Passion alone is not enough in agriculture please also pay attention to the following if you want to run a
profitable agricultural venture! They're the reasons a lot of people fail in this venture
1. Ignoring the value of diversification in buyers – Relying on a single buyer can be risky; aim for a
diverse customer base.
2. Underestimating startup costs – Ensure you have sufficient capital for equipment, breeding stock,
seeds, land, and labour.
3. Overplanting/ overstocking without a market – Don’t grow more than you can sell or store.
4. Lack of irrigation planning – Proper water management is crucial for crop success.
5. Not tracking finances – Keep detailed records of income, expenses, and profitability.
6. Relying too much on one crop/ animals – Diversify crops and animals to spread risks and ensure
steady income.
7. Neglecting marketing efforts – Growing crops is only half the battle; marketing them effectively is
crucial.
8. Mismanaging equipment – Maintain equipment regularly to avoid costly breakdowns.
9. Rushing into large-scale farming – Start small to manage risks and gradually scale up as you gain
experience.
10. Failing to secure contracts – Without agreements in place, you risk not having buyers for your
produce.
11. Over-fertilizing – Too much fertilizer can damage crops and pollute the environment.
12. Underestimating the importance of record-keeping – Tracking weather, harvest times, and crop
performance helps improve future yields.
13. Not networking with other farmers – Joining farming communities, cooperatives and events can
offer valuable support and opportunities.
14. Mismanaging cash flow – Plan for periods of low income between planting and harvest.
15. Neglecting a business plan – Farming is a business and needs a solid plan for success.
16. Production of your own feeds - If you keep livestock irrespective of the type; goat, cattle, sheeps,
poultry etc you must produce your feeds if not profitability will be hard!.
