitely. Raising them in an enclosure is best for optimal production. BSF larvae production is really huge, it has the potential as I have been reading and watching to solve the age long protein scarcity for livestock, the most expensive feed nutrient. I have been so obsessed with it for a few months now since hearing about its potentials. Other African countries are already going big on it, Kenya, Uganda, I wonder why giant of Africa is slacking. There's this Kenya insect research company ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, that's into research on it now, given training and funding to farmers to go into it.

Our biggest challenge here in the livestock industry is the expensive protein ingredients and their scarcity. This can completely solve that I think.
I just can't wait to start the production and taste of its goodness for myself

IamAsiri:


Can they also feed on animal dungs like rabbit droppings? I once saw a YouTube video of a woman in Uganda that generates BSF larvae from pig dung thereby getting two different products for sale - organic fertilizer from the dung broken down by the larvae and the BSF larvae.

Yes, they can feed on any bio waste; animal wastes, kitchen and restaurant wastes, fruit waste, brewery wastes etc.

RichieMichie:


Yes, they can feed on any bio waste; animal wastes, kitchen and restaurant wastes, fruit waste, brewery wastes etc.

@IamAsiri
Yeah, very accurate, but the nutient content of what you feed the worms depends on the quality of the worms. There are so many hacks you need to learn about the process. Gradually, you will get it.

These are tricks we should adopt in a nation where feed is crazily expensive. The one I use in my model, I use the same feed all round. I use fermented products more cos they are already broken down into digestible food for them. And then, I add vitamins, other macro nutrients....etc. what I do is just too add corn to it. That's all...and it is better than any feed you can talk of. Better than the almighty ultimate feed, hybrid feed, or whatsoever. Even better than concentrates from Holland. Worm feed is crazily expensive ooo. Even worm supplements for human is on the high side.

The manure is also super.

The downside is the labor and the effort required. Also, the cost of set up can be high for the common man. It is cheap or should I say affordable, but the poverty rate in Nigeria is extremely high. You need to make boxes or buy plastic trays for them. You need a flood light, power it with solar or battery where electricity is bad. Lagos people can feel me. Lol. A helping hand is also needed as you grow.

If you learn it well, trust me...you are going to make so much profit.

Talking about Urban farming...instead of having so many chickens, this is a way one can optimized profit. From 50 docs, if one fattening them to 3kg, and one makes around N1 000 per chicken, you may be able to get twice of that when you replace soy with it.

Attit:

@IamAsiri
Yeah, very accurate, but the nutient content of what you feed the worms depends on the quality of the worms. There are so many hacks you need to learn about the process. Gradually, you will get it.

These are tricks we should adopt in a nation where feed is crazily expensive. The one I use in my model, I use the same feed all round. I use fermented products more cos they are already broken down into digestible food for them. And then, I add vitamins, other macro nutrients....etc. what I do is just too add corn to it. That's all...and it is better than any feed you can talk of. Better than the almighty ultimate feed, hybrid feed, or whatsoever. Even better than concentrates from Holland. Worm feed is crazily expensive ooo. Even worm supplements for human is on the high side.

The manure is also super.

The downside is the labor and the effort required. Also, the cost of set up can be high for the common man. It is cheap or should I say affordable, but the poverty rate in Nigeria is extremely high. You need to make boxes or buy plastic trays for them. You need a flood light, power it with solar or battery where electricity is bad. Lagos people can feel me. Lol. A helping hand is also needed as you grow.

If you learn it well, trust me...you are going to make so much profit.

Talking about Urban farming...instead of having so many chickens, this is a way one can optimized profit. From 50 docs, if one fattening them to 3kg, and one makes around N1 000 per chicken, you may be able to get twice of that when you replace soy with it.

I didn't quite get the first paragraph sir. Do you mean that what the worms are fed with do affect the quality of the worms too? Just like other animals?

An agric guy once told me that animals fed with BSF larvae can have excess fat that is not healthy for elderly people. Is this true sir?

IamAsiri:


I didn't quite get the first paragraph sir. Do you mean that what the worms are fed with do affect the quality of the worms too? Just like other animals?

Yes. I will explain further below

An agric guy once told me that animals fed with BSF larvae can have excess fat that is not healthy for elderly people. Is this true sir?

The man spoke at the level of his intelligence and smarts. Yes, the fat content can be insane if not properly managed; here are some solutions:

I've previously mentioned the importance of combining common sense with secondary school math, chemistry, physics, and economics to solve agricultural challenges. This is an area we need these skills.

Proportions, fractions and ratios, finding percentages, and other topics are required. Metric, SI Units, and related topics. For all chemicals and fertilizers that I spray, I use chemistry and maths. And it is on these topics that I intend to speak. Only you and a few others, I believe, understand the values of what I post online.

Here is the process:
1. Take your first batch to the lab and test it. Protein, fat, and other nutrient levels will be revealed. Go over it again to look for toxins or nutrient blockers.
2. As a result, you act like a doctor, tweaking it with knowledge from books and common sense. You keep testing until you find the perfect feed. If protein is low, you feed them waste with higher protein content.

Normally, feeds contain more than enough fat...even that of Naija is on the high side. And many people mix the worms with the feed. This is where wahala comes in. Knowing the oil content in the larvae will guide you if you do not need to add oil again to your final feed. Also, you should keep track of the protein content too. One starts thinking about making a perfect starter, grower, and finisher with it. Again, one tweaks it for fish, pig, and cattle feed. Yes, cattle, goats, sheep, ram, etc need supplements too.

Normally, feeds always contain more than enough fat because it is not too expensive to add fat to them. Even Naija feeds have a high-fat content. These feeds which contain enough oil already are what people add these larvae
to; so, the result may be terrible. This is where wahala enters the picture. Knowing the oil content of the larvae will help you decide whether or not to add oil to the final feed. You should also keep track of the protein content. One begins to consider making a perfect starter, grower, and finisher with it. Again, it is modified for fish, pig, and cattle feed. Cattle, goats, sheep, rams, and other livestock require supplements as well.

Attit:

@IamAsiri
Yeah, very accurate, but the nutient content of what you feed the worms depends on the quality of the worms. There are so many hacks you need to learn about the process. Gradually, you will get it.

These are tricks we should adopt in a nation where feed is crazily expensive. The one I use in my model, I use the same feed all round. I use fermented products more cos they are already broken down into digestible food for them. And then, I add vitamins, other macro nutrients....etc. what I do is just too add corn to it. That's all...and it is better than any feed you can talk of. Better than the almighty ultimate feed, hybrid feed, or whatsoever. Even better than concentrates from Holland. Worm feed is crazily expensive ooo. Even worm supplements for human is on the high side.

The manure is also super.

The downside is the labor and the effort required. Also, the cost of set up can be high for the common man. It is cheap or should I say affordable, but the poverty rate in Nigeria is extremely high. You need to make boxes or buy plastic trays for them. You need a flood light, power it with solar or battery where electricity is bad. Lagos people can feel me. Lol. A helping hand is also needed as you grow.

If you learn it well, trust me...you are going to make so much profit.

Talking about Urban farming...instead of having so many chickens, this is a way one can optimized profit. From 50 docs, if one fattening them to 3kg, and one makes around N1 000 per chicken, you may be able to get twice of that when you replace soy with it.

At the fermentation, I am noting this down.

Wow, you seemed to have really tested this. Thanks so much for this, my body is gingered. When I do start I'll open a thread and tag you to it so you can be throwing 1 or 2 guidance

Attit:

Yes. I will explain further below


The man spoke at the level of his intelligence and smarts. Yes, the fat content can be insane if not properly managed; here are some solutions:

I've previously mentioned the importance of combining common sense with secondary school math, chemistry, physics, and economics to solve agricultural challenges. This is an area we need these skills.

Proportions, fractions and ratios, finding percentages, and other topics are required. Metric, SI Units, and related topics. For all chemicals and fertiliser that I spray, I use chemistry and maths. And it is on these topics that I intend to speak. Only you and a few others, I believe, understand the values of what I post online..

Here is the process:
1. Take your first batch to the lab and test it. Protein, fat, and other nutrient levels will be revealed. Go over it again to look for toxins or nutrient blockers.
2. As a result, you act like a doctor, tweaking it with knowledge from books and common sense. You keep testing until you find the perfect feed. If protein is low, you feed them waste with higher protein content.

Normally, feed contains more than enough fat...even that of Naija is on the high side. And many people mix the worms with the feed. This is where wahala comes in. Knowing the oil content in the larvae will guide you if you do not need to add oil again to your final feed. Also, you should keep track of the protein content too. One start thinking about making a perfect starter, grower, and finisher with it. Again, one tweaks it for fish, pig, cattle feed. Yes, cattles, goats, sheep, ram, etc need supplements too.

Normally, feeds always contain more enough fat because it is not too expensive to add fat to them. Even Naija feeds have a high fat content. These feeds which contain enough oil already are what people add these larvae
to; so, he result may be terrible. This is where wahala enters the picture. Knowing the oil content of the larvae will help you decide whether or not to add oil to the final feed. You should also keep track of the protein content. One begins to consider making a perfect starter, grower, and finisher with it. Again, it is modified for fish, pig, and cattle feed. Cattle, goats, sheep, rams, and other livestock require supplements as well.

Just Wow!

As much as I read and researched on BSF, I had never come across this aspect; not even once. You, sir, are a walking knowledge. Thank you so much for sharing this. I hope other people get to learn from this too.

RichieMichie:


At the fermentation, I am noting this down.

Wow, you seemed to have really tested this. Thanks so much for this, my body is gingered. When I do start I'll open a thread and tag you to it so you can be throwing 1 or 2 guidance

OK.

Let me give you another secret... They digest crushed feed better than uncrushed. And you get better manure from crushed materials.

Yeah. I have tested it, and to get the best from it, one needs to tweak it very well, and it depends on the ratio of feed materials available in each farmer's environment. You cannot start collecting what is not in your environment to feed them because you have the recipe of another farmer. Lol. Such farmer will just injure himself financially.