kenthefarmer
Lister
Farming is the backbone of many economies and livelihoods, but let's face it ,many farmers are losing it. Not because they are lazy or incapable but due to a few avoidable mistakes that lead to losses. Here’s why:
1. Using Poor Variety Seeds
The foundation of any good harvest is quality seeds. Unfortunately, some farmers go for cheaper seeds without considering their suitability for their region or crop needs. Using substandard seeds might save you a few shillings upfront, but the losses at harvest time are heartbreaking.
2. Walking into Agrovets Blindly
Too many farmers walk into agrovet shops without a clear plan of what they need. It’s like going shopping hungry ,you end up buying what you don’t need. Worse, some agrovets sell farmers whatever is on their shelves, not what the farmer truly requires. Without knowledge, you might end up with the wrong chemicals or fertilizers, causing more harm than good.
3. Failing to Research the Market
This is one of the biggest blunders. Imagine planting acres of spinach without checking if there’s a market for it. visit your local kiosks (mama mboga), talk to traders, and understand what the market needs. Don’t sit on the farm waiting for buyers to show up.
4. Improper Use of Agrochemicals
The misuse of agrochemicals is a costly mistake. Some farmers mix incompatible products, leading to crop burns or ineffective treatments. For example:
Mixing copper fungicides with other products can burn your crops.
Mixing phosphorus with calcium forms a solution the plants can’t absorb, wasting your money.
Learn the right application methods or consult experts to avoid such errors.
5. Using the Wrong Irrigation Systems
Irrigation is critical, but the wrong system can ruin your crops. For instance, using sprinklers on tomatoes might seem convenient, but it creates the perfect environment for fungal diseases to thrive. Drip irrigation is a better option as it delivers water directly to the roots without wetting the leaves.
6. Fear of Judgment
Lastly, fear is a silent killer of farming dreams. A follower once called me, worried about what people would say if they saw her ferrying spinach and bananas in a pickup. She felt embarrassed to be seen hustling at her age. This kind of fear is unnecessary. Farming is an honest, noble job. Never let the opinions of others hold you back. Remember, the same people criticizing you won’t pay your bills.
The Way Forward
To succeed in farming, you must plan ahead. Research the market, invest in quality seeds, and learn proper farming techniques. Don’t let fear, poor decisions, or lack of knowledge derail your efforts. Farming is a business ,treat it as one, and you’ll reap the rewards.
Let’s change the narrative and prove that farming is not only profitable but also a path to empowerment and independence.
~village investor
1. Using Poor Variety Seeds
The foundation of any good harvest is quality seeds. Unfortunately, some farmers go for cheaper seeds without considering their suitability for their region or crop needs. Using substandard seeds might save you a few shillings upfront, but the losses at harvest time are heartbreaking.
2. Walking into Agrovets Blindly
Too many farmers walk into agrovet shops without a clear plan of what they need. It’s like going shopping hungry ,you end up buying what you don’t need. Worse, some agrovets sell farmers whatever is on their shelves, not what the farmer truly requires. Without knowledge, you might end up with the wrong chemicals or fertilizers, causing more harm than good.
3. Failing to Research the Market
This is one of the biggest blunders. Imagine planting acres of spinach without checking if there’s a market for it. visit your local kiosks (mama mboga), talk to traders, and understand what the market needs. Don’t sit on the farm waiting for buyers to show up.
4. Improper Use of Agrochemicals
The misuse of agrochemicals is a costly mistake. Some farmers mix incompatible products, leading to crop burns or ineffective treatments. For example:
Mixing copper fungicides with other products can burn your crops.
Mixing phosphorus with calcium forms a solution the plants can’t absorb, wasting your money.
Learn the right application methods or consult experts to avoid such errors.
5. Using the Wrong Irrigation Systems
Irrigation is critical, but the wrong system can ruin your crops. For instance, using sprinklers on tomatoes might seem convenient, but it creates the perfect environment for fungal diseases to thrive. Drip irrigation is a better option as it delivers water directly to the roots without wetting the leaves.
6. Fear of Judgment
Lastly, fear is a silent killer of farming dreams. A follower once called me, worried about what people would say if they saw her ferrying spinach and bananas in a pickup. She felt embarrassed to be seen hustling at her age. This kind of fear is unnecessary. Farming is an honest, noble job. Never let the opinions of others hold you back. Remember, the same people criticizing you won’t pay your bills.
The Way Forward
To succeed in farming, you must plan ahead. Research the market, invest in quality seeds, and learn proper farming techniques. Don’t let fear, poor decisions, or lack of knowledge derail your efforts. Farming is a business ,treat it as one, and you’ll reap the rewards.
Let’s change the narrative and prove that farming is not only profitable but also a path to empowerment and independence.
~village investor