Last year, I took some days off to visit my parents in the countryside. Upon my arrival, one thing stood out: a large heap of sweet potatoes stored in bulk.
This was their first-ever sweet potato harvest. For as long as I can remember, they had only planted maize, beans, and groundnuts, strictly for home consumption.
I found it intriguing, but I had so many questions that, unfortunately, I didn’t ask because I thought it was too late to share my ideas while they were harvesting. Despite being first-time growers, the sweet potatoes were large and healthy— a success by any measure.
However, after my second day at home, I discovered that success in the field doesn’t always translate to success at the market. There was no market for the sweet potatoes. Despite my mother waking up early to sell them at the nearest market, she struggled to sell many in a day, and more were being harvested.
She had to sell them at throwaway prices, and some even ended up rotting. She sent some to my aunt to sell and gave others to my sisters for consumption.
My mother had invested in the sweet potato business for the first time, and while the harvest was a success, selling the produce was not.
I thought she might not have anticipated such a successful harvest, or perhaps she only started considering the market after the harvest. If she had thought about the market beforehand, she might have secured bulk buyers.
Like my mother, many farmers need to understand that farming is not just about enjoying watching plants grow on the farm; it’s crucial to plan for the sale of produce as well. Have you considered who you will sell to when you harvest?
Farmers must plan for sales just as they plan for planting. The planning phase should involve researching the crop, purchasing mature seeds, and understanding disease and pest control measures. Harvest planning includes identifying the market in advance, determining packaging requirements, and setting the right time for harvest.
Many people are venturing into farming due to peer influence.
However, a farming business should have a well-thought-out plan from the onset. If possible, conduct research and consult with those who have experience in farming. Remember, research alone is not enough; taking positive action is key to ensuring maximum returns from a farming venture.
