Conduct Market Survey

Most farmers rush into farming without validating the market capability of their particular crop. Growing any type of crop without a particular market in mind is suicidal. Funny enough most farmers do that.

Her in Kenya, farmers are worse, they have become a "me too" farmer. They certify what to grow by looking at their neighbors.  due to this kind of behavior, the market becomes saturated with similar goods.

the aftermath, is that competition starts to happen forcing the forces of economy to take place, that is the supply is more forcing the prices to come down.

No farmer want such a scenario. however, that's what you will get if you fail to look for a market upfront. You’ll pay for the mistake by squeezing your margins dry. for you to be outstanding, start by approaching all probable market outlets about what you intend to grow and then choose an idea based on your results.

By so doing you will be able to know that what you intend to grow is what the market really needs.

http://oxfarm.co.ke/agri_biz-insights/what-is-the-future-of-organic-farming/

​ Make Sure you Go for the right crop

For you to optimize farm profitability, choose the right crop. In any market, the end users will demand for more than one commodity. As a farmer in such circumstances, you have a decision to make. Our stand therefore would be, choose the crop that has a higher market value.

This is so because the cost of production is almost same across many crops. For instance if you want to grow Macadamia, Hass avocado, Oranges or Mangoes, you will require land, same land preparation and same operation cost.

The difference among all these fruits is the market value. In our case it favors hass avocado in which case you should go for tomatoes.

​Make Sure you plan well in Advance

They say if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. ignore planning at your own peril. No one can guarantee your success in farming but if you plan well you increase your chances of becoming successful.

Most farmers ignore this important factor and by so doing most of their ideas never see the light of the day. If you know and adhere to this, you have an advantage over the rest of the folks.

When you clearly take your time to write a detailed farm plan, you will definitely save yourself a lot of time and frustration trying to figure out what to do next.

Any farmer can't afford the luxury of time. Given the perishable nature of most horticultural produce, you will have a problem if you lack a plan of action.

​​Diversify your ventures

Did you know that most successful people in Africa are also farmers. Not just farmers but in many avenues, for example, President Uhuru is a dairy farmer, a coffee farmer, cotton farmer, sisal farmer e.t.c,. Don't just plant maize, diversify with other more profitable crops such as Macadamia, Avocados and dairy.

There are some other instances where specialization is paramount, but if you want farm profitability badly, you can’t afford to specialize.

For instance if you are growing tree-tomato fruits, you could also intercrop them with other vegetables such as kales, spinach, pilipili hoho e.t.c,..

These intercropped short term crops will enable you to earn some income before your main crop.

http://oxfarm.co.ke/crop-farming/watermelons/healthy-benefits-of-thorn-melon-kiwano/

​​Be Patient and Stick to the Plan

Although farming is a good way of earning some income and having control, it's not magic that you plant today and all over a sudden you become a millionaire.

I will tell you farming is not for fainthearted, its challenging and requires patience and resilience.

In farming there are several uncertainties, such as crop failures and market fluctuations. One year may produce a bountiful harvest, while another may bring total devastation and little or no income.

This is all part of the business of agriculture. Now, when you face such situation, the last thing you need to do is switch plans.

While some challenges might require a change of plans, it’s better to stick to your plan and learn from your mistakes. It’s all part of the process that eventually leads to farm profitability.

Ensure You Keep Clear And Traceable Records

Ensure your records are up-to date and accurate. Pay attention to details. Know where your money is generated and spent. Storing receipts in a shoe box and waiting to post figures at the end of the year is not a recommended record keeping system.

Good records will help you to evaluate your cash flow as well as project the profitability of your venture.

Having said all that, success in farming depends solely on you. what we have told you combined with what you know can give you massive profits, work towards your destiny.