Farm households refer to families or individuals who operate a farm, either as their primary source of income or as a supplementary source of income. A farm household typically includes: 1. *Farm operators*: The individuals who manage and work on the farm. 2. *Family members*: Spouses, children, and other relatives who may contribute to farm labor or decision-making. 3. *Hired labor*: Non-family members who work on the farm. Farm households may engage in various agricultural activities, such as: 1. *Crop production*: Growing crops like maize, rice, or vegetables. 2. *Livestock production*: Raising animals like cattle, chickens, or pigs. 3. *Mixed farming*: Combining crop and livestock production. The concept of farm households is important in agricultural economics, sociology, and policy-making, as it helps to: 1. *Understand farm decision-making*: How farm households make decisions about production, marketing, and resource allocation. 2. *Analyze farm income and poverty*: How farm households generate income and manage poverty. 3. *Develop targeted policies and programs*: To support farm households and improve their livelihoods. Do you have any further questions about farm households?

This text highlights the challenges faced by farmers in Abia State, Nigeria, despite the area's agricultural potential. Key challenges mentioned: 1. *Land degradation*: Soil quality is declining, affecting crop yields. 2. *Erosion*: Soil erosion, particularly gully erosion, is damaging farmlands and rural infrastructure. 3. *Limited access to credit facilities*: Farmers struggle to access loans or credit, hindering their ability to invest in their farms. These challenges have significant impacts: 1. *Reduced productivity*: Farmers' ability to produce crops, including melons, is compromised. 2. *Limited participation in agricultural activities*: Farmers may be discouraged from participating in agricultural activities due to the challenges they face. The Abia NEWMAP (2019-2021) project aimed to address some of these challenges, particularly soil erosion, through watershed management and conservation practices. Do you have any questions about this text or the challenges faced by farmers in Abia State?

Despite the agricultural potential of the area, challenges such as land degradation, erosion, and limited access to credit facilities affect productivity. Soil erosion, particularly gully erosion, poses a major threat to farmlands and rural infrastructure, impacting farmers' participation in agricultural activities, including melon production (Abia NEWMAP, 2021).

BEFORE YOU GO IN TO BROILERS FARMING YOU NEED TO KNOW THE BREED ESPECIALLY THOSE IN NIGERIA 👇 As the poultry farming industry in Nigeria continues to thrive, it's crucial for poultry farmers to distinguish between company names and broiler breeds. Understanding this distinction can help in making informed decisions about sourcing and raising broilers. Broiler Companies in Nigeria Several companies in Nigeria are known for producing high-quality broilers. These companies are often mistaken for broiler breeds, but they are actually suppliers and producers. Here are some of the prominent broiler-producing companies in Nigeria: 1. Agrited 2. Chi 3. Sayed 4. Vertex 5. Valentine 6. Amo Farm Support 7. Fidan These companies have established themselves as reliable sources for broiler chicks, providing farmers with the necessary support and resources to ensure successful poultry farming operations. Broiler Breeds in Nigeria In contrast to the companies listed above, broiler breeds refer to the specific genetic lines of chickens that are raised for meat production. These breeds are selected for their rapid growth, efficient feed conversion, and high meat yield. Some of the popular broiler breeds in Nigeria include: 1. Ross 308 2. Cobb 500 3. Arbor Acres Plus 4. Hubbard Classic 5. Avian 48 6. Marshall 7. Naked Neck Each of these breeds has unique characteristics that make them suitable for different farming conditions and preferences. Farmers should carefully consider the breed that best fits their production goals and environmental conditions. Spreading the Word It's important to share this update with other poultry farmers to help them avoid confusion between broiler companies and breeds. By doing so, we can ensure that farmers make well-informed decisions that contribute to the success of their poultry farming ventures. Stay Informed with Farming Tech & Business For more updates, tips, and insights on poultry farming and agricultural practices, keep following Farming Tech & Business. Together, we can enhance the poultry farming industry in Nigeria and achieve greater success.

~ The $1 Billion Powdered Eggshell Industry: Why African Entrepreneurs Must Take This Seriously If someone told you that eggshells—those things you throw away after making breakfast—could be the foundation of a highly profitable global business, would you believe it? = Yet, this is exactly what’s happening. The powdered eggshell industry, a $1 billion market, is booming, with major players across Europe, America, and Asia making millions of dollars from something most Africans discard as waste. = This raises a critical question: Why aren’t young African graduates and entrepreneurs taking advantage of this opportunity? = The truth is, the powdered eggshell industry is one of the most untapped, scalable, and sustainable businesses on the continent today. With Africa producing millions of eggs daily, young entrepreneurs can collect, process, and export eggshell powder to global buyers, transforming waste into wealth. = Why Powdered Eggshell is a Goldmine in the Global Confectionery Industry = Many people don’t realize that eggshells contain over 95% calcium carbonate, a highly sought-after ingredient in the confectionery, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. In baking and confectionery, powdered eggshell is used to improve food structure, texture, and nutritional content. = Top food brands use eggshell powder in: = ✅ Breads & Pastries – To fortify products with natural calcium ✅ Chocolate Production – To enhance texture and consistency ✅ Dietary Supplements – For bone health and medical applications = With the global push for organic and sustainable ingredients, demand for eggshell powder is expected to rise significantly over the next decade. = Why African Graduates Should Join Forces to Build a Confectionery Marketing Team = The major players in the powdered eggshell market are large international corporations. However, young entrepreneurs in Africa don’t need millions of dollars to get started. By forming a team and strategically marketing powdered eggshell products, they can penetrate this market and establish a thriving business. = Here’s what such a team could do: = 1️. Set up a collection and processing network – Partner with poultry farms and bakeries to collect eggshell waste. 2️. Process the shells into fine powder – Using simple grinding and purification technology. 3️. Sell directly to food companies & confectionery brands – Both locally and globally. 4️. Export in bulk to foreign markets – Using e-commerce and B2B trade platforms. = By leveraging teamwork, digital marketing, and smart branding, a small group of African entrepreneurs could scale this business to $100,000+ in monthly revenue within 12–18 months. = Earnings Potential for Entrepreneurs and Investors = 🔹 A small processing unit producing 5,000kg per month at $5/kg can generate $25,000 per month in revenue. 🔹 Scaling up to 20,000kg per month at $10/kg means a $200,000 monthly income. 🔹 Investors funding such teams can see 10X ROI within 2 years. = Final Thoughts: Africa’s Time to Lead = The world is changing, and so is the business landscape. What used to be seen as waste is now an asset worth billion. African youths must shift their mindset and realize that the future of business lies in innovation, teamwork, and global trade. = Instead of searching for jobs, why not create an industry that provides jobs? Instead of waiting for investors, why not become the pioneers of a new economic revolution? = 💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS: = 🔸 The powdered eggshell industry is a $1 billion global market and growing. 🔸 African graduates can form teams to market powdered eggshells and build a global brand. 🔸 With the right setup, entrepreneurs can generate $25,000 to $200,000 per month. 🔸 Investors funding this business can earn massive ROI in a short time. = Africa is rich in resources and young talent—it’s time to use both to create global wealth. Will you be part of this movement? ___________________

Agriculture & Agricultural Practices🌱 1. Soil preparation Before raising a crop, the soil in which it is to be grown is prepared by ploughing, levelling, and manuring. Ploughing is the process of loosening and digging of soil using a plough. This helps in proper aeration of the soil. After ploughing, the soil is distributed evenly and levelled in the process called levelling. The soil is then manured. 2. Sowing Selection of seeds of good quality crop strains is the primary stage of sowing. After the preparation of soil, these seeds are dispersed in the field and this is called sowing. Sowing can be done manually, by hand or by using seed drilling machines. Some crops like paddy are first grown into seedlings in a small area and then transplanted to the main field. 3. Manuring Crops need nutrients to grow and produce yield. Thus, the supply of nutrients at regular intervals is necessary. Manuring is the step where nutritional supplements are provided and these supplements may be natural (manure) or chemical compounds (fertilizers). Manure is the decomposition product of plant and animal wastes. Fertilizers are chemical compounds consisting of plant nutrients and are produced commercially. Apart from providing nutrients to crop, manure replenishes soil fertility as well. Other methods for soil replenishment are vermicompost, crop rotation, planting of leguminous plants. 4. Irrigation Irrigation is the supply of water. Sources of water can be wells, ponds, lakes, canals, dams etc. Over irrigation may lead to waterlogging and damage the crop. This frequency and interval between successive irrigation need to be controlled. 5. Weeding Weeds are unwanted plants which grow among crops. They are removed by using weedicides, by manually pulling them with hands and some are removed during soil preparation. 6. Harvesting Once the crop is matured, it is cut and gathered, this process is called harvesting. Followed by harvesting, grains are separated from the chaff e

Meet the Woman Behind 10,000 Tons of Cassava and $12 Million in Annual Revenue Introducing Yemisi Iranloye, the Nigerian entrepreneur celebrated as the “Cassava Queen” for her exceptional achievements in the cassava industry. Standing strong against multinational corporations, Iranloye has not only maintained her position but has thrived, demonstrating that local knowledge and perseverance can surpass even the largest competitors. Through her company, Psaltry International, Iranloye produces over 10,000 tons of cassava each year, generating an impressive annual revenue of $12 million. Her extraordinary success highlights her keen business insight, unwavering determination, and thorough understanding of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Iranloye’s journey began modestly in Ilesa, Osun State, where she utilized a small investment and her expertise in the cassava value chain. Through hard work and strategic planning, she gradually expanded her business, establishing multiple cassava processing plants. Today, her enterprise is a significant player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Her influence extends beyond financial success. Psaltry International provides jobs for hundreds of Nigerians, stimulating local economies and enhancing livelihoods. Iranloye is a passionate advocate for sustainable farming practices, ensuring her achievements align with environmental stewardship. Additionally, she is dedicated to empowering women in agriculture, helping many to enter and thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field. Despite the considerable challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Iranloye has persevered, becoming a role model for those aiming for greatness. Her story is not just one of business achievement but also of resilience and leadership. She embodies the spirit of innovation and community impact, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. Yemisi Iranloye’s accomplishments remind us that with vision, determination, and a commitment to uplifting others, the possibilities are limitless. Follow United African News Blog #unitedafricannewsblog #africa #business

BENEFITS OF MANGO LEAVES IN POULTRY FARMING Part 2,part 1 is in my page All Agricultural Farm 6 it helps the balance of food adsorption 7 it contains of iron for oxygen transporting in the blood, and over all growth development 8 it contains zinc for wood healing 9 it contains vitamin A,C good for over all health in our birds 10 it contains fiber, protein and carbohydrates

Five Profitable Agribusiness Ideas That Require Minimal Capital Investment: 1. Poultry Farming: Launching a small-scale poultry farm can be a lucrative venture with limited initial costs. You can start with a modest number of chickens or ducks and gradually expand your flock as your profits grow. 2. Vegetable Farming: Cultivating vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens can be highly profitable, particularly if you have access to fertile land. Techniques such as container gardening or vertical farming can help you maximize space and yield. 3. Beekeeping: Beekeeping is an affordable agricultural business that offers substantial profit potential. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can start producing honey, beeswax, and other bee-related products. 4. Fish Farming (Aquaculture): Fish farming is another agribusiness that can be initiated with a modest capital outlay, especially in regions with natural water sources or where ponds can be built. Popular fish choices for aquaculture include tilapia, catfish, and trout. 5. Mushroom Farming: Cultivating mushrooms can be a rewarding agribusiness with relatively low startup costs. Varieties such as oyster, button, and shiitake mushrooms can be grown indoors or in shaded areas, making this an ideal option for small-scale operations.

Solar water pump motor placed in the farm, the solar water pump produces a lot of water. EXAMPLE OF A SOLAR WATER PUMP'S IMPACT ON A FARM: Let's consider a farmer, Mr. Ali, who cultivates a 2-acre vegetable farm. Traditionally, Mr. Ali relied on manual labor and a small, diesel-powered pump for irrigation. However, he recently installed a solar water pump system with a capacity to pump 8,000 liters of water per hour. POSITIVE IMPACTS: 1. Increased Productivity: - Consistent and timely irrigation has led to healthier and more vigorous plant growth. Mr. Ali has observed a significant increase in the yield of his crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens. For instance, his tomato yield increased from 10 tons per acre to 15 tons per acre. 2. Expanded Cultivation: - The abundant water supply has allowed Mr. Ali cultivates additional crops, such as water-intensive crops like watermelon and okra, which were previously not feasible. 3. COST SAVINGS: - Eliminating the need for diesel fuel has significantly reduced operational costs. - Mr. Ali can now reinvest these savings into improving soil quality, purchasing better seeds, or expanding his farm operations. 4. IMPROVED WATER MANAGEMENT: - The solar pump allows for more precise irrigation, minimizing water wastage and maximizing water efficiency. - This is crucial in regions with limited water resources, helping to conserve water and prevent overuse. 5. Environmental Benefits: - No greenhouse gas emissions from diesel fuel, reducing the carbon footprint. - Reduced noise pollution compared to traditional diesel-powered pumps. QUANTIFIABLE EXAMPLE: - Before the solar pump, Mr. Ali's average monthly income from vegetable sales was $1,500. - After installing the solar pump and optimizing irrigation, his monthly income increased to $2,200. - This translates to a 47% increase in income, demonstrating the significant economic benefits of solar water pumping technology. This example illustrates how a solar water pump can revolutionize farming practices, leading to increased productivity, reduced costs, improved water management, and a more sustainable and profitable agricultural enterprise.