Small agric businesses that can give you extra money

The rainy season is already beginning to show signs of coming back. Some states in Nigeria have seen rain at least twice in January 2017 and every farmer you know by now is preparing to hit the soil. But you are probably complaining because the rain is an inconvenience stopping you from getting to work early or make your corporate engagements on time.

However, supposing you were to turn your dislike into opportunity and benefit from the coming rainy season? Pause and think about it; the small land you have that is lying fallow could yield you extra income. You can turn your backyard into a little garden of vegetables, which not only lessens the cost of vegetables or tomatoes for you but also brings in more money into the family purse.

Agriculture is not flashy and definitely not for the faint-hearted. It is work – it is commitment to feed yourself and the people around you. It is not charity either. It is a business. You may not have the time to take it up as a full employment but it is possible to start one on a part-time basis. It needs patience and like your paid-employment passion. The beautiful part is it does not sack you because the economy is bad. Whether the economy is in recession, the earth will yield its fruits.

When done right, agriculture is very rewarding. To start you do not need a big capital and definitely do not need to apply to any authority for license. Agriculture in the digital age is no more fully about old and unlearned people dominating the space. There is a massive migration of highly educated people who are engaged in the various agric value-chains and they are making tons from their efforts and sleeping better they would if they had a 9-5 job. For those who do not want to own the farms directly, they are turning to tech start-ups in the agric space that allow them provide funding for a farm that brings back returns of about 30% in six months.

You can begin your agricultural business even without a special degree. There are good online YouTube videos that can help you learn as much as you can on the various aspects of a particular farming business.

If you have an empty land or a space you think is large enough, do consider these three businesses.

Fish farming

Fish farming is a very profitable business that has become widespread across the country. This is no doubt fuelled by people’s large appetite for fishery products like Tilapia, Catfish, and Mackerel (Salmon). According to one report, about 50% of Nigerian households eat something that contains fish on a daily basis.

Some of the benefits of fish business are the constant demand for fish, the low cost of operation and – in case you are planning big, government incentives. If you are considering fish farming, carefully plan you space. The larger your space, the larger your fish products and the potential for higher sales would be.

Poultry farming

This is many people’s favourite. Poultry products consumption in Nigeria is very huge. As a result of demand not meeting enough supply and because of ban on importation, the products are often smuggled into the country by individuals. The market deficit makes it a potential as a business venture – even on a part-time arrangement. For the business, you can start with a little space in your backyard and a little money to buy day-old chicks. Again there are now several materials online to help you get the best from your business and you do not need to leave your 9-5 job to do it.

Tomato farming

This one is very special. If you remember the famous tomato scarcity the country experienced in 2016, then you know the importance and potential of this business. Demand for tomato is so much yet not many people seizing the opportunity. An expert said, if you are looking for lesser competition, grow tomatoes. Once you can find a way to transport, grow (in a large scale) and keep them looking fresh for a long time, you will never lack money again.

There are other ideas you can go for like raising snails which requires a basket, humus soil and leaves to start or a vegetable garden at your backyard. 2017 presents an opportunity for everyone to tap into the agricultural business to scale their income and contribute towards the country’s food sustenance goals.