The Nigeria Food and agricultural crisis was excarbated by the petroleum products boom of the 1970s luring millions from rural areas to urban construction jobs there by increasing dependence on imported consumer goods to the detriment of Agricultural sector.
Despite the level of humongous wealth starched away illegally in this country of ours with about 33% unemployment rate, large scale farming is relegated in the scheme of our needs while the foreigners are holding sway and making the most out of the farming enterprise.
Our kudos to the locals who have taken the initiative to support Nigeria's drive towards self sufficiency.
Large scale farming is such that deploy improved technologies as in mechanised farming of large expance of land with skilled and trained manpower at all levels in different disciplines on areas of specialisation rather than deployment of family members. while the farm should earn enough to offset overhead costs with appreciable profit margins. In Nigeria only very few of this exist as compared with the wealth and population.
OPPORTUNITIES
Humongous opportunities abounds such as self reliance in production and Processing of raw materials for industries of Food and Cash crops. Savings on foreign exchange and contributing to the earnings of the foreign exchange pool of the nation.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FARMING.
-- PLANTATION CROPS
Oil palm, Cocoa, Rubber, Sugar cane, Tea, Kolanut, Sheabutter etc.
-- ARABLE CROPS
Cereals, Legumes and Tubers : Rice, Soghium, Maize, Wheat, Soya beans, Cotton, G/nuts, Cassava, Sweet potatoes, Yam, etc.
-- HORTICULTURAL CROPS.
Mangoes, Citrus fruits, Subtropical vegetables and Ornamentals, Tomatoes, Onions, ginger etc
A brief outlook of 2014 CBN Data on Tomatoes
Demand = 2.3mmt
Production =1.8mmt
Loses = 50%
Actual =0.9mmt
Gap = 1.4m(open to importation )
--- COMMERCIAL SEED PRODUCTION.
Hybrid - Maize, Cowpea, Soya beans, Rice Vegetables seeds.
--- ANIMAL AND LIVESTOCK FARMS
Poultry, Piggery, Cattles, Goats, Sheep (for beef and dairy )
--- INTEGRATED PRODUCTION.
Poultry /Vegetables
Poultry / Cereals
Poultry / Fish
Grains / Pasture / Dairy
Rice / Vegetables / Fish farming.
PRE-REQUISITES FOR PROGRESS IN LARGE SCALE FARMING.
-- Capital or credit for purchase of land, Equipment and Services
--- Knowledge of environment for planning eg soil test, weather forecast and prevailing market prices.
--- Need for greater capacities in management, wider knowledge base, accurate records keeping and budgetting capabilities.
--- Assertaing better choice of location in relation to commodities to be grown. and services required.
--- Improved rural infrastructural development including good roads and transport facilities.
--- Adequate marketing arrangements and price incentives.
--- Access to technological development in R&D and extention services.
--- Timely supply of imputs in sufficient numbers , quantities and variety.
--- Availability of machineries /equipment for miscellaneous operations, repairs and maintenance.
--- Availability of all levels of skills and trained manpower at all levels in different disciplines on areas of specialisation.
CONCLUSION
* Nigeria today, is in the forefront of rice production in Africa this is unprecedented thanks to the government initiatives (anchor borrowers schemes ) and support especially stopping smuggling.
*Dairy processing is in need of rejuvenation beyond the fura/Nunu and Maishanu as we have it now. 100% of our dairies need are imported.
* Quality population rather than the prevailing unskilled army of the unemployed youths and unemployable graduates roaming the streets is what can stand nations out.
Private individuals and organisations with the wherewithal should be interested in large scale farming.
At WUFAS AGR0Net we are Competent and Reliable Food Processing Technologists into Human Capital Development Consultancy in Food Processing Technology enhancing Global Competitiveness and International Best Practices for the startups, teeming youthful population and other Food handlers.
To our graduates , a great IVY league education without constant updating looses its value .remaining ignorant put one in a weaker position. Skill building courses are investment not expenses.
Our services include :
* Establishment, Construction and Installation of Micro, Small and Medium scale Food processing plants using 80% local content with other food grade appliances.
-- Rejigging of ailing Food Processing Plants and introduction of value chain development.
-- Training Food Processing Handlers in Ethics of Food Processing eg Food mgt System, Preservation, Packaging Water treatment with practical demonstrations of various classes of Food. and 10 other subtopics including Unit Operations etc.
-- Facilitation of Food Security Conference and Seminars .
Contact us today. 08034064270,08157784430. Email :wufasagronet @gmail.com.
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