There are several business opportunities available in the agricultural industry and one good thing about the industry is that there is market for all the produce which the industry produce. Over the years, researchers and scientist have been reaching for ways to improve the agricultural sector. For beginners the investment costs are generally low, and the return on investment are decent. If you are looking to for opportunities in the agriculture industry, some of the profitable agricultural business ideas for young entrepreneurs are listed below:
Cassava farming: Cassava is the most important and regular staple food for Africans. The market for starch in Nigeria and other neighbouring countries in Africa is huge. But the lack of quality cassava processing facilities within the country is a huge business opportunity that you can take advantage of
Food processing and storage: is also one of the good agricultural business opportunities. Most of the food produced in Nigeria end up as waste because of lack of storage facilities.
Vegetables Farming: The fresh vegetable business is a small-scale business that you can start with little or no capital base. One benefit of this business is that it requires no cost of maintenance to run the business. Also, there is always demand for fresh leafy vegetables like; the Waterleaf, Scent Leaf, Ugu leaf and Green. To run this business, you need a small space in your compound or nearby farm where you can cultivate the vegetables. For cultivation, you only need to plant the stem of the vegetable. It takes six weeks or less for the vegetables to mature for harvest. You cut the leaves and sell to consumers and marketers.
Heliculture (snail farming): is another interesting, thriving and profitable business venture that anybody can venture into with the aim of making money. As a matter of fact, snail farming requires low start -up capital and anyone who is serious about business can generate good income from the business. Snail farmers are certain to hit it big because many people are shunning away from red meat.
Fish farming: The numerous health benefit of this species of fish makes its demand higher among especially people above the age of forty. Restaurants, pepper soup joints, hotels, market women, are possible markets for any entrepreneur venturing into catfish farming in Nigeria. The profitability of catfish farming depends on how much you are willing to invest as an entrepreneur. Apart from catfish farming, you can also specialize on feeds for the fish. This is another lucrative aspect in the fish business.
Frozen foods: The demand for frozen foods is rising globally. An entrepreneur living in the city can start this business with proper training and planning.
Pig farming: Pig farming is another major source of meat production. Pig farming is considered to be one of the most lucrative business ventures in Nigeria. People who are into pig farming can affirm that it is true.
Cucumber farming: Cucumber farming is a very lucrative business as entrepreneurs who are already in the business will testify. The right time to start is now!
Poultry Farming (Broiler production): Broilers are meat birds that are bred to grow fast so that they are ready for consumption between 4 and 10 weeks of age. Currently in Nigeria there seems to be a huge demand for broilers which may not be satisfied any time soon. But the catch is to know the market, i.e. whom are you producing for?
Chicken and Egg Distribution Business: This basically involves bridging the gap between poultry farmers and the consumer market. It is very lucrative and requires relatively little money to start-up. You meet poultry farmers, buy their stock and resell them in the market to wholesalers and retailers. It does not need any special skills, only your marketing abilities and a working vehicle.
Bean Flour Production: Most people prefer to use beans flour for moi-moi and akara. To produce bean flour, you need to buy beans. Wash out the outer back, dry and grind. In order to build a brand for your business, you may need to place a label inside your packaged bean flour. Here is a detailed guide on how to start your own bean flour production company
Banana and Plantain Plantation: There is a high demand for ripe banana and unripe plantain both within and outside Nigeria. You can convert any unused land at your disposal into a banana or plantain farm. Here is our article on starting a plantain plantation business in Nigeria.
Grass cutter Farming: Grass cutter farming is yet another lucrative livestock breeding business that an entrepreneur who is looking towards making money should consider going into. In recent times, it is now pretty much easier to breed grass cutters in cages, unlike when hunters would have to go hunting for grass cutters. Grass cutter farming is a highly thriving and profitable business in Africa; grass – cutter meat is a good delicacy that is eaten in all parts of the world especially in West Africa and East Africa.
Rabbits Farming: Rabbits farming is yet another highly thriving and profitable livestock breeding business that an entrepreneur who is interested in the agriculture business should consider starting. Rabbit keeping does not require much capital for investment and little space is required
Dog Breeding Business: Amongst domestic animals, dogs are being considered to be one of the closest companions to human. Dogs breeding business is a lucrative business in Nigeria. Dogs are used for hunting, for security, as pets, for games and in some climes as a major source of protein.
Turkey Rearing: Unlike chickens and other birds, turkeys are bigger birds that are usually allowed to move freely within a confined area for safety purposes. Of course turkeys are consumed in all parts of the world and as a matter of fact, they are more expensive than chickens and other birds. If you are looking towards starting your own livestock breeding business, one of your options is to go into turkey rearing business; it is indeed a thriving and highly profitable business venture.
The list of business opportunities in agriculture is endless, I would stop here and write concisely on this business ideas one after the other in subsequent post. As soon as possible, I will give out links of expert who are already involved in it, because I believe the best way to get started is to find and learn from Experts in your sector.
http://www.agricincome.com/112-2/