How to Start a Small Farming Business in Nigeria
The high shortage of food in Nigeria has called for people to establish their small farms to tackle food shortage and also as a source of income.
Some people think starting a farm is a very complex or almost impossible thing to do. The good news is, Vinemond Farms is here to help you out in breaking down the process of starting a small farm.
10 Steps to Start A Small Farm in Nigeria
Identity a Problem
Discover the reasons you want to start a farm, and the problem you aim to solve. This is the beginning of all you need to forge forward in achieving your goals.
You must capitalize on a problem you want to solve and ignite your move from there.
Research and Planning
Research is about gathering information on what you are about to do. It helps you to understand the market survey, the needs and demands of the people and the capital needed to start.
The easiest way to understand the market is by contacting a consultant like Vinemond Farms to help with information and basics about farming.
You need to ask questions in your vicinity and take down information that would be helpful in your decision making. Some key things you understand about where you want to farm are the soil quality, equipment needed and climate change of where you want to start planting.
Planning helps you to strategies how you want to carry out your plans in different phases. It's good to have it outlined for the sake of efficiency.
Select a Farming Niche
It's impossible for starters to venture into more than one niche in farming at the inception. Consider a particular niche you want to focus on so that you can input your energy into that niche. It could be crop farming, livestock farming.
However, engaging in mixed farming can be a bit complex without the help of a consultant. You can contact the help of Vinemond farms as a consultant to help you initiate your plan.
Write a Business Plan
What do you want to do and how do you want to do it? Write it down! That's the simple description of a business plan.
For a small business, you might not need voluminous explanation of actions at inception. However, you have to document how you want to run the organization.
In your business plan, state the aim and objectives of the company and the target market you are about to infiltrate. You have to know that there are existing companies into that production, so you must plan for competitors as well.
Writing a business plan might need the help of a professional like Softnet professional. They will guide you in ensuring you have a plausible and realistic business plan.
Source for a Fund
After writing your business plan, start sourcing for funds. Taking a massive loan might not be helpful since you don't understand the rudiment of the business.
You can start by calling families and friends for loan or support. And you can also break your savings to add to the capital needed. Agricultural loans in banks can be very helpful, or grants.
Secure Land
Acquire land you want to start using for the farming business. You can either choose to buy, rent or lease. In fact, you could speak to a family member who has a land that is vacant as at that time. Ensure it doesn't take a chunk of your budget, as you will need a lot of money for other things.
Register Your Business
Register your business with a CAC for identification and operational purposes. It's important to do that so as to have a legal right to own the business.
There are other agricultural organizations you would have to join to be able to gain access to the agricultural industry.
Softnet Professionals can also help to register your business at an affordable rate.
Procure Equipment and Hire Staff
It's not necessary to have huge equipment for a start. The cost might look gigantic in the budget for starters. Get the fundamental tools, depending on your niche.
Hire staff you can afford to pay in the first few months. You might not have a house filled with professionals. Just one or two professionals who can also help you train other staff. invest in your staff training, it would save you a lot in the future.
Marketing and Sales
Focus on your target audience and plan to enlarge as time passes by. The local market around you is the first point of sales. Sell at reasonable prices to make people trust your business and intend to patronize you more.
Monitor and Evaluate
Make sure you have your business in check. You are your own quality assurance manager at the beginning. The production and sales of goods must be monitored.
The reality here might be different from the one you have written in your business plan but be flexible with your decision and be ready to transform.
Conclusion
While looking at the bigger picture is important when you are starting, have it in mind that you are starting a small business, and you have to do what you can afford.
Start strong, and plan for the future.

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