Making money from agri-business may seem like an outdated way of doing things. However, in reality agriculture still remains one of the core sectors of the global economy. In Kenya for instance, agriculture contributes 27% of the gross domestic product.
In order to succeed in this sector, it is important to acquire a great deal of entrepreneurial skills. Agriculture, is no-longer an art it’s a science. Here are some 5 quick tips to that effect…
(1)Think about value addition and agro-processing to attract higher returns for your farm products
(2)Embrace technology to market your products and to expand your scope of information
(3)Avoid selling your farm produce through middle-men rather approach the market head-on
(4)Partner with banks and microfinance institutions that offer flexible financial packages
(5)Invest in learnings and trainings such as the one’s offered by Kuza Biashara
Now without wasting more time, let us talk about the first 5 batch of random ideas that are suitable for the small investor.
(5)Bee Keeping Business Idea
In Kenya the most important species is called the Apis mellifera also know as the Honeybee. Though the country has a vast potential to grow this market only 20% has been tapped. Leaving a large 80% for future investors like you.
Special beekeeping equipment is the most expensive cost head of bee production but the returns out-weigh this burden especially if the bees are well-nurtured.
The initial start-up capital required is about 10,000 to 50,000 varying on factors such as equipment cost and location costs.
(4)Poultry Farming
Poultry farming is broken into three categories which are Pullet or Layers, Broiler chicken and Cockerel farming.
Main things required to farm poultry include:
Sufficient land space
Good fencing
Chicks
Feeds
With good care of your chicks by feeding them well and maintaining your farm you are likely to thrive and be a successful poultry farmer. The initial set-up required to start this would be about Ksh30,000.
You can learn more about >>Kuroiler Poultry Farming Here<<
(3) Potato Farming
You need about Ksh62,000 to grow potatoes on one acre of land. In suitable areas such as Molo and Kinangop, such an investment can produce a minimum of 90 bags which can then be sold at an average price of Ksh1800/=.
To engage in this kind of agri-business you need:
(1)A piece of land in a suitable area
(2)The right seed tuber variety (consult agriculture experts on this)
(3)DAP fertilizer (200 kg per acre)
(4)Fungicides
Currently some high yielding tubers include Tigoni, Sanghi, Kenya Mpya, Asante and Kenya Karibu.
(2)Cassava Farming
Cassava is an indigenous crop that is fast growing and well adapted to dry environment. As such an investment in Cassava farming cannot go wrong if you come from areas like Baringo, Machakos, Makueni, Taita Taveta and so forth. The crop usually matures in 9-12 months after planting. Some requirements for engaging in this business include:
(1)Land with well-drained soil and pH of 5.5 – 6.5
(2)Cuttings from middle stem portions
(3)Fungicide/insecticide
You can start this venture with a minimum capital of Ksh20,000 and expand it step-by-step.
(1)Capsicum Farming
Capsicum can be planted in a small piece of land under green-house set up. The crop matures after three months and market is usually readily available in urban centers. Requirements:
(1)Piece of land in a suitable region with moderate rainfall or water supply
(2)Construct or buy a greenhouse (40×80 structure goes for Ksh80,000 and above)
(3)Quality seedlings from your local agriculture supplies shop
You can start out on a 40×80 piece of land and with an investment of around Ksh100,000 you can harvest value worth Ksh450,000 in 3 months. Usually, a kilogram of capsicum is bought for between Ksh100 and Ksh120 in local supermarkets.
Finally;
Please note that Kuza Biashara is not primarily an agriculture advisory institution rather it is an entrepreneurial one. Therefore, if you have more questions regarding: weather conditions, planting patterns, market e.t.c. please visit your nearest Government Agricultural Office.
Do you have some more ideas that you would like us to discuss about? Or do you have more information to add to the above-mentioned 5 ideas? Don’t forget to use the comment box below to engage with us. You can also like us on Facebook.
