Many Ugandans are increasingly taking on commercial farming. Some have made unprecedented losses because they don’t do their homework right. So, what does it take to become a successful farmer?
The tips below will help you become a better and successful farmer.
Think Big
The Agriculture sector and the world at large are changing rapidly in terms of
how things are done. This therefore calls for farmers to learn to think beyond
borders.
They have to know that they are not only competing with farmers in their respective countries.
A farmer does not only compete with farmers in his/her country but with other farmers all over the world.
It is for this reason that they (farmers) have to work on improving the quality of their products especially their shelf life.
As
some farmers produce to export, better shelf life of their products will help
in increasing the farmers’ revenue.
Keep up with trends in technology that
affect the Agriculture sector
As mentioned above, the world is changing in doing certain things. Technology
is the ruler of the 21st century, and with that farmers also have to learn to
keep up with technological developments that affect the Agriculture sector.
It is important for a young farmer to be in touch with world of technology i.e farmers have to always be aware of new technologies that may be of use to the sector.
By
being up to date with technological developments farmers are also able to make
their own projections of the future. With the current trend of technology
farmers have to expect change in the marketing of Agriculture products.
Love what you do
Love is one of the most important aspects in ensuring the success of one’s
farming project.
“If you do not love farming, do not think you are going to make any success.”
Farmers have to be attached to their farming activities. It is this love or passion that will push you into finding better ways of increasing your production.
Farmers should not engage in farming activity which they do not have love for, for example doing pig farming when you love beef farming.
Farmers
should also desist from practicing a certain farming activity as a reason of a
niche market; the niche market is only there for a moment. Focus on what you
do, and do it well.
Own your project
Farmers need to have good business plans for their farming projects. A good
business plan helps the farmer in measuring their productivity. Proper record
keeping is also a
MUST. It is also through these records that the farmer will be able to pick
reasons for low production if there is any.
The farmer has to make sure that they up their volume, decrease cost and increase their unit. If involved in beef farming, the farmer has to make sure that the mortality rate is kept low as much as possible, and also the animals genetics are improved.
Arable
farmers have to make sure that the seed they use is of high quality, and they
also have to practice conservation Agriculture.
Understand
your game rules
Farmers have to bear in mind that the customer plays a pivotal role in the
success of one’s farming project.
“You have to understand that it is not the employer that pays your wages, it is the customer.”
The farmer has to consider their project’s repay ability, the porn brokers, and the ‘skin in the game.’
Have to make sure that they own their business
plans, and should avoid having someone else do the business plan for them. It
is important for farmers to understand their business plans.
Discipline
Every business requires discipline especially the correct use of funds and
farming is no exception.
“It is not what you earn that makes you reach, it is what you save,” indicated Janovsky, adding that the farmer has to develop the culture of saving.
He said that farmers have to include the amount or percentage they intend to save in their business plans.
Credit: Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Uganda
