Agropreneurnaija
Inspiring the next generation of agriculturist
Young Agropreneur of the Month (YAP)
“……I single handedly trained and financed 200 birds capacity broiler farm”
Musa in the poultry house
In this interview Musa Ibrahim talks about how growing up was like as a first son of a family of three, brought up by a single father. He talks about his service year project of a 1000 layer bird farm capacity. He currently has established himself in his poultry endeavour as a professional in poultry farming (Layer and breeder flock Management), and also processing, packaging and marketing of Agricultural products.
Musa Ibrahim is rich with optimism, and he believes despite the challenges being faced, the Nigerian youth should never give room for doubt as this (agribusiness), is the right place to be as Nigeria turns towards agriculture. He shares his unique story:
Q. Can you briefly introduce yourself? How was growing up like for you?
Ans: My name is Ibrahim Musa Albaruwa, CEO Baruwa Integrated Nig. enterprise. A business man by passion with interest in Agriculture, and an Agricultural Engineer by training. Graduated from the prestigious Federal university of Technology, Minna. Growing up in Minna was fun. I am the first son in a family of three children and a single father. Growing up for me was a unique experience. My dad a civil servant, served as a teacher and was a disciplinarian; my mum, a gentle and loving woman never had the chance to be with her children. While I was young I met my dad doing something aside teaching in the classroom, he plants foodstuffs for his family needs, he had a large family to feed, and by that way he does it without stress.
Q. Can you please tell us how you came into farming/agribiz?
Ans: I gave farming my first shot in 2010, during my internship, I single handedly trained and financed a 200 birds capacity broiler farm. Later during my service year I made a proposal that brought about a 1000 birds layer farm capacity, which right now its capacity is doubled. Right now am on my second breeder farm management project for Ande-Ola Unique concept.
Q. What societal problems are you solving with your work and what solutions are you using? What are the hurdles currently being faced?
Ans: My work as a CEO Baruwa Integrated is to create a platform to empower myself and fellow Nigerian youths to solve the endemic problems of unemployment. Also to serve as an inspiration and an example towards self-actualization in the Agricultural sector of our Nation’s Economy.
Q. What do you think about youth participation in Agriculture?
Ans: Currently now I believe in the spirit of the Nigerian youth but also realized youth participation in Agriculture is still very low.
Q. What are the challenges of youth engagement in agribusiness as it relates to what you do, How do you think it is affecting Agricultural Entrepreneurship in Nigeria?
Ans: The challenges facing Nigerian youths, militating against their active participation in Agriculture is the lack of basic amenities in the rural areas where agricultural projects are mostly located.
Q. What advice do you have for young people engaged in agriculture?
Ans: For all those young people currently in the industry, I implore you guys to keep the light burning in you, never give room for a doubt for you are in the right place and being there right now, I would say this is the right time.
Q. What do you think government should put in place to improve the agric sector in Nigeria?
Ans: Providing social amenities in the rural areas, such basic necessities for farmers includes electricity and pipe born water as most farms and agricultural activities are located in the rural areas.
Cross-sectional View of the Poultry House
Many
young people have continued to defile all odds and built sustainable
agribusinesses that stand the test of time, create employment and help
generate wealth. Particularly of interest are young women who stand out
in doing farming as a business.In this piece we bring to you our interview with 29 year old CEO of Nuela Clintons Farm who 3 years old moved away from urban Lagos to rural Ogwashi Uku in Delta state to start her poultry farm focusing on egg production and is doing really well. Her farm currently generates profit of over #300,000 monthly.
Q: Can you please introduce yourself?
A: My name is Emmanuela Clinton, CEO Nuela Clintons Farm, located in Aniocha South Local Government Area in Delta State. I have a BSc in Economics bagged from Covenant University Otta, Ogun State.
Q: How was growing up for you?
A: I was born in Lagos Island, started schooling at Nazareth Nursery\ Primary School Festac Town and finished at Lagos State University Staff School {LASU}. I had my Secondary School at St Roses Girls Grammar school, Ogwashi Uku in Delta State, there I grew up with my grandparents and proceeded to Covenant University for a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Served and worked in Lagos before I commenced my poultry farm in January, 2013.
Q: Considering you do not have a background in agriculture either via your parent or by studying in the school how did you get into poultry business?
A: On the 10th of September 2012 my birthday, I asked God to give me a birthday gift, as I was reading through the bible that morning, God told me that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were farmers and he multiplied their cattle. I told God I cannot rear cattles then came the idea of poultry. I do not have a background in Agriculture; it’s simply an inspiration from God.
Q: How did you build your skill base in poultry?
A: I attend seminars and practical training on poultry farming. Recently, I travelled to Dubai for an International Conference on Poultry Farming. All these help me to improve my skills and do my business more effectively.
Q: How much capital can a youth have who wants to go into your type of farming?
A: The capital, a youth who wants to go into poultry farming (Egg production) should have will depend on the size of the farm. I started with about #300,000
Q: How do you promote agribusiness development through social media?
A: I promote agribusiness development through Social media by posting pictures of every exhibition I attend. I also join groups focused on agriculture and youth involvement which gives me the opportunity to share experiences and see what others are doing. This keeps me going and alert to opportunities around me.
Q: How do you access labor or do you do most of the work on the farm yourself?
A: I employ young people in my neighborhood and they do most of the work on the farm. At the moment we have staff strength of 3 persons.
Q: Have you gotten any level of support from the government or other organizations?
A: Yes I have benefitted from a few grants and loan scheme. But I must be quick to mention that they were mostly possible because they funders could see prove of seriousness and continuity in my business.
Q: What challenge do you face with your business at the moment?
A: The challenge I face on my farm is high demand for my product, hence the need for expansion. At the moment I have over 2000 birds that lay eggs producing about 40 crates per day. Many times I have daily orders of 100 to 150 crates. I usually have to source from other farmers whom I trust their products to meet my demand.
Q: Where do you see your farm in 5 – 10 years’ time?
A: My farm has also branched into Consultancy. Helping and motivating people who have flare for farming and thus far, we have assisted more than 20 people start and establish their own farms. In the coming years, we would do more of this while we work on expanding production and someday hope to be one of the biggest farms in Delta Stare
Q: What advice do you have for young people planning to engage in Agriculture be it farming or other aspect of the value chain?
A: Any young person planning to engage in farming should embrace agriculture with both hands because people cannot stop eating. Discover your place in agriculture and passionately grow your business.
Farming has definitely not changed Emmanuella from been a youth she still spends her leisure swimming and shopping for dresses.
Me and the ‘wonder crop’
Nigeria cultivates a large array of food and cash crops among which rice has emerged as the fastest growing sub-sector and a popular staple food, especially for urban dwellers. Rice is cultivated in virtually all of Nigeria’s agro-ecological zones. These versatile attributes make it a unique crop with various potentials for enhancing productivity, thus this had made rice to be specially named the ‘wonder crop’.
Enhancing rice productivity through modern knowledge
I recently participated in a 5-day Capacity building workshop on Best Practices for Rice Production in Nigeria by the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State, in partnership with CORAF/ WECARD with funding from USAID.
The main objective of the event was to equip participants with modern knowledge in order to enhance rice productivity and profitability. Promoting the uptake of improved rice production technologies, agronomic practices, new varieties, enhance institutional and organizational capacities of farmer’s organizations leads to improved access to services to its members, and increased access to profitable markets for small holder rice farmers in Nigeria.
During the workshop, several agricultural professionals trained us on vital areas of modern rice production covering some like: rice growing environment, field establishment and methods of planting, growth phases and physiology of plant, integrated nutrient management for increased rice yields and production in Nigeria, amongst many others.
My journey as a young agriculturist
After the technical sessions, we went to NCRI Rice research and production fields as well as farmers’ fields in order to get on-farm knowledge and practices through the research scientists, superintendents and farmers. This properly equipped me with the knowledge and skills to contribute my quota meaningfully towards achieving the ambitious goal of rice sufficiency by the end of 2015.
My journey as a young agriculturist has been very fulfilling and though challenging, the opportunities that lie at the end of every milestone have kept me going due to my strong passion for agriculture. My first field experience as an agriculturist was in 2011 at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Agriculture Makurdi during my six months Industrial Training. We were involved in the production of rice, maize, cowpea, soybean and cassava. I recorded the highest yields from my rice plot and made good sales from them. I also worked with rice farmers during the extension work. Since then I have developed keen interest due to the potentials of this ‘wonder crop’.
Nigeria – an arising Agriculture Power House
I am a corps member serving with NCRI Badeggi currently under the rice research program. Hence, I work with senior colleagues and rice farmers to ensure the research we carry out is relevant and applicable to solving the current challenges rice farmers are experiencing. We are conducting field trials on new accessions that have just been breed. There are a lot of boundless opportunities across the rice value chains ranging from production through processing and storage to marketing and so forth.
When rice farmers have access to viable and high yielding seeds from research institutes, reputable seed companies, National Agricultural Seed Council, ADPs and Ministries of Agriculture as well as other inputs such as adequate fertilizers, effective agro pesticides, credit and loans, modern production and processing technologies such as mobile soil testing kits, Sawah eco-technology and enabling infrastructure are provided. When these are provided through government assistance, then Nigeria can once again be on the path to rice sufficiency which will mark the end of rice importation. This is a sure path to wealth, job creation and food security.
For as we do, I have every faith not only that we shall succeed, but that, through our passion and efforts, our Nation will once again be able to hold up its head high within the community of nations and be a food basket for Africa and the world. Together, we can be great again! Today our future lies before us. I can see Nigeria arising as an Agriculture Power House. Nigeria will arise, my friends. Agriculture was Nigeria’s past and agriculture is Nigeria’s great future!
Picture credit: Rice fields, by Jose A. Warletta.
First published on Ypard website
YAP OF THE MONTH MAY’2014-Gbenga Akinyele
EDITOR NOTE: Davies Okeowo sends this in from Ogun State
where he interviews 16 year old Gbenga Akinyele who has picked interest
in backyard farming. To be specific snail rearing. Gbenga’s experience
is worth sharing. And thus we recognize him as our Young Agropreneur of
the Month of May 2014
Over the past few years, there has been a growing call for Africa’s youth to embrace agriculture. This is of great essence as the agricultural sector has been neglected by youths in favor of careers in the “booming” industries such as telecommunications and banking. A large number of African youths see agriculture as a “career for the aged”. Unknown to many, the agricultural sector is one of the most lucrative sectors in the global economy; one of the very few industries where demand overwhelms supply. Not only is the agricultural industry a massive one, it is also an indispensable one…hence, the call for more youths in agriculture.
In recent times, I have learnt a lot about agriculture. My biggest lesson though (which I gladly share with everyone I meet) is that agriculture is one of the few businesses you can start without capital. This is a major lesson, and I learnt it from 16 year old Gbenga Akinyele.
“Tell your son to come by my house today; i have some snails picked up for him”. I was quite startled when my mum made that remark while making a phone call. Who was the boy who needed snails? What does he need them for? Why snails? I definitely have to find out…and that’s exactly what I did.
I met Gbenga, had a chat with him and agreed to drop by his house to interview him. He was quite shy but he consented. On a Saturday morning I made my way to his house and to my amazement, I met Gbenga, his mum, and little brother clearing and cleaning their little farm and the environment. After exchanging greetings and a tour of the little farm, my curiosity took control.
Can we meet you
Gbenga: My names are Akinyele Gbenga Timilehin. I am from a family of five, and the second born of my parents (first boy). Presently, I am a WAEC candidate for the 2014 May/June exam.
I observe some ‘greens’ around your house; I can see a very small farm portion and a snail farm as well. How did all these come about?
Gbenga: It’s just a passion of mine, especially the snail farming. When I am less busy, the snails are the ones I devote my time to.
How and when did it all start?
Gbenga: It all started nine months ago when we moved to our own site. I always see the snails moving around the compound. So I and my brother decided to start picking them. From that point on, we started taking care of them.
Having done this for about nine months, how has been the experience so far?
Gbenga: A bit stressful. Having to clean their (the snails) house, give them food, and the likes is tasking. Every morning you have to clean all over…it’s a lot of stress
If it’s a lot of stress, why do you keep doing it?
Gbenga: I keep doing it because i have a passion for it.
Can you put an estimate on the number of snails you have now?
Gbenga: I can’t tell they are quite much.
What do you plan to do with them?
Gbenga: When they grow big, I plan to sell them. There are some radio programs I listen to where people are taught on how to export snails; I have their phone numbers.
Have you sold any?
Gbenga: No, not yet
Have you eaten any?
Gbenga: No, I have not
Okay. I can see lots of tiny ones as well which i guess are the baby snails. How did you separate the adults from the young ones?
Gbenga: Early in the morning or late in the evening, the baby snails do come to the surface of the sand. From there, we handpick them all.
Do your colleagues in school know that you do such a thing?
Gbenga: No they don’t
What is your parents’ reaction to this venture of yours?
Gbenga: My mum supports me. She takes care of them when I am not at home. For instance, I wasn’t around yesterday so she helped me to clean and feed them.
That’s amazing. You mean she didn’t scold you or try to stop you when you started?
Gbenga: Initially, she was neutral about it. However, when she saw how serious we were about snail farming, she tagged along.
Interesting. I can see some greens as well. What plants are these?
Gbenga: Basically vegetables of all sorts. Ewedu(Corchorus), Bitterleaf, and Waterleaf
Did you plant them as well?
Gbenga: Yes, I did
You obviously have a passion for snails. Are you passionate about vegetables too?
Gbenga: Actually, I just decided to plant them myself because most vegetables you eat these days are grown with the aid of fertilizers. I want to eat the fresh and natural ones, so that prompted me to plant them.
And have you been eating from them?
Gbenga: Yes, we have
How do you balance your schooling and farming?
Gbenga: My mum has taught me to manage my time properly through prioritizing. When it’s time to study, I study; when I am less busy, I take care of my snails.
So what are your future aspirations?
Gbenga: I intend to study nautical science in the university. Those that study nautical science end up in the maritime sector, working on ships.
So you want to be in the Navy?
Gbenga: i want to be a merchant navy. I want to be the captain of ships that import and export goods.
Okay then, i hope you become all you wish for, plus a very successful farmer
Gbenga: Thank you sir.
Gbenga’s story is one that every youth can learn from. His passion led him to farming and he did not have to raise capital to start. He is dedicated to what he does and manages his time well in between school and farming. At 16, he already has plans to export his produce, and is already feeding from his own efforts.
The value chain in agriculture is very wide and opportunities abound therefore, we as youths should tap into these huge opportunities. By so doing, we will not only build a financially rewarding career, but we will also be contributing immensely to the elimination of food shortages and related problems across the world; just like Gbenga Akinyele…one snail at a time.
Over the past few years, there has been a growing call for Africa’s youth to embrace agriculture. This is of great essence as the agricultural sector has been neglected by youths in favor of careers in the “booming” industries such as telecommunications and banking. A large number of African youths see agriculture as a “career for the aged”. Unknown to many, the agricultural sector is one of the most lucrative sectors in the global economy; one of the very few industries where demand overwhelms supply. Not only is the agricultural industry a massive one, it is also an indispensable one…hence, the call for more youths in agriculture.
In recent times, I have learnt a lot about agriculture. My biggest lesson though (which I gladly share with everyone I meet) is that agriculture is one of the few businesses you can start without capital. This is a major lesson, and I learnt it from 16 year old Gbenga Akinyele.
“Tell your son to come by my house today; i have some snails picked up for him”. I was quite startled when my mum made that remark while making a phone call. Who was the boy who needed snails? What does he need them for? Why snails? I definitely have to find out…and that’s exactly what I did.
I met Gbenga, had a chat with him and agreed to drop by his house to interview him. He was quite shy but he consented. On a Saturday morning I made my way to his house and to my amazement, I met Gbenga, his mum, and little brother clearing and cleaning their little farm and the environment. After exchanging greetings and a tour of the little farm, my curiosity took control.
Can we meet you
Gbenga: My names are Akinyele Gbenga Timilehin. I am from a family of five, and the second born of my parents (first boy). Presently, I am a WAEC candidate for the 2014 May/June exam.
I observe some ‘greens’ around your house; I can see a very small farm portion and a snail farm as well. How did all these come about?
Gbenga: It’s just a passion of mine, especially the snail farming. When I am less busy, the snails are the ones I devote my time to.
How and when did it all start?
Gbenga: It all started nine months ago when we moved to our own site. I always see the snails moving around the compound. So I and my brother decided to start picking them. From that point on, we started taking care of them.
Having done this for about nine months, how has been the experience so far?
Gbenga: A bit stressful. Having to clean their (the snails) house, give them food, and the likes is tasking. Every morning you have to clean all over…it’s a lot of stress
If it’s a lot of stress, why do you keep doing it?
Gbenga: I keep doing it because i have a passion for it.
Can you put an estimate on the number of snails you have now?
Gbenga: I can’t tell they are quite much.
What do you plan to do with them?
Gbenga: When they grow big, I plan to sell them. There are some radio programs I listen to where people are taught on how to export snails; I have their phone numbers.
Have you sold any?
Gbenga: No, not yet
Have you eaten any?
Gbenga: No, I have not
Okay. I can see lots of tiny ones as well which i guess are the baby snails. How did you separate the adults from the young ones?
Gbenga: Early in the morning or late in the evening, the baby snails do come to the surface of the sand. From there, we handpick them all.
Do your colleagues in school know that you do such a thing?
Gbenga: No they don’t
What is your parents’ reaction to this venture of yours?
Gbenga: My mum supports me. She takes care of them when I am not at home. For instance, I wasn’t around yesterday so she helped me to clean and feed them.
That’s amazing. You mean she didn’t scold you or try to stop you when you started?
Gbenga: Initially, she was neutral about it. However, when she saw how serious we were about snail farming, she tagged along.
Interesting. I can see some greens as well. What plants are these?
Gbenga: Basically vegetables of all sorts. Ewedu(Corchorus), Bitterleaf, and Waterleaf
Did you plant them as well?
Gbenga: Yes, I did
You obviously have a passion for snails. Are you passionate about vegetables too?
Gbenga: Actually, I just decided to plant them myself because most vegetables you eat these days are grown with the aid of fertilizers. I want to eat the fresh and natural ones, so that prompted me to plant them.
And have you been eating from them?
Gbenga: Yes, we have
How do you balance your schooling and farming?
Gbenga: My mum has taught me to manage my time properly through prioritizing. When it’s time to study, I study; when I am less busy, I take care of my snails.
So what are your future aspirations?
Gbenga: I intend to study nautical science in the university. Those that study nautical science end up in the maritime sector, working on ships.
So you want to be in the Navy?
Gbenga: i want to be a merchant navy. I want to be the captain of ships that import and export goods.
Okay then, i hope you become all you wish for, plus a very successful farmer
Gbenga: Thank you sir.
Gbenga’s story is one that every youth can learn from. His passion led him to farming and he did not have to raise capital to start. He is dedicated to what he does and manages his time well in between school and farming. At 16, he already has plans to export his produce, and is already feeding from his own efforts.
The value chain in agriculture is very wide and opportunities abound therefore, we as youths should tap into these huge opportunities. By so doing, we will not only build a financially rewarding career, but we will also be contributing immensely to the elimination of food shortages and related problems across the world; just like Gbenga Akinyele…one snail at a time.
YAP of the Month of April’2014-Omonfuegbe Odianosen
All over Africa and indeed Nigeria many young people have been
able to make the right decision to pursue a career in agriculture and
agribusiness. Interesting is the fact that quite a number of this youth
did not even study agriculture.
An example of this is the Managing Director of Farmcentre Africa. A 29 year old who studied Geography and Regional Planning but has enjoyed making a living from food production via his poultry farm.
Meet our Young Agropreneur for the Month of April 2014 as he gives a quick dive into his life as an agric entrepreneur and young farmer in an interview with Agropreneur Nigeria.
Can we meet you please?
My names Omonfuegbe Odianosen and am the Managing Director of Farmcentre Africa located in Ekpoma Edo State Nigeria
How did you come into agriculture?
In 2008, during my NYSC in the military barracks in Bauchi state, I fell in love with a Major’s wife’s poultry farm and she gave me some firsthand information I needed to get before setting up one. But I started full farming in 2010.Although my dad was working with the Ministry of Agriculture. But the passion growing up for livestock farming wasn’t there until 2008 in Bauchi state
What exactly did you study in the University?
I have a Bs.c in Geography and regional planning
What aspect of agriculture do you practice on your farm?
Right now our focus is on Layers to be precise (egg production) and a ranch in view
What challenges did you face while starting up as a young farmer?
Whoa, a lot of it.
But before I go there, I will love to say something very important. “No matter what u do, no matter the challenges you face, as long as you believe in yourself and God, victory is sure”.
I started my farm with 100k which I was able to save and bought 200birds. And I had to push on through tough times.
Now we have 1,650birds and we’re expecting close to 1,000 DOC at the moment. Most of the challenges basically were lack of funds. Most banks really don’t want to give you soft loans even when we hear every now and then that the government gives loans to farmers but, the young farmers hardly have access to these loans. They re sidetracked or loans are delayed to the point where the farmer is discouraged
Thank God I had few family members who were ready to risk a little of their resources to assist me although it wasn’t still enough.
Second challenge was from family members who thought I was not doing the right thing. That farming was a dirty job and it wasn’t meant for me
So right now do you pass the experience gained so farm to other youth in any way?
Yes, a lot. I assist young people for now with the technical knowhow in poultry management and especially in the kick off stage which is very critical in the business. I also have employed two people, one is the farm manager while the other is the farm assistant.
Do you face any challenges with marketing your produce?
Not really. Marketing is ok. I sited my farm in a location where there are no too many big farms around to give tough competition
Have you attended any formal training on poultry?
I attend a lot of Workshops, visit senior farmers and read a lot of books on poultry management on the internet.
What advice do you have for youth in agriculture or those planning to venture?
Keep doing what you are doing, be strong and think of how to feed a Nation, think of how to feed to continent. Refuse to quit and for those aspiring to come to agriculture, welcome on board.
An example of this is the Managing Director of Farmcentre Africa. A 29 year old who studied Geography and Regional Planning but has enjoyed making a living from food production via his poultry farm.
Meet our Young Agropreneur for the Month of April 2014 as he gives a quick dive into his life as an agric entrepreneur and young farmer in an interview with Agropreneur Nigeria.
Can we meet you please?
My names Omonfuegbe Odianosen and am the Managing Director of Farmcentre Africa located in Ekpoma Edo State Nigeria
How did you come into agriculture?
In 2008, during my NYSC in the military barracks in Bauchi state, I fell in love with a Major’s wife’s poultry farm and she gave me some firsthand information I needed to get before setting up one. But I started full farming in 2010.Although my dad was working with the Ministry of Agriculture. But the passion growing up for livestock farming wasn’t there until 2008 in Bauchi state
What exactly did you study in the University?
I have a Bs.c in Geography and regional planning
What aspect of agriculture do you practice on your farm?
Right now our focus is on Layers to be precise (egg production) and a ranch in view
What challenges did you face while starting up as a young farmer?
Whoa, a lot of it.
But before I go there, I will love to say something very important. “No matter what u do, no matter the challenges you face, as long as you believe in yourself and God, victory is sure”.
I started my farm with 100k which I was able to save and bought 200birds. And I had to push on through tough times.
Now we have 1,650birds and we’re expecting close to 1,000 DOC at the moment. Most of the challenges basically were lack of funds. Most banks really don’t want to give you soft loans even when we hear every now and then that the government gives loans to farmers but, the young farmers hardly have access to these loans. They re sidetracked or loans are delayed to the point where the farmer is discouraged
Thank God I had few family members who were ready to risk a little of their resources to assist me although it wasn’t still enough.
Second challenge was from family members who thought I was not doing the right thing. That farming was a dirty job and it wasn’t meant for me
So right now do you pass the experience gained so farm to other youth in any way?
Yes, a lot. I assist young people for now with the technical knowhow in poultry management and especially in the kick off stage which is very critical in the business. I also have employed two people, one is the farm manager while the other is the farm assistant.
Do you face any challenges with marketing your produce?
Not really. Marketing is ok. I sited my farm in a location where there are no too many big farms around to give tough competition
Have you attended any formal training on poultry?
I attend a lot of Workshops, visit senior farmers and read a lot of books on poultry management on the internet.
What advice do you have for youth in agriculture or those planning to venture?
Keep doing what you are doing, be strong and think of how to feed a Nation, think of how to feed to continent. Refuse to quit and for those aspiring to come to agriculture, welcome on board.
YAP of the Month of March’2014- Valentine Adura
Valentine Adura is a youth with a difference. He has not just stopped putting into practice all the agriculture based knowledge he acquired right from childhood. The CEO of Adura Baba, answers our questions and shares his journey in agriculture so far
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN AGRICULTURE LIKE?
Growing up as a child, I usually helped my grandparents on the farm when I visit the village during long vacations, farming or agriculture then was interesting to me and perhaps that’s where my interest and passion for agriculture started. To crown it all, I finally studied Agricultural Engineering at the Federal University Of Technology Minna, Niger State in Nigeria.
WHAT DRIVES YOUR PASSION FOR AGRICULTURE?
My passion for Agriculture is driven by my love and interest in the Agricultural sub-sector especially as this is the only sector that seeks to solve the most important and basic human need of “FOOD” for man. That is why my passion in agriculture is guided by the principle of “Improving agriculture investment for a better future”
HOW DID YOU START YOUR ENTERPRISE?
Adura Baba Integrated Farms started as a very small enterprise with just fifty (50) Day-old broilers in a small thatch house in 2011. Agriculture is a practical and experimental sector, you learn and gather experience as the years go by, I started on a real small scale but to the glory of God I have gathered experience, grown and still growing in this all important enterprise (Poultry and Fish Farming).
WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE AND HOW DID YOU COPE?
As a start up, I faced a lot of challenges ranging from;
Harsh weather condition
High cost of feeds, vaccines and medications
Funding/stringent loans conditions from financial institutions
And above all frustrating selling prizes from middle men
How I coped and still cope with the challenges;
As an Agricultural Engineer I constructed my poultry house using insulated materials so as to reduce heat conduction and transmission in the pen, the pens are also well ventilated hence creating a very good and conducive environment for my birds.
For the high cost of feeds, I compliment commercial feeds with other feed supplements like left over breads and other innovative farm practices. I have recently started formulating my poultry feed, I now buy some of my vaccines and medications in bulk therefore reducing my cost of production.
Funding is indeed one of the major challenges faced by upcoming start-up like me, loans conditions for most of the banks are very stringent, people most of the times hardly believe in your passion and dreams as a start-up hence are very skeptical in investing in you.
As a start-up you can’t completely do away with these middle men, but over time I learnt how to by-cut them and make my sales directly to the consumers, though one need extra energy and strategy in marketing your products directly to the final consumers.
DO YOU THINK THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING ENOUGH TO FORSTER YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN AGRIBUSINESS?
Government is not doing enough in encouraging youth into Agribusiness, though the Federal Government and some state governments has in the past put up programs that will encourage youths into entrepreneurship especially agribusiness but the implementation of these programs where not well implemented. Government has also not provided the right infrastructure and policies to support youth involvement in Agribusiness, if the government is really serous in the reduction of unemployment in Nigeria, it must increase its budgetary allocation to the ministries of Agriculture and that of Youth Development, these ministries in turn must bring about realistic Agriculture programs that will mop out the youths on the streets. Youth and women unemployment in Nigeria can only be reduced through Agriculture, I must beg to add that the youth must also have an attitudinal change towards agriculture too.
IS FARMING/AGRIBUSINESS PROFITABLE IN YOUR OPINION?
Farming/Agribusiness is very profitable, I can say authoritatively for poultry and fish farming which is my constituency that it is a goldmine yet to be untapped in Nigeria especially now that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is reviewing policies on the importation of frozen chicken and fish. According to available records by FAO, Nigeria presently produces about 300,000 tons of poultry meat and 650,000 tons of eggs/annum. A parallel record also from Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), indicates that Nigeria produces presently above 1.25million tons of egg/year. Despite, this volume, Nigeria is far from meeting her domestic demand for poultry products. Similarly, it is estimated that the annual fish demand in the country is about 2.66million tons as against the annual domestic production of about 0.78million tons, giving a demand-supply gap of about 1.8million metric tons. With these estimates and figures, it clearly shows that agribusiness especially poultry and fish is highly profitable and I will advice youth to take advantage of this goldmine.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE?
There are a lot of opportunities for youth in the agricultural sector. Agriculture or agribusiness gives you self satisfaction and self employment. Agriculture is one sector that can create massive jobs for the teeming youth hence reducing youth restiveness.
Poverty reduction and wealth creation in youth can only be achieved through agriculture especially as 65% of the rural youth depend only on agriculture. Let me use this opportunity to advice my fellow youths to take advantage of these many opportunities in agriculture and start agribusiness and stop looking for white collar jobs which are not in existence and which do not even give job satisfaction. Finding our root back to agriculture is just the only option left for our Nigerian youths.
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING HAVE YOU HAD SO AS TO SUCCEED IN YOUR AGRICBUSINESS?
I was lucky to be selected as one of the delegate to represent Benue State by the State ministry of youth and Sport for a two (2) weeks training on skills acquisition in Gombe state where I was trained on poultry farming, this event was organized by the Federal ministry of youth development in 2010. I have on a personal note done research and attended a lot of training and workshops on poultry and fish farming too. And of course, because of my profession as an agricultural engineer, it’s was easier for me to comprehend or fit in well in Agribusiness.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO HELP YOUTH TRYING TO START UP AN AGRIBUSINESS?
Yes, I do.
As a start-up in Agribusiness, you must be passionate, focused and hardworking to succeed. If you are into livestock, poultry and fisheries, you need to be very observant as animals do not speak hence careful observation is needed to detect when any of the animals is ill.
Recording keeping in business generally is very important. The mistake most youth do in agribusiness is failing to keep records, every money spent in your business must be accounted for, never take monies from agribusiness as your personal funds.
The last tip I always give to youths who are start-up or intend going into Agribusiness is joining of groups like Agropreneur Naija, Young Farmers Clubs, Youths Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture etc, these group helps you with information and forms a network that even helps in marketing of your products. Government and other donor agencies tends to even deal with groups than individuals, so your association with some of these serous minded groups helps you as start-up in Agribusiness.
YAP of the Month of February’2014- Awoyinka Tosin
This month February takes us to meet Tosin Awoyinka. Tosin a young lady with lot of passion for agriculture. This passion is reflected in her daily activity as Head of Aquaculture, Jamilaville Farms,Minna Niger State Nigeria. At 25 years of age, Tosin has earned a Bachelors in Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Akure where she studied Agricultural Engineering, she also bagged a Certificate in Integrated Farming System from the Songhai Farms and has over 3 years experience in various aspect of agriculture and she has not hesitated to share her passion for agriculture with other youths like her.
Nominated as Agropreneur Naija’s Young Agropreneur( YAP) of the Month of February 2014, we meet up with her as she shares her journey so far in Agriculture.
AGROPRENEUR Naija -WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN AGRICULTURE?
Tosin Awoyinka- Like most JAM Bite I was given a course I never applied for and knew nothing about but I was taught a course during my third year on what Agricultural Engineering entails and that was when i realised that i could actually do a lot in the agriculture sector and I have been running with this goals since then. Food, Nutrition and Development
AGROPRENEUR Naija – WHAT DO YOU PRESENTLY DO
Tosin Awoyinka – I Work as the Head of Department, aquaculture and crop cultivation in Jamilaville Farms Minna, Niger State.
AGROPRENEUR Naija – HOW MANY OTHER FEMALES WORK WITH YOU AT JAMILAVILLE FARMS?
Tosin Awoyinka – I have just 2 other female colleagues in the mist of over 65 other men who also work on the farm
AGROPRENEUR Naija – AS A LADY DON’T YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE BETTER OFF IN AN OFFICE OR BIG MULTINATIONAL
Tosin Awoyinka – Well I think in that regards it should be a function of interest. And note that we also have offices in the farm. I believe every profession has both the administrative and field work
AGROPRENEUR Naija – WHAT CHALLENGE DO YOU FACE AS A YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE AND IN YOUR LINE OF WORK
Tosin Awoyinka – For me as a person, one of the challenges is land to start off on my own as I want to focus on processing and post harvest production as an entrepreneur. Aside this is the challenge of water supply, funds and resources to work with.
AGROPRENEUR Naija – WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER YOUTH ESPECIALLY LADIES AS REGARDS GETTING INVOLVED IN AGRICULTURE
Tosin Awoyinka – Despite urbanisation, agriculture remains the largest employer in many countries. But it is too often seen as an employment of last resort, avoided by young people especially by those with secondary and tertiary education. Yet millions of youth remain unemployed. For a fact people think agriculture is for the old people but i want to encourage all the youth out there agriculture is the in thing to do. Youth like me are vibrant, energetic; we are too powerful to let it all go to waste. Youth should not limit their view of agriculture to just farming alone. Agriculture has lot more, there is production, processing, marketing distribution and all we have to do is pick one of this many areas and work in the area. There is going to be more changes in our economies if youth and especially the ladies can put more interest in agriculture. There is that notion that some jobs are meant for particular sex agriculture inclusive. But evidence has demonstrated that women involvement in agriculture would not only increase income but would also increase the economy of the nation, livelihood of persons and their family and also reduce unemployment. Youth should decide now and decide quickly before it is too late. Remember it’s cool to farm and that agriculture is sexy.
Young Agropreneur(JAN’14)- Agbonlahor, Ehizogie Marymartha
This month’s Young Agropreneur (YAP) is Agbonlahor Marymartha.
Her compaling story is quite inspiring. One that portrays hard work,
consistency and a never give-up spirit. She share with the Agropreneur
Naija! team her story
MY BACKGROUND
I am Agbonlahor, Ehizogie Marymartha, an indigene of Edo State, Nigeria. I had an early exposure to agricultural activities, crop and livestock production from my parents who were farmers and teachers, my dad being an Agricultural science teacher for over 28 years. I graduated from the Bachelor of Agriculture program of the University of Ilorin in 2010 with First Class Honors and the best graduating student in the Faculty, as well as the best and only First Class graduating student in the Department of Animal Production. I had my NYSC primary assignment at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta now Federal University of Agriculture from 2010-2011. I received commendation from the Acting Registrar at the time for commitment and hard work. I proceeded with the Masters in Animal Production program (2011-2013) at the University of Ilorin after my NYSC, and graduated with Distinction, the only one from my Department for that session. I am passionate about agriculture both in academic research and as a business. My first experience as an entrepreneur in agriculture was in 2008, during the Farm practical training year, we were involved in the production of maize, cowpea, vegetables and cassava. I recorded the highest outputs from my plots and made good sales from them. I went into broiler production during my M.Sc to generate income to support my program. And then also I started as a consultant, first among my colleagues but my services were pro bono. I was passionate about helping youths make a start in agribusiness. I was often called upon by many to assist and advice in their production activities. My interest in agriculture also drives my research focus. I worked with farmers and senior colleagues in the industry to ensure that the research I did both during my Undergraduate and M.Sc were relevant and applicable to solving the current challenges poultry farmers were experiencing. I tested different feed enzymes for improving the nutritive value of high fibre but readily available feedstuffs to reduce cost of production as well as reduce nutrient excretion and environmental pollution from poultry waste (undergraduate project) and to help farmers manage an odor free environment through the use of nanotechnology (M.Sc research). Currently I work with Starwumi Intl., and GABINTECH to install the nano-engineered device for livestock farms across Nigeria. I am glad to say that we have helped keep many poultry and piggery farmers in business in their neighborhood; as many were either at the brink of closing down or relocating to villages-which subsequently become towns; because of complaints from their neighbors. I also consult and troubleshoot for poultry farms. I also work with youth development agencies and NGOs.
MY EXPERIENCE AS AN AGRICULTURIST
My journey as an agriculturist has been very fulfilling and though challenging, the opportunities that lie at the end of every challenge has kept me going. Despite the glaring fact that every human is dependent on the growth of agriculture, it is saddening that very little appreciation is offered to the profession, industry or students of agriculture. While at school, it was not unusual to find my peers in other fields of study advise that I make a change of course or go for a 2nd degree in another field on completion of my First. This is the disposition of most youths and even parents, and it does not bode well if food sustenance is to be attained. However, for the agriculturists in ‘embryo’ who understand the opportunity they have and what pivot role they have been given to play in feeding the nation, they do all it takes to learn, apply, consult with like minds towards fulfilling the mission for which they have been called. I find my greatest moments to be those times I’m working in a field of maize, cassava or cowpea; or receiving dayold chicks and acclimatizing them to their new dwelling, feeding the birds, collecting eggs, vaccinating them, or getting worried when there is a drop in their production, bringing them back to normal health, or making supply of feed ingredients from remote villages, working with farmers in the feedmill; the list is endless; and my best moments come when it’s time to ‘harvest’ the fruits of these long hours.
IS AGRICULTURE VIABLE?
Yes it is. The opportunities in agriculture are boundless. I can say categorically that it is a sure way to wealth and sustained livelihood. It requires dedication as do everything worth doing and can give a 100% return if well managed (a broiler production outfit can give this and even more). The market for all forms of agricultural activity is limitless and yet to be met. As a matter of fact, the demands are increasing with the increasing population and meeting it has not been easy for farmers most of whom in Nigeria; are small-medium scale farmers. The challenge of coping with the changing climate has adversely affected production activities; however, with integrated efforts of government, the industry, research institutions and the international community, there is hope of improving agricultural production processes to both reduce the sector’s contribution to environmental pollution as well as cope with the effects of global warming.
CHANGING THE MINDSET OF YOUTHS TOWARDS AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA
Agriculture holds the key to providing more jobs for the teeming graduates and youths generally. But while it is still seen as the business of the rural dwellers, the
To encourage youth involvement in agriculture, an entrepreneurial mindset is important. A good point to start will be students of agriculture in tertiary institutions. Student’s cooperative farming as well as intensive farm practical business training should be encouraged. It will give them better footing to take off individual enterprises in agriculture on completion of their course by being both a source of start-up capital and experience. The orientation of students seeking admission to university should not be to agriculture as a last resort; but career guidance and counseling inn secondary schools should be treated with more priority to guide secondary/high school students on their strengths. I am a case study. I didn’t have to spend much time studying for my exams in agriculture and economics in secondary school. I was very at home with these subjects. Having attended a public school fought with incessant strikes, I was mostly studying independently by taking notes from my colleagues in private schools and I had help from my dad who was also a teacher in a private school. But I wanted to study Medicine in the University as there was so much hype and prestige with the profession. But when I couldn’t gain admission for medicine I had to choose between General agriculture and Agricultural Engineering. Thank God I didn’t get the Medicine admission I sought!!!
Also farming should be treated like every other serious business, because it is indeed a serious one! Youths should be exposed early in the university to the business side of agriculture, from writing a business plan, to accessing loans, managing the business, product marketing, accessing inputs etc.
Innovation should be encouraged in our research institutions and universities. Research or students’ projects should be tailored towards solving challenges of the industry and feasible. Universities should encourage partnership between agro-allied industry and the departments under agriculture to create the link and career direction for the students.
Think-tank groups should be formed among students in the departments of agriculture to proffer novel solutions and test their ideas, share information, and encourage networking with professionals locally and internationally.
Students’ agricultural cooperative societies should be formed to encourage entrepreneurship in agriculture.
These will ultimately have a multiplied effect on the development of agriculture, and reduce unemployment.
Youths should be enlightened to use social media to improve the awareness on agricultural news, opportunities, and in marketing their products.
On the part of government, programs like Youwin, should be developed but this time tailored towards agricultural enterprises, making access to land for agricultural activities less bureaucratic and more accessible.
THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA
It is very bright, more youths are catching in on the goldmine it is. And with more commitment from government in agriculture, Nigeria has the potential to return to its glory of having agriculture making up its major GDP and better quality of life for Nigerians.
MY PRESENT ENDEAVORS, CHALLENGES AND ASSISTANCE NEEDS
Currently, I work to help create environment friendly farms in communities, using nano-technology, and reducing emissions from livestock waste. I also consult for poultry farms in setting up as well as trouble shoot for existing farms to improve production. I engage in broiler production and my ultimate goal is to set up an integrated farm (an agricultural village); that will both provide food as well as serve as a training centre for youths and women of any level of education to gain knowledge and experience in running a farming business. Presently, I’m working on increasing my poultry production to include laying birds and snail production. This would depend on how soon I get access to more funds (loans, grants) to achieve this, and that has been the major challenge; as with any business, operating on a small scale incurs a higher cost/unit product than when operating on a larger scale.
You can contact Agbonlahor, Ehizogie Marymartha for issues related to you poultry production and setup on jmarymartha@gmail.com.
MY BACKGROUND
I am Agbonlahor, Ehizogie Marymartha, an indigene of Edo State, Nigeria. I had an early exposure to agricultural activities, crop and livestock production from my parents who were farmers and teachers, my dad being an Agricultural science teacher for over 28 years. I graduated from the Bachelor of Agriculture program of the University of Ilorin in 2010 with First Class Honors and the best graduating student in the Faculty, as well as the best and only First Class graduating student in the Department of Animal Production. I had my NYSC primary assignment at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta now Federal University of Agriculture from 2010-2011. I received commendation from the Acting Registrar at the time for commitment and hard work. I proceeded with the Masters in Animal Production program (2011-2013) at the University of Ilorin after my NYSC, and graduated with Distinction, the only one from my Department for that session. I am passionate about agriculture both in academic research and as a business. My first experience as an entrepreneur in agriculture was in 2008, during the Farm practical training year, we were involved in the production of maize, cowpea, vegetables and cassava. I recorded the highest outputs from my plots and made good sales from them. I went into broiler production during my M.Sc to generate income to support my program. And then also I started as a consultant, first among my colleagues but my services were pro bono. I was passionate about helping youths make a start in agribusiness. I was often called upon by many to assist and advice in their production activities. My interest in agriculture also drives my research focus. I worked with farmers and senior colleagues in the industry to ensure that the research I did both during my Undergraduate and M.Sc were relevant and applicable to solving the current challenges poultry farmers were experiencing. I tested different feed enzymes for improving the nutritive value of high fibre but readily available feedstuffs to reduce cost of production as well as reduce nutrient excretion and environmental pollution from poultry waste (undergraduate project) and to help farmers manage an odor free environment through the use of nanotechnology (M.Sc research). Currently I work with Starwumi Intl., and GABINTECH to install the nano-engineered device for livestock farms across Nigeria. I am glad to say that we have helped keep many poultry and piggery farmers in business in their neighborhood; as many were either at the brink of closing down or relocating to villages-which subsequently become towns; because of complaints from their neighbors. I also consult and troubleshoot for poultry farms. I also work with youth development agencies and NGOs.
MY EXPERIENCE AS AN AGRICULTURIST
My journey as an agriculturist has been very fulfilling and though challenging, the opportunities that lie at the end of every challenge has kept me going. Despite the glaring fact that every human is dependent on the growth of agriculture, it is saddening that very little appreciation is offered to the profession, industry or students of agriculture. While at school, it was not unusual to find my peers in other fields of study advise that I make a change of course or go for a 2nd degree in another field on completion of my First. This is the disposition of most youths and even parents, and it does not bode well if food sustenance is to be attained. However, for the agriculturists in ‘embryo’ who understand the opportunity they have and what pivot role they have been given to play in feeding the nation, they do all it takes to learn, apply, consult with like minds towards fulfilling the mission for which they have been called. I find my greatest moments to be those times I’m working in a field of maize, cassava or cowpea; or receiving dayold chicks and acclimatizing them to their new dwelling, feeding the birds, collecting eggs, vaccinating them, or getting worried when there is a drop in their production, bringing them back to normal health, or making supply of feed ingredients from remote villages, working with farmers in the feedmill; the list is endless; and my best moments come when it’s time to ‘harvest’ the fruits of these long hours.
@bethel farm, Ilorin
IS AGRICULTURE VIABLE?
Yes it is. The opportunities in agriculture are boundless. I can say categorically that it is a sure way to wealth and sustained livelihood. It requires dedication as do everything worth doing and can give a 100% return if well managed (a broiler production outfit can give this and even more). The market for all forms of agricultural activity is limitless and yet to be met. As a matter of fact, the demands are increasing with the increasing population and meeting it has not been easy for farmers most of whom in Nigeria; are small-medium scale farmers. The challenge of coping with the changing climate has adversely affected production activities; however, with integrated efforts of government, the industry, research institutions and the international community, there is hope of improving agricultural production processes to both reduce the sector’s contribution to environmental pollution as well as cope with the effects of global warming.
CHANGING THE MINDSET OF YOUTHS TOWARDS AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA
Agriculture holds the key to providing more jobs for the teeming graduates and youths generally. But while it is still seen as the business of the rural dwellers, the
To encourage youth involvement in agriculture, an entrepreneurial mindset is important. A good point to start will be students of agriculture in tertiary institutions. Student’s cooperative farming as well as intensive farm practical business training should be encouraged. It will give them better footing to take off individual enterprises in agriculture on completion of their course by being both a source of start-up capital and experience. The orientation of students seeking admission to university should not be to agriculture as a last resort; but career guidance and counseling inn secondary schools should be treated with more priority to guide secondary/high school students on their strengths. I am a case study. I didn’t have to spend much time studying for my exams in agriculture and economics in secondary school. I was very at home with these subjects. Having attended a public school fought with incessant strikes, I was mostly studying independently by taking notes from my colleagues in private schools and I had help from my dad who was also a teacher in a private school. But I wanted to study Medicine in the University as there was so much hype and prestige with the profession. But when I couldn’t gain admission for medicine I had to choose between General agriculture and Agricultural Engineering. Thank God I didn’t get the Medicine admission I sought!!!
Also farming should be treated like every other serious business, because it is indeed a serious one! Youths should be exposed early in the university to the business side of agriculture, from writing a business plan, to accessing loans, managing the business, product marketing, accessing inputs etc.
Innovation should be encouraged in our research institutions and universities. Research or students’ projects should be tailored towards solving challenges of the industry and feasible. Universities should encourage partnership between agro-allied industry and the departments under agriculture to create the link and career direction for the students.
Think-tank groups should be formed among students in the departments of agriculture to proffer novel solutions and test their ideas, share information, and encourage networking with professionals locally and internationally.
Students’ agricultural cooperative societies should be formed to encourage entrepreneurship in agriculture.
These will ultimately have a multiplied effect on the development of agriculture, and reduce unemployment.
Youths should be enlightened to use social media to improve the awareness on agricultural news, opportunities, and in marketing their products.
On the part of government, programs like Youwin, should be developed but this time tailored towards agricultural enterprises, making access to land for agricultural activities less bureaucratic and more accessible.
THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA
It is very bright, more youths are catching in on the goldmine it is. And with more commitment from government in agriculture, Nigeria has the potential to return to its glory of having agriculture making up its major GDP and better quality of life for Nigerians.
MY PRESENT ENDEAVORS, CHALLENGES AND ASSISTANCE NEEDS
Currently, I work to help create environment friendly farms in communities, using nano-technology, and reducing emissions from livestock waste. I also consult for poultry farms in setting up as well as trouble shoot for existing farms to improve production. I engage in broiler production and my ultimate goal is to set up an integrated farm (an agricultural village); that will both provide food as well as serve as a training centre for youths and women of any level of education to gain knowledge and experience in running a farming business. Presently, I’m working on increasing my poultry production to include laying birds and snail production. This would depend on how soon I get access to more funds (loans, grants) to achieve this, and that has been the major challenge; as with any business, operating on a small scale incurs a higher cost/unit product than when operating on a larger scale.
You can contact Agbonlahor, Ehizogie Marymartha for issues related to you poultry production and setup on jmarymartha@gmail.com.
“Agriculture is a very viable enterprise and is interestingly challenging.”- Kolade Ige (YAP,March-2013)
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Mr. Kolade Ige
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This month, our young agro-preneur of the month goes to Kolade Ige the founder of FARM FEEDS and EQUIPMENT Nigeria. He is into General Poultry farming, aquaculture and livestock feed consultancy. AGROPRENEUR Nigeria team caught up with him and he shares his thoughts with us. Here is his story:
“Agriculture for me has been a great passion i have always longed to fulfill especially because it is a noble and humanitarian enterprise whose effect/advantages go beyond money making. it is the most honest money making charity business you can think of… think about the number of people you can take off the streets and give a life, the number of families rich or poor that you make alive everyday by putting food afford-ably on their table and the cool cash that rolls into your pocket daily. All these make agriculture a passionate calling for me rather than just business.
I started my adventure in agriculture when I was in my second year in the university with little or no experience, but my passion and determination led me to ferociously seek knowledge and experience all of which didn’t come at no cost. I will always make reference to my first stock of fish I loaded into an open soak away hoping I could fetch in water to satisfy the fish everyday it wasn’t as easy, so I lost them all in less than 2 weeks, this experience woke me up to the challenges and tasks to expect and to prepare through adequate information. I have strong interest in fish farming which is a very lucrative business in Nigeria today although people are declaring it unprofitable after their first or second harvest. With the knowledge of this problem, I made a personal research into the issue and came out with findings and solutions tackle the problem. I also have passionate interest in poultry production as an inexpensive means of enhancing protein consumption in our society.
Starting up is the hardest and easiest thing to do not in terms of money but in terms of interest. Interest is the sole capital you require to start up an agribusiness because even without money, your interest will pave your way to accomplishment. Money gravitates towards ideas and interest, so my interest and idea was my first capital which made start up easier for me. I remember it took me about a year to build my first concrete pond because, I was saving and doing it in bit, by time it was ready I was confident to call in someone to join in stocking the pond, contributing my pond as my equity in the business, this went on for about a year at the end of which I had enough proceed to continue my business alone. I will agree that it has been challenging from the start I have been able to sustain through persistence, faith in GOD, self confidence and support of my family and friends.
Initially, I relied solely on personal study to acquire the skills I needed to excel in the business, but it got to a point I had to meet people who were better experienced in the business for guidance and relevant information. I developed most of the information I obtained and adapted them to suit my conditions and it worked perfectly. Agriculture is an enterprise, at some point I had to develop some entrepreneurial skills and intelligence, though initially on my own through books and journals. I later attended entrepreneurial training program of the Enterprise Development Centre of Lagos Business School at Pan African University where i acquired basic training in entrepreneurial development. Other specialized agricultural skills acquired have been through my association with other professionals and academics in the field of Agriculture.
I have benefited from mentor ship especially from more experienced professionals and academics who have found it worthwhile to nature me with their wealth of experience this has been helpful. Professor Adebayo of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTAkure) Nigeria was so helpful during my early days in aquaculture. Also is Mr. Oluwole Yussuf of FUTAkure farm who relentlessly monitors my success in the poultry section of my enterprise.
I have enjoyed training opportunities of the Federal Government and I am currently a mentor under the You Win mentoring Program initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria. I am looking forward to a number of grants and aid from the Federal Government and Agricultural Development Institutions.
For all the young people out there, Agriculture is a very viable enterprise and is interestingly challenging. Giving you an opportunity to give genuinely to your country and get paid with high rewards. Gone are the days when farming was a dirty job, with modern methods of production and equipments agriculture has almost become fully automated requiring the soundest of minds and thinkers. You can take advantage of the changes and innovations in agriculture today and make an impact on your society and make a life for yourself. If you want to get rich quick… go to the farm…”igbe l’owo wa” (There is money in shit or dirty business)”
JAMIL LIVESTOCK FARM NIGERIA LIMITED IS GIVING DISCOUNT TO ALL OUR FARMER THAT PURCHASE ANY ITEMS FROM US. WE DEAL ON THE FOLLOWING ANIMAL FEEDS, CROPS, FERTILIZER CATFISH,AND RICE
ReplyDeleteBUY ANY BRAND OF RICE FOR LOWER RATE #6,500, the brand of Rice Available( Royal umbrella=6,500, Mama Gold =6,500, Royal stallion= 6,500, Rising sun= 6,500, Special rice= 6,500, Mama Africa=6,500, Royal crown= 6,500, Ade Brazil 6,500, Super eagle=6,500, PJS=6,500 Caprice=6,500, Tomato rice 6,500
WE HAVE TOP FEEDS, HYBRID FEEDS,VITAL FEEDS,ANIMAL CARE FEEDS!! WE ALSO HAVE THEIR DRUGS FOR SALE… CALL 09074482932
ANIMAL CARE FEEDS!!!
TOP STARTER: #2,000
TOP GROWER: #1,800,
TOP FINISHER: #1,900,
TOP LAYERS: #1,900,
HYBRID STATER: #2,000
HYBRID LAYER: #2,000
HYBRID FINISHER: #2,000
HYBRID GROWER: #1,900.
HYBRID LAYERS: #1,950
ANIMAL CARE STATER: #2,000
ANIMAL CARE GROWER: #1,900
ANIMAL CARE FINISHER: #2,000
RELAYER: #1,300
EGGS small size,#15 per one jumbo size #20 per one
TOMATOES: #1,000
VITAL STARTER: #2,000
VITAL GROWER: #1,800.
CAT FISH FEEDS!!!.
multi feed: 6mm – #2,400
coppens 4mm & above- #2,100
durantee 2mm = #2,400
durantee 4mm & above = #2,200
ziegler = #2,200
aqua manna – #2,000.
Fresh Big Eggs——————–N20
Day Old Layers——————-N150
Day Old Broilers——————N110
Turkey Day Old(Foreign)——–N800
6 weeks old turkey = N1000.
8 weeks old turkey = N1200.
Turkey Day Old (Local)———-N250
point of lay turkeys = N2000 (7 months)
White Cockerel.——————-N30
Black Cockerel.——————-N50
Pullet. —————————–N150
point of lay pullets = N800 (16 weeks)
Parent Stock ( broiler)———–N480
Parent Stock (pullet) ————N500
8 Weeks Cockerel —————-N120
4 Weeks Broiler. —————–N220
10 Weeks Broiler —————-N700
Parent Stock of Broiler———-N350
Parent Stock of Pullet————N500
CONTACT: PHONE: 09074482932
Address:8, Ozokwelu Street, Okpuno Nnewi, Anambra Nigeria in colabretion with ABUBAKA FARM LTD 4, Nassarawa Road, Industrial Area, P. M. B 2203 Kaduna, Kaduna South, Kaduna, Nigeria,Days of Delivery—-Monday-Friday
FERTILIZER!!!
NPK: #2,500
UREA: #2,000.
multifeed:#6000
Local feed with 25kg fish meal/ 100kg = #26,000
For esquire contact us on 09074482932. Thanks we love you all.
NOTE!!! WE ALSO HAVE PUPPY FOR SALE.
ANY KIND OF BREED YOU WANT WE HAVE.
ReplyDeleteHello,
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This company is where many business dealers from all over the world generate fund that backup their various businesses financially.
I used this company to backup my cocoa beans export business each time my business is running down.
You can visit and register with the company website here http://www.virtatrade.com to raise the fund you need now to go into your poultry farm business.
In practice, tilapia are the most popular fish for home and commercial projects that are intended to raise edible fish because it is a warmwater aquaponics fish tank species that can tolerate crowding and changing water conditions.
ReplyDelete