Agribusiness Roundtable

Space Summary

The Twitter Space Agribusiness Roundtable hosted by jerrydoubles. The Agribusiness Roundtable space delved into the intricacies of innovation, sustainability, and market trends within the agriculture industry. Participants highlighted the vital role of technology in enhancing operational efficiency and the growing importance of adopting sustainable practices to meet evolving consumer demands. Discussions ranged from the impact of precision agriculture on maximizing yields to the transformative potential of blockchain in ensuring supply chain transparency. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making and collaborative partnerships underscored the industry's commitment to driving progress and environmental stewardship. By focusing on education, diversification, and resilience strategies, agribusinesses aim to stay competitive and sustainable in a dynamic marketplace.

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Space Statistics

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Questions

Q: How can technology improve efficiency in agribusiness operations?
A: Technological tools like IoT sensors and drones can optimize tasks, monitor crop health, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

Q: What role does sustainability play in the future of agribusiness?
A: Sustainability practices are essential for long-term viability, environmental stewardship, and meeting consumer demands for ethically produced goods.

Q: How is precision agriculture transforming traditional farming methods?
A: Precision agriculture integrates technology to analyze data, manage variability in fields, and optimize inputs, leading to increased productivity and sustainability.

Q: Why is data-driven decision-making vital for agribusiness success?
A: Data insights provide valuable information on crop performance, market trends, and resource allocation, enabling informed strategic decisions.

Q: What are the benefits of blockchain technology in the agriculture supply chain?
A: Blockchain ensures transparency, traceability, and authenticity in the supply chain, reducing fraud and enhancing consumer trust.

Q: How can agribusinesses stay competitive in evolving markets?
A: Continuous innovation, adaptation to consumer preferences, and strategic partnerships are key to remaining competitive and sustainable in dynamic market landscapes.

Q: What initiatives can promote sustainable farming practices in agribusiness?
A: Promoting soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation through regenerative agriculture practices can enhance sustainability and environmental impact.

Q: Why is consumer education crucial for the growth of the agribusiness sector?
A: Educating consumers on sustainable sourcing, ethical practices, and environmental impact empowers informed choices and drives demand for responsible products.

Q: How can collaboration among agribusiness stakeholders benefit the industry?
A: Collaborative efforts among farmers, suppliers, policymakers, and researchers can drive innovation, knowledge sharing, and sustainable practices, benefiting the entire agribusiness ecosystem.

Q: What strategies can agribusinesses implement to mitigate risks and enhance resilience?
A: Diversifying revenue streams, adopting technology for risk management, and maintaining flexible business models can help agribusinesses navigate uncertainties and challenges effectively.

Highlights

Time: 00:15:48
The Role of Technology in Agribusiness Exploring how IoT, AI, and data analytics are revolutionizing traditional farming practices.

Time: 00:25:56
Sustainable Farming Practices Panel Insights from experts on regenerative agriculture, organic farming, and sustainable crop management.

Time: 00:35:12
Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency Discussion on blockchain's impact on traceability, food safety, and authenticity in the agricultural supply chain.

Time: 00:45:29
Market Trends and Consumer Preferences Analyzing the shift towards organic, locally sourced products and the implications for agribusiness strategies.

Time: 00:55:17
Data-Driven Decision-Making in Agribusiness Importance of leveraging data analytics for informed decision-making, resource optimization, and market insights.

Time: 01:05:40
Innovative Revenue Strategies Exploring how agribusinesses can diversify revenue streams, capitalize on emerging markets, and foster sustainability.

Time: 01:15:22
Collaboration and Partnerships for Sustainability The role of stakeholder collaboration in driving sustainable practices, innovation, and industry growth.

Time: 01:25:11
Consumer Education Initiatives Educating consumers on sustainable food choices, ethical sourcing, and environmental impact for a more informed market.

Time: 01:35:38
Resilience Strategies in Agribusiness Strategies to mitigate risks, adapt to market changes, and enhance operational resilience in agribusiness operations.

Time: 01:45:49
Future Outlook for Agribusiness Innovation Exploring upcoming trends, technologies, and challenges shaping the future of agribusiness sustainability and growth.

Key Takeaways

• Leveraging technology for increased efficiency is crucial in the agribusiness sector.
• Adopting sustainable farming practices is becoming a necessity to meet market demands and consumer preferences.
• Precision agriculture plays a significant role in maximizing crop yields and resource optimization.
• Market trends indicate a growing interest in organic and locally sourced produce.
• Blockchain technology is revolutionizing supply chain transparency in the agriculture industry.
• Agribusiness leaders stress the importance of data-driven decision-making for successful operations.
• Investing in research and development is key to fostering innovation and staying competitive in the market.
• Diversification of revenue streams can help agribusinesses mitigate risks and adapt to market fluctuations.
• Collaboration among industry stakeholders is essential for driving progress and sustainability in agribusiness.
• Consumer education on sustainable practices and food sourcing is crucial for industry growth and awareness.

Behind the Mic

Introduction and Welcome

Hello. Good evening, everyone. Emma, good to see you after a very long time. Good to see you. Adoi. Good to see you guys. We're going to start our conversation right away, as usual. Saturday, 09:00 p.m. w. 80. And we're here for, you know, our usual agribusiness roundtable. So, yes, last Saturday, we rejigged and, you know, restarted our spaces. We had a break for a long time. I think it's probably just several months. I can't remember the last time we had a Twitter space, you know, as usual, as we always do. But this time around, we're here to talk about what we've always been talking about over the years, because we've been having this space for, say, two years now, or rather one year plus. I'm not even very certain, but I'm very glad to have it back, you know, and better and stronger and probably more exploits. I can tell you for a fact, right, that this is one of the most amazing things that I always loved in online. I can't even lie because it just gives me the opportunity to interact with people beyond my circle.

The Importance of Community and Knowledge Sharing

In fact, because of this space, we're able to start cooperative. That's how very magnificent it is. So those of us who are probably joining for the first time, I will advise that you stick around, because. One. Of the beauty here is that you will cross carpet with people around the world. In Canada, Australia, Malaysia, India, like people from all over the world here, and mostly Nigerians, of course, us. So we love talking about how our country is fearing some of the concerns that we have individually. We dissect them and take home some points at the end of the day. So that's the essence of this conversation 100% online. But what it has birthed, I mean, the kind of connections that I've had, friends that I've made, it's. It's a beauty. I mean, it's something that I look back and I say, oh, my God, just imagine if this space didn't exist. So I'm really happy, you know, to have everybody around, whether you are in the agri, you know, in the agric space, agricultural sector or not, as far as you are one who is a soccer for knowledge.

Engaging with the Topic of Trust

I noticed that these conversations always lead. I learn all the time. In fact, even if it's the same set of people, you see something that just, you know, dags or touches you and you're like, yeah, you know, I didn't think about it this way, or I didn't think about it that way. So basically, let's give a huge ovation, you know, for this space. And I'm really excited to be back. And I'm seeing Emma. Emma is a software engineer and ifama, you know, he can't even dodge from that. So it just shows you sugar market news. I'm not very certain if I've seen this before. If I've seen you on the space before, then Adoi, Michael, you know this, I'm sure, Adoi, you've probably been on our space one or two times before, but then I'm really excited to have all of us here. So let's kick start the conversation. Today I wanted to talk about, I wanted to use the next four weeks to do review, just ground, just flat level review of how we've missed so far because I don't want to start putting up topics immediately. We haven't had this conversation for the longest time, right.

Continuing the Conversation on Trust

So we shouldn't start talking about he, that he, that. Let's, let's, you know, just talk about so many random stuff that are happening in the country or happening to us individually. Yeah. Last, last Saturday, I was asking people, how have you been? What have you been up to? So I think we'll continue with that, bets. We'll have an underlining topic of trust. The topic is trust. How do you trust people? How do you trust, I think we've talked about that once before, so many months ago, but I really want us talk about it today. How do you trust people, Emma? You've worked with people. You worked with people in Nigeria, in your farm. How do you trust people? Or who do you trust? Or how do you measure your trust meter? If there's anything like that, like your trust threshold, how do you know this person should be trusted? This person shouldn't be trusted? Or do you just ex someone immediately they do this dishonest stuff or you overlook or you tolerate? I'm just saying, let's talk about trust management.

The Reality of Trust in Farming

People manage stuff and they mishandle. And then would you blame them because the economy is really fierce and do you think the salaries we pay people are fair enough for them not to take this very inhumane, you know, all of that. I'm just talking about trust. How do you manage trust? How do you manage trust? Emma and sugar market? If you guys can just accept the microphone, let's make it very conversational. There's no wrong answer, of course, as we've always done, it's just a back and forth before people join up and the whole space gets filled up. Right? So please accept the microphone. Let's talk on trust while you are telling us how you've been for the time being that we haven't been talking or speaking, and I'll get our WhatsApp group link and I'll add it to the conversation so that people who want to join our community and join the community is 100% agriculture. And, you know, we share ideas, share resources, people ask questions, people sell and buy.

Discussion on Grant Applications

So, yeah, so like Jerry said, there's something I want to first say before we just continuing the conversation. So currently now I'm actually applying for. Let me not say. Let me just say a ton of grants, like maybe 40. Since I think it's two days ago. They're applying for like multiple grants. So if you are here on this page, although you find. You find all those, grant application on my timeline. So just go there. I think now, today I just increased it to like maybe 22. Not everything is actually grant their job at, but strictly for agriculture and for Nigerians. So if you are on this space. So the grant is not limited to Nigerians anyway. But I'm talking about the job opportunities now. So if you are here, of course, I know it's late where you. It's late now in Nigeria, but if you are in the west, you know, it's still like 315 pm here. Or you can make it to do list for your. For tomorrow. Most of these grants are going to be closing. Bye mid of October. And I mean, it's just good trying. Even if you feel the first year, I mean, by the second year you can be sure you're you are more knowledgeable and you can make, you know, better informed decision. So if you are here, just check my timeline. It's possible for you to apply for all the grants if you scroll through my channel as well.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Grant Applications

I've made posts where I describe if you don't have fresh idea how you can do it, and you can submit to these grounds, how you can even use artificial intelligence. I use like four or five to create my idea, to modify it. You know, I submit my business plan to charge PT. Of course I will subscribe, begin to ask it questions, and it's been fantastic. So, yeah, essence, just as much as possible, get your hands on every grant is possible. And the reason why I'm saying this, lastly, the fact that, I mean, I was able to, I've been privileged to study in the UK, study in Canada, all because I got scholarship and it is the same rule. So I couldn't hold the space today. But I'm glad I'm able to say it on this bigger space, which is what funders need, is just. Can you identify a problem? Do you really know the problem? So the difference between that and someone who is just farming. You are just farming because everybody must eat. So the founders does not a problem. Do you really know the problem?

Identifying Problems and Solutions in Agriculture

The problem might be, oh, fertilizer is quite expensive, but now I found a way to make organic fertilizer from waste. That's. That's this specific. Do you know the problem? Do you know the answer? They will ask for both the problem and the answer. And before you know it, Bella, you get funding. So that was how I got. I got the Commonwealth scholarship, very prestigious scholarship, and I also got a scholarship for one project, one global food security project here in Canada. That's how I came to do my PhD. So I'm just saying that it's the same. It's the same ideology and you don't need to know anybody. At least I'm a living witness. You don't need to know anybody. But get your hands on the computer and submit something. All right. Thank you very much. So, back to our discussion.

Building Trust in Agriculture

Like Jerry said, I also say my own. I mean, it looks like every one of us has had a fair share of this trust issue. In fact, I used to say it's a low trust society, but I think I said it's a trustless, rather like, wow, I think I see a good fear in my own assessment. It's a trustless society. It's very bad for business. I mean, when I was traveling, when I was coming to Canada. Can you guys hear me? Just to be sure? I know I'm not responding. Are you guys there? Yes. Very, very well. Very well. Very, very well. Yeah. Okay, so when I was. When I was traveling, when I was leaving Nigeria for Canada in 2019, I had this. I mean, I'm a. I'm a farmer, guy. I mean. I mean, I grew business person. That's what I want to be. Although, I mean, academically, I'm also very sound.

Challenges faced in Business Ventures

I was leading my class distinction and all that. But I know farming is the last bus stop. So I had a very good business plan and all of those things. But unfortunately, my supervisor here was the new professor. He wanted me to come in early, and I begged that. And I waited till September. Was like, let's try it. You know, I'm just coming to the university and blah, blah. So I called one of my friends. So I've been trying to encourage my friends being like, guy, let's farm. Farming is the way, you know, farming is new oil and all of those things. But because I needed to leave Nigeria, I was in an empathy. Okay, what do I do? Do I contract? You know, pay someone to, like, handle this farm for me? Of course, PhD is quite starting and, you know, got a lot of attention.

Personal Farming Experiences and Trust Issues

But one of the guys I was supporting, you know, he lost his family, he lost his dad while I was in the UK. He's a friend, a very good friend. So I was, okay, guys, this is what I'm going to do. I have, like, 13 acres of land. I have a house. That's where I lived with my wife. There's solar, there's everything. Like, I carried that idea from UK physically, so that is fully functional. There is land, there is water, and was going to succeed. But now I want to use that to help you. I mean, I'm going to a more developed society. I mean, the university is going to be paying me money. It's not like I need the money from the farm. Now, let me use this to help you.

Investment Structures and Agreements

Let me hide my plan. Let me allow you to come in. Plus your land. I mean, I actually even borrowed this guy the money he used to buy the land just to encourage him. So let me show my. We went to university together. We studied study plant building. I studied soy science. So do what you can do. So that doesn't look like I'm the one dictating to you. And, you know, we're having conflict of interest and all of this. But this is what I'm going to do. I'm going to be financing it. 75%. The 75% will largely be individuals. Your, your. It will be like a. Like the work you are doing. So for 75% of the cost, I'll be responsible for it. Then we can share whatever profit comes in to 50, with the sole intent of just helping you.

Timeline and Future Planning

That, okay, in five years, I'll be done with my projects, I'll be done with my program. You can stand alone. Then I can come back. I can take my farm. So the only thing we do is that as you see your farm progressing, I want to also, you help me to plant cashew. Because by my forecast, I'm saying, okay, there's going to be some shifts in, you know, cash crop. I would like to go into cashew. So that after five years, I can come back 30 juice making company. And also for a cashew nuts company, you can export that and all of those things. But because the long story short, I spent so much money, I think around 5 million naira. I got zero naira in return. And what this person did for me, who was my. Who is my friend, let's say he's my friend, was that he left that farm, went to Lagos and got a job of maybe like 2000 naira.

Trust Issues in Business Connections

But you know me, I was communicating with a friend. I just trusted him. In fact, I couldn't tell my parents because, you know, look like it looks like this guy jumped you. But I just trusted him like, it. This is gonna work out fine. But the first year, things struggled. I was like, since happen, can you find out the problem? What are the challenges? What are things not working the way we expected? But because I was also busy with my program, I couldn't really filter many of the information he was giving me. By the second year, that was when things started getting exposed. When I messaged him, can we have a video call? So he has programmed to the fact that whenever he's going to the farm on Friday, coming from Lagos, Abel Kuta, that is when he responds.

Understanding Failures and Lessons Learned

And he knows that if I ask for a video call, it will be on the farm. But because the long story short, I began to see, you know, all these, you know, inadequate. And that was when I introduced my parents, like, can you help me do this part? Checking? And that was where we saw everything. Like, okay, this guy has just been in Lagos, employed someone, and the money was just going down the drain. It wasn't like he was stealing my money, but it was just like, he was just listening because he doesn't even understand what he was doing. So that's the first project. The second project, I was like, okay, maybe because, you know, farming was too slow. I made excuses for him, like, he's my friend, I like to, you know, help people, be around people.

Integrated Farm Projects and Collaboration

The second project, which is integrated farm, is a skilled woodworker or less a carpenter. So I was like, okay, let me give you this contract. Like, okay, this whole structure is going to cost about. This integrated farm structure is going to cost about 3.5 million. He sent it to me the same. Like, I deliberately didn't even price it. I didn't do anything. I mean, not because I am rich, but I was just like, I just want these guys to be comfortable. Like, because few months ago, he just called me. My younger sister cannot pay for Neko. I had to pay for him. I don't like this dependence attitude and all of this.

Difficulties in Project Execution

So he just sent me the bill. I didn't, I just did that. Okay, I asked for that carpenter. So that won't give me an idea of, like, there is money somewhere they are plucking in Canada. But according long story short, it was another failure again, at least this time it has structure. But instead of spending 3.5, we probably wouldn't even spend up to that amount. Maybe we spent over maybe 4.5 million to just rectify all these errors. And what was the same error again? This Lagos was taking jobs and he was sending people down here. So once I confronted him and I'm like, see, even with my family was like, I think this guy charmed you.

Confronting Trust Issues in Nigeria

But I said, well, I think that's the problem we have in Nigeria. When you trust you want to do well for people, they end up backstabbing you. So that's, now that's my own share, at least the ones I've had in the past. I mean, I'm still having some shaky at the moment, but let me allow the story of. So I think I want us to tilt the conversation now. So if you have any experience. So for example, Ezra told us about camera. So what I do on my farm now is I use cameras so nobody can google me again. Like, all I need to do is pick up my phone, check whichever camera, and I see what's going on, I can talk from here and they will hear me from the camera, you know, so that's just what I'm doing.

Technology in Farming and Problem-Solving

So if anybody wants to the next speaker, I want someone to come up and say, okay, this is the problem you are facing, problem of trust. And how are you solving it so that we can take a cue from you and probably we can implement it on our farm or whatever project we are doing. So, Jerry, I think you coordinate the speakers now so I can just be moderating. So just let me coordinate with speak next and all of that, because like I said, I'm still writing tons of grants. So, yeah, thank you.

Contributions and Reflections

Okay. Thank you very much Adams. I think Emma's hands are up. And then we have a new person in the speaker section, dear caller, so maybe Emma will go, then the akola will share his thoughts too. Before we have new speakers, please, guys, try and receive the microphone. I've tried to share the microphone to everyone who is listening. Try and take the microphone so that this can be conversational. And those of us who are joining for the first time, this is our agri space. We've done this for two years and counting. And what we do is just converse, you know, around agriculture and everything that has to do with the sector. And then people are, you know, talking from around the world. Adams is in Canada. Emma Dubai bode is in the UK.

Networking and Community Building

Like I'm saying, like just around the world. So try and converse, try and connect, follow people. The best way you can grow, or we can grow collectively, is basically trying to network. You know, there are so many amazing people here like Haruna that I've missed tremendously. And Adams I've spoken with, I've never met any of you. Do you get. So it just shows how the world has become a global village, that you can have a very significant connection with someone and still, what do you call it? Not see each other. So look at this as a wealth creation platform. HRH Farms is here also very ardent fan of, I mean, very adent person on this space.

Encouraging Participation

Very adent contributor. Please, let's try and receive the microphone. Let's talk before it is time for us to call it a day. So, Emma, and then, dear Kwala, let's go. Yeah, so I have a few contributions I want to take it from. Like, why is our society trustless or trust deficient? And one of the major problems that I've reviewed in my mind is that we don't have consequences as a society. We don't practice consequences. Say, for example, Adams was sharing his thing with his friend. If that thing happened in Dubai, for example, your friend is going to be paying you a lot of money because, I mean, there'll be contracts signed and the legal system there is very fast.

Legal Challenges in Trust Deficiency

He doesn't even have to come to court. They will call him on Zoom. You enjoy zoom, and everything will be sorted out. Your friend will pay a lot in damages. And that's our own problem here, is that we don't have a legal system. There's no law enforcement, there's no legal system. So if I take you to court, we can be on that case for several years that disincentivize me to drag you to court because, I mean, I have things to do in my life. I can't be fighting you over 5 million naira for seven years. So those are like major things on the part of government that we need to force them to, you know, there needs to be some form of law enforcement and judicial system. However, in our own farms, one thing I've learned is that to quickly remove the bad eggs before they contaminate the tree.

Addressing Internal Issues in Agriculture

So, for example, immediately I caught my, the previous farm manager with the shady deals. I fired him immediately, got a new person. The person is doing fine. There was a time I had the unruly staff who's just, you know, creating problem for everybody on the team. I fired that person immediately. Like, you can't afford to, you know, be too nice. I'm very sweet, but at the same time, you mess with my business, I'm quick to cut you off because you once. Once is allowed to fester, they become a problem for everybody in the, on the team. They start to demoralize others. There was this guy that was like, just very lackadaisical on the farm.

Maintaining Work Standards

He just comes and does just his thing immediately. They reported him to me. I gave him a warning. I still see that there was no improvement. I fired the person immediately because what will happen is if I allowed that guy to keep farming, even though he will come and beg you, blah, please, please. If I allowed him to keep going, the people who are actually doing the hard work, we start to, you know, I mean, you are here, you're just playing. So me too, I think since we are going to get the same amount. Of money at the end of the day. So those are the things. So I learned that story from, like, Robert Kiyosaki.

Changing Team Dynamics

I don't know if you're familiar, if. Any of you are familiar, like, you. Need to build your team. It takes time, but you need to build your team as you had people, they fuck up. Do not hesitate to fire them and bring in new people. There's a lot of people who are willing to work. There are still some people who are trustworthy. You just need to take your time to find them. And when you find them, do everything you're about to keep them happy. I think that's my submission. Adams, I think we need to talk about those grants.

Funding Requirements and Trust

I need money. I. Yeah, that's. That's fantastic. That's. That's fantastic. I think, it's. It's just. It's just like a pandemic in Nigeria. Like I started this project. There's a project I started recently which is just the integrated farm. So we're in a pilot phase. I think I explained that during the last space is we started an integrated farm. And beside we actually testing an hypothesis which we're trying to create an alternative feed, livestock feed to the conventional one, which is just a mixture of DSA.

Research and Future Aspirations

I've done tons of research. I've used artificial intelligence, used all the research that are like top notch and new. And my Protestants correct that this is possible and which is even going to better than the conventional feed. But now within between me that I started. So I briefly came to Nigeria in April. And since me may, this is September, I've had to like I am fire, iron fire. Because maybe people are lazy. I deliberately. Beauty brand new house. Solar power two, four, seven. Internet free of charge 247.

Economic Challenges in Nigeria

But so, I mean, I'm at the stage where I'm thinking is it like Aruna said, is it that our. I mean, I'm too young actually that there's so much lackluster in the country. What's really going on? Because I kept. Each time I'm trying to recruit, I tell these people this is. This is an opportunity I was looking for seven years ago. But unfortunately I didn't get it then. So I'm extending that same opportunity you have in Canada 347. You have power supply 247. Everything is almost automated. You just need to open tab there.

Exploring Farming Opportunities

If I have to buy like this irrigation. I mean, this federalized tools, you know, because this is something that I. You know, I've tested this idea of running through a lot of programming with people and like this is gonna work. But the only problem is. So when I went came to Nigeria, in fact, luckily one of like the mentor of Samson Oboli was also someone I know very well. So I went to said there's problem in Nigeria. Your idea will work. In fact, it will work very, I'm sure.

Cultural Barriers to Farming Success

But the people you are trying to train or you think you want to help, they're not seeing it that way. If you like, put your head down. They don't care about you. I mean, for the past three months, my experience has been very bad. Like these guys have everything, almost everything. And it's just. Excuse. It's just I. I don't know. But so let me pause there. Thank you very much for your advice. I think we just hiring and firing. Sometimes people drinks.

Navigating Farmer Relations

You know, it confuses what you are doing. You know, there's no. You can't make a long term plan because new person come. You have to train. The person doesn't have to make his own mistake. And another. But thank you very much. So, Jerry, who is the next person? Okay. Dear Caller. Dear Caller. Good evening, Jerry. How are you today? Long time. That's everyone. Arunach. Sorry, Megidda. I didn't know that you're sick.

Persistence in Agriculture

Thank you, Jerry. It's been a while. Look, when it comes to, I think I would just leave the bad experience where there's just so many, there are tons and it's still even ongoing. So I will leave. The negative is too much. Just take everything that's negative, to be honest. But let me tell you what. One of my friend, Zahav Niger, jamaican. And. He is more of someone from the west, more than I'm saying that I marry a moroccan.

Optimism and Investment

So he's Oranda. So he's a man of wisdom. Anyway, I always like listening to him. I think at the beginning of my heavy investment in Nigeria, that was around 2010, that was a lot of money. So I was very optimistic. I was giving out sort of plans and everything, how we're going to make money. And it all makes sense on paper. This, you can see that there's money here. Like he was expecting, he was rooting for me.

Challenges in Agricultural Sector

He was saying, you know what? People should be able to jump into this. We can get brothers together. So fast forward to me coming to Nigeria and going back. And he talked to me. Yeah, we're there. We're going to see what we're going to do next. We're trying to do something else. So this was around 20, 1314. So it was like, look, I mean, are you not into all this farming? You're not doing the old age anymore? You know, it's very difficult, this and that.

Agricultural Investment Opportunities

When you can buy a Massey 185, 165, 175. That will give you optimal capacity and will last long. So you have to think and build that trust within the concept of your own self. First, develop your own initiative. But there are guys that are taking cool crowdfunding and not crowdfunding, sorry. They are taking money from investors and they are developing in agricultural sector. I wouldn't say no to that. But you have to know them first. You have to know them, know their capacity, know their capability. And it's a welcome development. We need this money in this country, to be very honest. A lot of people need it. A lot of people need it. And it's a welcome development. If you can pull these resources. Get a good team, man, is just good. It's a very good thing. But then getting the team, like you said, you are thinking you are halfway now.

Challenges in Agriculture

You are thinking of even closing your own business. Why are you thinking like that? Because what you expected, the output you were expecting, is not even a trying to yield results. And you need more funds to pump in. So you want to cut your losses and move on to other sectors. But there are other people that are really doing good in this field. They are getting grants, they are getting funds and they are delivering. They are not, they are not. They are not. They are not. They are not. They are not. They are not disappointed. Like Salim. Salim. A lot of investors have been trying to reach out to Salim, to like from all over UK, Canada, Saudia and so on, to do a lot of things with him in the excess of $10 million or $20 million. He has been doing a lot of wonderful stuff.

Salim's Success in Agriculture

This young chap is really on his feet, doing interesting stuff in the agricultural sector, livestock, poultry and so on. And they are putting a hell lot of money together. And he's heading that team. Like, I can vouch for what he has been doing so far on things like that. So I think he will be in a very good position. That's why I said, let him please kindly come up because he can guide and give you some tips. Because this is a line that he's doing, not unlike us. Thank you, hope. I tried to like. Yeah, yeah. Thank you so much, Arun. So, Salim, I think you're ready now because I'm going to be updating the question. I'm going to be updating the question from Arun on down to you.

Current Project and Investment Challenges

So this project I'm doing currently. This project I'm doing currently, which is agrocracy. I spend a lot of time, I have almost all the archives of every agriculture in Nigeria for. I mean, for maybe like from 2020 or let's say 2017. So I know the valuations, I know there must be raised. I have it on my laptop. But the problem is the fact that many of them close down, even people that raise significant amounts. I mean, an example with farm connect, farm crowding. And like I said, so think about it this way. When we are thinking about your business, I probably am not concerned about how you manage your crop. I have money as a business person. I have money I want to invest and get a return on investment. For example, my dad retired, got a lump sum, what do you call it as it gratuity or pension or whatever.

Investor Concerns and Market Risks

And it's like, okay, I have this money. I want to invest. I'm like, sir, please keep your money. The only option I can do for you now is to invest it in this know, debt office, how do you call it? Now? There's this thing, the Nigerian government said, debt office or whatever, wherever it is, 18% and blah, blah. Why? Because in his mind, he has a lump sum of money he wants to put somewhere and he wants to get return on investment. Unfortunately, agriculture is very risky. Now. If people that have the money in the diaspora, they probably don't want to come down to Nigeria to. I mean, it's because I'm passionate, but I can't come down to Nigeria now because this is where the fund is coming from. So are you able to, you know, like Aruna said, you have been successful in that line?

Experiences of Industry Professionals

Many people have not been successful. Farm proudly, farm connect. I have friends like that who have got grants and nothing works. So how have you been successful and how do you manage this risk? So, yeah, just update the question. Yeah. Thank you. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, sir. Thank you very much, sir. Honestly, as he told you here, many people have been reaching out. Many people. You know, when people see that, you are doing good in a particular sector, they tend to just see the good and profit side of it, not knowing the sacrifices, the losses involved and the risks involved.

Investment in Agribusiness vs. Production

So honestly, one thing I will always discourage is I will never advise somebody or anybody to collect money from an investor and invest on main agricultural production, but rather agribusiness. Agribusiness is a bit different from agriculture production because in production, honestly, there are the risks involved in that. Honestly, we have lost so many things. Some farms we lost to insecurity, some we've lost to mismanagement by the staffs. And some, just as usually were in a farm, this farm stocked over 5000 chickens. Over 5000. And there is, you know, there is a percentage, at least 80% to 85%. There is a way we calculate, if you are getting up to that there, then you are making reasonable profit out of it from the ex production. But we are not even getting up to half of that.

Losses and Employee Theft

So we have to install like a camera, like very small camera that's undetectable. That's when we realized that these workers will come with two Jericho, 25 liter Jericho. They will come inside the farm, then they will be breaking the eggs and they will be pouring it inside one Jericho and then they will be putting the shell in the other Jericho. So you see, when they are carrying out these Jericho, they are going out with it. Nobody will have this light test thought that these are eggs inside. So they will go through all these roadside people frying potatoes and they will sell it to them. So, honestly, we have suffered so many losses with regards to that. So many people have reached out with regards to investment.

Investment Requests and Management

I told them, I don't have any investment plan, honestly, because I am managing my production. So I will not commit to any investment when I know the risks involved in production. But when anything comes up, honestly, I will just hit upon them. But that's just a stylish way of me trying to move away from investment from them. But so many people had been on me, I think particular woman that had been on me for over four months, she said she's in UK into clinical research, that she's having issues, so many issues, because, you know, she does annual there. But the money she is bringing, sending back home, sometimes it's not enough, blah, blah. She has to save something for her own family, for her own future and the rest.

Creating Investment Opportunities

So with the requests coming in, I had to like, just look at like, how can I just at least create an avenue, create a window for these people. I can tell that over 500 million naira had been like, in the past four months, over 500 million naira request had been sent to me. These people, in fact, there were a group of friends, about four or five of them, that said they will crowdfund a rate between 150 to 200 million error. And I make an establishment and say, who will manage that? Who will manage that? Honestly, not me, because so what we now do, we have not collected anybody's investment. But I have to, it has to get to a point.

Managing Investments and Profits

It got to a point that I have to, like, just create something now. And we are working on it. And so I said, I told them we're not collecting much, we are just working to, we are just going to work with something very low. And this, because I already have a deal with at least two companies from Saudi Arabia that they want this beef and mutton to be exported to them. So I said, this is a good chance for these people to come in because this is not production. This one, we will be sourcing the animals we process and then we'll take them out. So at least the risks there is minimal. And then secondly, we also sealed another business with another company in Nigeria Republic, where they want eggs to be exported to them on weekly basis.

Risk Management Strategies

So I said, these ones, there are something, things that we can come in at least. The risks there are usually minimal, are just minimal with regards to production. Because with regards to production, honestly, you can only predict, but you are not certain of what you are going to get. So this is what we planned. The first thing we plan in terms of risk management is one, of course, insurance. And the second thing is that we'll try as much as possible within the shortest time period. So I told him it's short term and I'm going short term with it. Honestly, I'm not going to tie myself to anybody's money. So I'm going short term with it. So within the shortest time, like anything between nine to 18 months, we are expecting to get a total ROI.

Expectations and Financial Returns

Like if we are investing, let's say, 50 million naira, we're expecting to get back another 50 million naira, return on investment, about 100% of that within the next nine to 16 months. Then it will be returned back to these investors. So you see, after it had been returned back then, we will decide then from then on, then we will continue with the business running on profit. You see, the whole risk had been cut off because even if that happened to, like, the capital that is now involved is just profit that we are going to be moving with. So if it happens that we have issues of course the problem will be minimal since it's just profit that we are working on.

Investments in Agriculture

Since the whole. And so we did our calculation at the voting. We realized from my own side that the whole ROI can even be returned within six months. But I told them that we are going to run it for at least twelve to 18 months. So we are going to try as much as possible to. Because especially with regards to the Saudis, they are going to make commitment. When you are about to send goods to them. Usually the request comes through SFD. I have my registration Dax unique id. So those people there, the importers that the company there, they will make a request to the SFD food and drugs agency using my unique id that they want to import amount of meat or amount of goods from me.

Operational Challenges

They will send it to the SFD. SFDA will send it to me. So. And then they will make a commitment, usually a down payment, maybe 30% or 40% of that. From our calculations and everything. Of course we decided we moved out of Nigeria honestly. Because it's not going to work with Nigeria. Because the cost of production is higher than what they are going to pay us. So we have to channel it to Nigeria republic. Because the last time when we asked and make inquiries. The cost of shipping just one kilo of everything. That's for, you know, the more the quantity and the lesser the amount you are going to be charged. So the last time we acquired us that was in November. When I came back from Saudi.

Economic Insights and Market Prices

It was about 3800 naira. But all of a sudden went back again this year. And it was at about 10,700 naira for a kg. So we have to like what's the next option. Then we channeled it back to Nigeria. So in Nigeria with everything we realized that we will be making at least one point one to one point two dollars. One point one point two dollars on each kg. On each kilogram of meat. So what we still. The proposal. We said that we will be working with 0.8 or 0.9 or $0.9. So in case of unforeseen charge or unforeseen circumstances or at least 0.8 something.

Export Deal Requirements

And they are only. They will only agree to go into a deal with us. They will only agree to start taking up of taking from us. If we are ready to start with a minimum of 2000 kg weekly. That's 2000 kg weekly. So easy. And it has to be consistent. Consistent, non break. So you see 2000 kg we are making about $0.80.9. That will be almost about 1.1 $800 weekly. So you see times, let's say maybe just 52 weeks, that will even give back almost all that we are going to invest with regards to that.

Investment Strategies and Risk Mitigation

So the first strategy, as I said, is to recoup that very investment. Like, let's say we are investing 50 million naira. So it's to try as much as possible within the shortest time period, get back that investment and return it back to the investors. That's one. So the second one is the insurance, that of course there will be insurance policy there. Then after it had been returned, then the percentage of profit will be 60% to the investors, 40% to us, for the company, for running it, and for our staff and everything. So with the 60%, we will still work with you.

Continuous Business Development

Note that after we have return your money, we will still work with you. That if you still want that, we will create a template whereby maybe we'll make an establishment for you. But we will only be there as managers. Like, an establishment will run with two things to know, at least three things to diversify. One will be short term and then the other one will be short term. Let's say maybe into vegetable production. We consulted with those into vegetable horticultures. We consulted with those into orchards. I mean, HRH, I think we had been discussing with him, I think because we are looking to establish almost four or five of orchards, usually grape vineyards, and then we will then make an establishment still for them with regards to animal production.

Profit-sharing Arrangements

But all this will be done with the profit that they are going to end. So it will be from the percentage of profit they are going to end then, which will be decided. If they are, let's say maybe any 10 million naira month annually, then we will decide together with them whether we are going. We will present a template for them, maybe the whole template and everything will cost 20 million naira. Then this is how we are going to do. This is the chunk that will be taken out of your percentage and it will be channeled towards that production. So at least you will try to emulate something similar to the mother company that you, even if at least not close to, we'll try to, as much as possible emulate something that can give you money similar to what the mother company will be earning.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

So in any time you decide to retire, anytime you decide to come back, anytime you decide to just come back to Nigeria, you will have something running, you will have something learning. So honestly, this is just one, this is just what we have been working on. So these people, after I passed out. I sent. I sent a template for them. And this people I know, they are going to send me 200 million error. No, no, we are only working with 60 million error. And the last strategy is everything we calculated and everything, I believe we will be starting with, let's say, for instance, just an instance. I said we will be starting with, let's say, 80 million naira.

Investment Allocation Strategies

So the strategy we developed is we are going to divide this fund into three. That's 40, 20%. 40% should be enough to run these things, at least to a certain degree. At least we have a short term and we have a quick. We have a short term like the x exportation, it's weekly, so the profit from that can continue running things. That's one. Because I think from the export from the eggs, the only challenge we will have with regards to the eggs is sourcing for the eggs. Because the eggs are usually cheaper here in the north than the south. And it usually sells for about 4000, 504,400 to 4600 naira here in the north.

Logistical Challenges in Agricultural Trade

So we calculated the cost because were already doing it before. So we have already been doing, but just on a small scale. So the cost of taking it to the border, we will sell it to you. We will sell it at the border. So the cost of taking it to the border before this fuel hike was 280,000 naira using that j five bus. And it can take up to 1810 crates. So if you take your divisions, it will be around like a 100, 9200 naira per crate. That's the cost of logistics. But now with the hike, we are placing it, we are taking it, scaling it to, let's say, 400,000 naira for the cost of transportation and logistics.

Market Price Analysis and Financial Calculations

So that should be about 220 to 230 naira per crate. So approximately, we work with. We are going to work with 300 naira for the logistics per crate. So you see, if you add it to 4500 naira, that will be 4800 naira per grit. Purchase logistics and cost of everything. That's the cost price. And they there will be, from us at the border, at 5600 naira per Crete, this does about 900 naira. So for each vehicle, if we are able to convey one vehicle weekly, that would be about 1.6. That would be roughly about, I think, 1.4 to 1.6 million naira. Just from that, of course, there are risks involved, but the running cost, the egg and everything of that shouldn't be, is not up to, like, 9 million error.

Funding and Distribution Strategies

I think about eight point something, 8.1 or 8.2. So, as I said, the last strategy we develop is that we are going to divide the whole funds invested into three. That's 40 and 20%. So 40% will run everything for us. Everything. But the 20% will just be like a supporting cost, like a cushion, just like a running cost, while the other 40%. The other 40% will just be there as like a standby, for instance, in case something happens before the whole. What is it called? Before the whole, investment is being recouped. So we all know that we are going to run.

Risk Management Strategies and Operational Views

We have done more calculation. Everything, everything. The 40% will go, will run everything. Then 20% will just be like a supporting cost should. Just like a minor cost and everything. And then the last 40% will just be a standby backup should, in case something happen. So this just was three deploy. Okay. fantastic submission. Fantastic submission. So, Jerry, I'm pointing the question now to you, but I'm going to upgrade the question. So from what I've heard from Aruno and Salim now is the fact that you primarily can only do business in Nigeria, only if you are in Nigeria.

Challenges of Diaspora Investors

Most of these funds are coming from outside. So I know Samsung, Oguli, that's the hydroponic farmer in southwest, who also say, I don't want money from investors, the diasporans. So I'm seeing a problem. So, Jerry, I'm moving it to you because I know last week you shared about a cartoon business you just started. But this is something that I can pick across everyone that has spoken and other examples I have. You have to be in Nigeria. People trusted you. That's why they committed huge amount of money into your hands.

Addressing Investment Concerns

So, Jerry, I'm pointing it back to you now with what Salim has said. Salim is even saying some, to some people, please keep your money. I don't want it. And that is the problem. I think one of the problems Nigeria is suffering from because we compare us to India, who has like a similar socioeconomic structure, there is inflow of FDI. But here now something is saying, keep your money. Salim is saying, keep your money. I have a friend who is saying, keep your money because of the risk involved. So, Jerry, how do you solve this problem then? Do you have any solution where if I'm in diaspora, I can still farm successfully whatever idea.

Personal Reflections and Experiences

So I'm bringing it back to you then probably Salim want to say something to answer that. And the next person can talk. Thank you. All right. Thank you very much, Adams, for this opportunity again, but before I speak, I need to give a very special shout out to Salim Bauer. He spoke, so I don't know, like, you know, it just feels like somebody. He knows this thing very well. And it's amazing, you know? And I can't. I can't even shout. Like, I had to just follow him, dabi follow, irrespective of if he follows me or not, because of how I really would love to follow up, you know, on all of these things.

Collaborative Efforts in Agribusiness

I love people who just disrupt the system, disrupt the process and all of that. So my submission now, first of all, I need to. What I'm about to say will make Haruna very proud. I am very certain of that in as much as it was a very private conversation. But I'll bring it up here since he's here now, sometime last year, like one year plus ago, myself and Haruna from this space. I'm just trying to establish the fact that I've never met Haruna face to face. And I met him on this agric space. Right. And then we spoke privately, and then we talked about keeping cows, myself in Aruna.

Cattle Farming Initiatives

We said, okay, can we keep cows, you know, fatten them. Maybe after three, four months, we sell them off, you know, and we'll do that, like, maybe three, four times a year and see what comes out of it. And it will be very targeted. You know, probably festives the Salah break, the Christmas holiday, all of that. You know, we can prime these things and they sell at good price. And then we even did one or two stuff already, you know, in the. In that. In that regard. But something happened, you know, Aruna got sick, which he told us here. And that project stopped.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Future Plans

Now, I still had the project in mind. I was thinking, when will funds come so that we'll be able to pull that up? Because assuming you buy. In fact, let me even tell us one funny thing. When me and Haruna were having the conversation. We're trying to get cows for 150,000, right? 150,180. Patent them, sell them for probably double, triple the price or something. I mean, it was like that. But what happened was that I now converse with some certain people who were very interested in agriculture. I really did hope one of them was on this space earlier, but she left.

Developing Agricultural Networks

When I spoke with her, I said, there's a project, a cow fattening project. We can keep cows, and cows can just fatten them, give them food back to back without season. And then they. They get, you know, good. So after sharing with. With them, they got very interested, you know. So, the. Well, the bottom line is that we're able to keep, 35 cows. Now, presently, as of today, 35 cows have been kept, to be fattened, you know. And then by, what do you call it, by December, we'll sell them during the Christmas festive period.

Market Trends and Pricing

Now, the point is, we didn't even buy them for 250,000. We bought them for three hundred k and above. So that everyone shows how much it has changed from when me and myself and Haruna were speaking about the same project. And now do you get. So I'm sure he's very proud that. Look at the conversation we had. It has materialized. Haruna. We have about 35, 32, 33. He's still going to get. There's a guy I work with here injures. He's going to get three more.

Trust and Collaboration

So, talking about how people. Well, the truth is, what I did in my own circumstance. What I did in mine was that there's paperwork. Right. I know the. I like what Salim said. He spoke about production. You know, the truth is. Look. Look at Maze. Assuming now you collect people's money and do. Maze. This year its disaster. Because at some point in August, maize literally started dying. Started getting dry. I don't know how it happened in other parts of Nigeria. But in George Plato State where I live, you know, there was a season rain in August.

Legal Contracts in Agriculture

So it actually affected the production of maize. So just imagine you've collected people's money. So what I did was I made sure I called a lawyer, right? Somebody who will put paperwork. I don't like word of mouth. Things can just go wrong. Do you get my point? And so I think sincerity is very key. There was something Emma said. Emma is not on the space. He said something. He said, after a while, people who will tell you the truth, like, okay, this is what it is.

Transparency in Business Practices

This is what it is. Not will be the people that you can say, okay, let's see how this happens. And then I make sure I tell them very clearly that. Look at. We're trying this for the first time. I am a very transparent person. I will take pictures and videos every week, report to you, show you whatever it is you get. So they were pretty much comfortable. I maybe if they were on the space, they would share why they trusted me to have worked, to partner with me. Some of them have never seen them.

Building Trust with Investors

Some are not even in Nigeria. Still. If I was an investor, I would still give him my money. Do you understand my point? I think, is it transparency, people? Hey, if you give me 100 naira, I'll turn it into 150. There's no, if you get like, people don't talk about the problems. People don't talk about risk. People don't talk about what if, okay, like cows now we kept 35 cows. What if a cow is sick and it dies? What happens? To get my points, that is on the contract and the person signed the contract.

Understanding and Addressing Risks

So there's an understanding. First you have to label these things and then the person needs to know, look, if this happens, this is who carries the cross and all of that. So I feel when we now know the power of legal papers, right. It helps in cushioning all of these things. I'm not praying for anybody to die, of course. But then if one person falls and dies, they can come and say, we gave this guy cow. Look at my own contribution of the cow. Look at.

Practical Guidance for New Investors

So legal papers just helps, you know, in order to cation of the deal. So nothing like, okay, Adams, I know you come and do this. You get my point. Make it clear that this is a risk investment. These are the risk factors. These are the things that we'll do to mitigate the risks. This is the professional. So there were so many things at stake. It was good paperwork and we're able to do it. So in my own aspect, I feel based on experience, your integrity works very fine too.

Building Trust in Agribusiness

You know, over a period of time. If you have stayed close to you for a very long time, I should be able to. Can I interrupt you, please? I want to ask you a question. You applied for the Bushfellow grants. That promises 150,000 because of the great work you are doing in the agriculture space. Now if you get the 150,000, they're going to be in New York, Nairobi, different countries of the world, learning the agricultural whatever it is. Now, you get the grants in November.

Navigating Opportunities and Commitments

What's going to happen to this project? Thank you. have you already handed over the grant to me? Because I don't have any grants in my hand. But if you do not. Now the project is the problem saying is the project is resting on your integrity. Now, if you have to travel, what happens? That's the question I'm asking. Okay, so now, first of all, if something abruptly happens like that, which of course, I will not turn down, the truth is the truth in as much as I understand that you have to be there in person, which is very true and absolute.

Building a Reliable Team

Right. But then if this kind of circumstances happen, you just have to find a way around it. Now, number one is that, for instance, the guy I work with, right. The integrity has to be passed on. I mean, the loyalty, the hundred percent loyalty has to be found. Has to be passed on. I realized that most of us do not realize that we need people. You cannot do it alone. Right? You cannot do it alone. So basically, I feel the first thing we could do, you know, is, okay, like, the guy I work with, you know, he is a very honorable person.

The Importance of Good Partnerships

I've worked with him for the period that we've been working together with, and it has been outstanding. Our vet doctor, we have two vet doctors. One has been on this space several times. The other one, the vet doctor of Fanfresh. All of us who know farn fresh, the number one vet doctor of Fanfresh, is the one that checks our cows. So. And these are people I could professionally say, okay, come and do this. So the point is, we'll just have, you know, find a way around it.

Operational Insights and Team Management

But if the project, like, The, they. They mentioned, like Aruna mentioned, if the project starts getting killed, there's no entitlement. To get my point, there's no continuity. You just have to halt it. So I feel it's just for the benefit of, like, for instance, would you tell me that Dangote is everywhere? Will you tell me that Dangote is in Abajana? He's in all of the places. And he's in Kenya, he's in the US. He can't be everywhere. So is it a. There has to be a country.

Strategies for Growth and Expansion

There has to be something. And that's why this guy. Was his name again. Mass. Massif? Was that his name? That Etel. That what? A guy in South Africa. He mentioned something. He said one. Yeah, sif. Yes, sif. Abby does them good. He mentioned something one time. He wrote. He said one thing that no businessman has had a hack on is human resource. You see. You see that keeping somebody or how to. It's something you don't have control over.

Understanding Human Resources in Business

Somebody can just wake up. They call it customer behavior or human behavior. You know, you can just wake up and just don't want to take coke today, nothing. Cook did not do anything to you. Some people wake up and they are tired of their jobs. It's not like you're a bad person as an employer. So the point is, you cannot even say this person has served. That's why it's goldmined. When somebody serves you for ten years, two decades, you know, you're looking at, wow, this person stayed with me because it's a very rare thing to do.

Future of Agriculture and Sustainability

So if I'm going to look at, okay, I have to be there. I have to be there. What happens to Bill Gates? What happens to Elon Musk? I mean, these guys have people that they literally trust professionally, not like trustworthy. Let's. Let's just do it and jump on it. And then this will deliver, if you don't deliver, next person. So somehow you have to find a way around it. And then in all of this, betrayal will definitely come in all of this. You'd fail sometimes. But then when you find the gem, you hold on to them.

Lessons in Business Management

That was why Haruna was mentioning incentives. You know, you're working with locals. You're working with people who, like, they're giving you their lives in the, you know, your hands. Do you understand? It says a lot about. If I recently. Let me even bring this as a reference. Recently, I've been doing a whole lot of, what do you call it? I've been doing a lot of mining. We do mining of tin here in Plato State. And then I realized that to get the people, these people have people they supply to.

Establishing Trust in Partnerships

I'm an overseer, and overseer is somebody who buys from the extractors and sells it to the tin shade owners, and the tin shade owner sells it to the Chinese people. So the tin is here, is available on the ground. All you have to do, just dig it and get it. But the problem is that the demand, you know, from the extractors is higher than the supply from the extractors. So the point is, you have to lobby. You have to create a relationship, right, with them to be able to get this thing that they've extracted.

Developing Strong Relationships in Business

So what I did was that my principle is pretty easy. Just create a bond with them. I go to their houses. Are you sick? Oh, like the last time. Are you down with malaria? Yes. Take this. I mean, four five can get you malaria, and typhoid can take you cipro and probably Lunat, dear. So if I'm able to get that for you will remember me. You know, I saw the other boy. He held. He holds his book, you know, in his hands. And I went to get him a school bag. How much is a school bag?

Community Engagement in Business

I paid like three five for it. The point is, before, you know, his father was giving me tin. Do you understand? His mom was calling. no, the doctor, you know, they did. Now the person they were supplying to has cut off from them. Maybe I was more caring than that person was, and I grew my purchase power. So the point is, I think to a very large extent, you must just trust. That's why we're talking about trust the thing. You must just have somebody.

Trust and Accountability in Agribusiness

When Haruna has never met me, has never been to joss about you where my parent live. But my parents know him. They were asking her, how is Aruna? Aruna has never met me, but we've done a lot of transactions. Haruna has never met me in his life. So imagine I now close down this twist Twitter account I go to and do another nin or like some. I'm just saying if I disappear from this, that's all. But somebody needs to just put the trust like, okay, can we try this?

Risk and Trust in Investment

It's risk. It's just if people who even trust you will tell you that they've been beaten before. Is that. Is that odd to now trust you again and again, that keeps them going. So I feel that to a large extent, you must do something, you know about trustee. So if today, whatever $150,000 grant, I'm in New York City, I'm probably in Accra, Ghana or, you know, in Kenya, I'll still do it, but I'll keep in touch in as much as I have to be there.

Understanding Business Dynamics

Do you understand? But then it's. It's. It's either breaks or makes. But there's something has to be done. As a business student, as a business enthusiast, I know that there's nobody on the planet that did it alone. And no matter how, some things will have to go down behind you. All you have to do is you have to get people who are loyal, who you can trust, and who have the vision of your business. I think you have to pass down the vision to them. There are people who are loyal effortlessly.

Creating a Cooperative Work Environment

They don't need to pay them extra. They love what they are doing, the culture in the business. Look at Apple. Apple is a business. You see people working in Apple, sensitive jobs. I mean, why are you not living? It's because it became like a family thing. It became part of them. So you just have to, you know, see Steve Jobs now. Steve Jobs, since he died, Tom Cook came. All of them, you know, nobody.

Innovations in the Agricultural Industry

So if. Okay, this is an argument for another day, but Apple has not done any iPhone 15, iPhone 16. They are just almost. But when this guy was there, he was inventing, literally. So. But he's no more. One day you'll be no more. So should the investment be cut off, then why are we doing business that are generated? Even our children should be children of diamondback. Sell diamondback. I'm just saying that even our children, if they don't tally in what we're doing, they will still sell the company nonetheless.

Nurturing the Next Generation

So it's just us to us. But you have to, by all means, no matter what, whether you like it or not, trust someone and hand over someone. A very great degree of. You know, what you're about and what you're doing Adams. I don't know if that makes sense. All right. Thank you very much, Jerry. Thank you very much. I am in the middle of thinking. Should I pray for you that you get a fellowship or not? Because.

Navigating Opportunities and Challenges

So the next session is coming to Salim in just two minutes. If you get a fellowship and you have to leave your state of residence. Where you have seen the company, you talk about eating camera, people are stealing. Now, you get a fellowship, or whatever it is that needs to take you from that place for, like, one year. What do you think will happen? And how do you plan to miss the trustless society of Nigeria?

Addressing Trust in Society

How do you solve the problem? Sorry, can you just come again, please? Yeah. So you get. You get something that needs to move you out of that current place. Maybe Saudi invited you. Maybe you got a fellowship. I need to leave the company. You have seen in your life. You have to go there daily. You can't go there daily again. You have to be in the UK for one year. And you already talked about people stealing. You have to put hidden camera.

Managing Agricultural Ventures

How do you think your company will fare? And how do you think you are going to solve this problem? Remember, Nigeria is a lowly. I mean, trustless society. Yeah. In two minutes. So that we move to the next person. Thank you. Honestly, the experience I told you is just some things that we've experienced in the past, we've moved past that. Honestly. We now what we now do in most of the establishments we make, we recruit staffs.

Implementing Effective Strategies

If, for example, let's say we are going with eight staffs in a farm. Then we will increase the number to twelve. And then we will divide them into two. Six staffs. Right? Then those six staffs will then be further divided into two, making them four groups. Then only none of the workers works for more than two weeks. Usually they work for just two weeks on the farm. Let's say group a. And then group D we will work with.

Incentivizing Team Performance

Then they will be the ones working on the farm. Of course, we have incentives and we give them good salaries. For instance, we are paying 60,000 naira in some of our farms for just that two weeks of work they do. And then in June and December, we multiply this by 100%. Like we multiply it by two. So in June and December, they go home with 120,000 naira. And then thirdly, we, in one very farm that we did, we released these Noela beds.

Encouraging Employee Ownership

They are on free range grasses, where I've been planted for them, where they forage. And all the eggs that they lay on that farm on that very day are being distributed equally to the staffs on duty. So, honestly, I can now tell you, even as I speak to you now, I hardly go to visit farms. I sometimes we have one in Nasarawa. I only go there to supervise and we make the establishment. But the last time I went there is about two months now, so I don't have to be present there.

Building Trust and Reliability

I've already established it, established everything. We've created a blueprint. So there are things that we put in place, honestly, to cater for that trust. So you see, for instance, now, if you know that group A and Group B are going to work this week, it's not that we have a rooster. They will just be randomly selected to work. So if the other groups resume duty and find something that's, like, questionable, they will quickly raise an alarm on that.

Monitoring and Accountability

Let's say maybe those on duty stole something and they resume and they find that something is missing or something is okay, they will raise an alarm in order not to implicate themselves. Do you get this? So, honestly, we already moved past all those. Of course, you know, you can't say that we are 100%. What? I can assure you that almost 90% to 95%, honestly. Secondly, all the staffs, as all the staffs that we're recruiting are on a contract base, we will tell them that you're only going to work for just two years.

Timeline and Empowerment Strategies

So during these two years, it's more of like an empowerment program. So we will empower you with the knowledge and also with the necessary funds, even by the time we are in a particular firm setup. This is a template I designed in every establishment we're going to make. I'm telling you, this is what I work with. If you agree with it, then we will go with it. So by the time we are disengaging these stuff, we usually give them some incentives that at least they will try to establish something, no matter how little, to establish something.

Providing Seed Funds for Entrepreneurs

Like the last time we gave them only for 400,000 naira. For about six of them, 400,000 naira should be able to establish, even if it's a local chicken farms, for each of them. So we tell them that you are going to work for just like a time basis, like, or three years, depending on how the agreement is so it's time based. Secondly, for every week, you have at least one lecture from our professionals, whether a scientist, whether a consultant or whether a veterinary doctor, on farm management, farm care and everything that in terms of animal production.

Education and Knowledge Sharing

So with that knowledge, you are going to take good care of the farm and as well, it will improve you and know how by the time you are going off the farm. So honestly, don't just make establishments whereby you have to be there when it comes to animal production. That's why the most bastardized sector in animal production is the poultry. That one, they can still and you might not be able to detect, but when it comes to like goats, ruminants and others, honestly, it's very easy to detect when something is off.

Addressing Challenges in Poultry Farming

Thank you. Yeah, thank you. But I think this is. If I. I should have been paying you for consultancy because this is mind blowing, like a random selection of staffs, but you just really, literally solved my own problem because I've been thinking, how do I solve this problem? Thank you very much, Salim. So, Jerry, I'm going to be transferring the hosting back to you. Then you can put the people that are raising their hands and go on. So go on, Jerry.

Introduction to Agricultural Journey

For me, I'm very happy. I started this a long time ago. I started out, I think around 2016 when boy was calling us living youth. That's, that's when we picked up horticulture. It is actually a very long route to success. But now Buhari has come and done his 760 days and out. Now we are seeing what we are seeing. Coming back to the matter of trust. Is something that's very hard to come by nowadays, especially now, this past one year, some people that are close with the situation of the country and the economy has bending their morals, but there are still very good people out there.

Current Agricultural Landscape

So things are, things I have right now. People are trying to make an estimate, people are trying to keep head above water, but I believe they are still trustworthy people. Farming, farming is a full time business. I don't believe somebody can farm by correspondence. I really do not believe somebody can farm by a correspondence. You need to know what is happening every day or if you have a very solid structure like that of Mister Jerry where there is a weekly updates. There are certified professionals in the whole, the whole business, probably where there's a lawyer, there are two vet doctors, especially one from Pamphresh. Pamphreys is one of the oldest milk, one of the oldest dairy farm in Nigeria.

Importance of Agriculture in Plateau State

I think I. I think companies like Peak and Pikmi started from there. I think pamphlet is in boom number one Finland. Campina Road I think has been there since 1940 something. And it's also home to National Vets Research Institute which was established in around 1946 and it still one of the premier, one of the best vet institutes in West Africa. So. But again, if you happen to find yourself far and you have this flair for agriculture, you could go into horticulture, you could go into three farming. Right now I'm in Lagos briefly, but it is going well for me. It's going well for me. But my own is due to many factors because I'm going into long term crops.

Challenges and Opportunities in Horticulture

That's one, two. I'm in Plato state. Plato state is one of the best states to practice agriculture. It has it has wonderful climate, it has excellent rainfall. Rain starts falling in Plateau since from around March, March, briefly, April till October. It is a very wonderful time for food cultivation. But unfortunately there are still not so many key stakeholders. Jos is known for the production of things like avocado, but I doubt there are two or three people that have more than 1000 stands of avocado on Japan. I believe the sector, horticulture sector is ripe but people have not tapped into it. But also we are here to drop our own and collect what is our own.

The State’s Potential and Infrastructure

The climate is wonderful, the rainfall is wonderful. The proximity to other states is just, I think the gateway to northwest and northeastern states. Benue, Abuja. It has a Yakubgong airport that will take you stuff from just to Lagos in 1 hour, just to Abuja in a matter of minutes. And when it comes to the issue of thefts, if you are into horticulture where maybe you have an orchard of 500 to 1000ft 2000 fees, there will be not much there. It is a low risk business, but the main catch is impatience. I don't think people have three years, five years to it.

Long-term Investment for Sustainability

But one thing with this thing, once you enjoy that three to five years, it will pay you for a lifetime to pay for a generational kind of stuff. But it is not for the faint hearth, it is not for the, that are looking for startup money in agriculture. But I promise you it will pay the best interest. So I am a diplomat by training and diplomat by profession. So how I happen to have a wonderful structure is because I applied diplomacy in my buildings in agriculture. The motto of my company is a diplomata in agriculture.

Building Relationships and Trust

So in the last eight years I practiced diplomacy properly, applied diplomacy in agriculture. I'm happy that Jerry, once he was talking, he was present, he was telling us about his relationship with people in the mining sector. I'm happy to tell everybody here that common invest in our state, in everything he taught is born in Plato State. Plato State has the highest number of mineral resources that a single state has in Nigeria. Columbite, tin, iron, all these things, they are there. Monozytes, they are there. You can key into any sector of the industry.

The Complexity of Agriculture as a Business

But it is not a walk in the park. You have to come and learn or learn, make connections. It's just something that you come and make your money instantly. There are, there are downsides to discovery that people like Mister Jerry have not spoken. but it is a very wonderful sector if you want to do. Irish potato. Plateau State has a monopoly of, irish potato production. Plateau state produces over 70% to 80% of the high potato consumed in Nigeria.

Opportunities in Processing and Marketing

Mostly coming out from Mongo and Bokos, local government. And another thing I can probably tell you is breakfast. It has the number one monopoly of strawberry production in Nigeria. And I told you, even though the money is not in farming, the money is in the business of agriculture. You could start making, you start processing strawberry. We are using strawberry to post harvest losses. We are using ice potato to post harvest losses. These are key areas.

Focus on Other Agricultural Ventures

You can come processing, marketing, packaging, even in the logistics, we have lack cold storage facilities. So where I don't have much source issues in my business is because from the one of government, that's when I started my agricultural endeavor. I started my business from scratch. I gave my business over eight years of attention. I built, I built the system. I did not do anything else apart from focusing on my farmhouse.

The Role of Experience

Nobody can come and tell me anything about my business because I think I traveled extensively. I think I traveled to around 28 states, on and off, on and off, establishing conditions, connections. Because there is a power in relationships and one person cannot do it alone. That has the wash hand. I'm very happy to be in this halloo chamber with my senior men like Susteninbauer. Very, very wonderful person. I look up to him. People like Mister Jerry, unfortunately, were supposed to have an agricultural conference in March this year.

Networking and Collaborations

I don't know what happened. So. Jerry, it is not me that lost now, you lost your phone, had issues for a long time. I understand, but you are, you have been greatly missed. You are one of the pioneer hosts of agricultural species on Twitter. I must give that to you. So we are facing shortages in our business. It is, it is, it happens, but it is not much.

Expanding Agricultural Ventures

Currently, I am into the program, into the supply and production of grapes. I am into the supply and production of stuff like passion fruit. Passion fruit is a very wonderful, wonderful fruits that has like, has immense potential. But unfortunately, people are not farming passion fruit. Passion fruit is a crop. I will today at midnight and beating my chest, tell you that passion fruit is a crop that will pay you every week, every week of the year.

Market Demand and Sourcing

And then we have big companies like paper life and other companies that are looking for passion fruit, but they don't have, they're mostly using concentrates. Yeah. Most of, most of us have taken passion fruit in juice. But we don't know one. One thing that we normally take passion fruit is in sosa. Another one is life alive, tropical. So there are many things that is going on me because I've been in the, I spent my 730 days under guari government to focus on all these things.

Diversifying Crops for Better Returns

So I don't really worry about government. Partial fruits and papaya. Papaya is a very wonderful, wonderful crop to farm. So I have shared my farm now into two where I am farming coconut and papaya. On one part. Coconut is a very wonderful crop. The potentials are really untapped. You'll be very surprised that coconut we eat now as imported from Togo belly and ghana.

Exploring Coconut Farming

Legos is the one producer in Nigeria. Coconut is a crop that can grow in eight states in Nigeria, but we are still not doing it. And there are advanced varieties of coconut, the malaysian variety, the dwarf variety. Once you have water to grow people like mister farming coconut in natural hospital which will, which is a testament to coconuts growing in just have water for irrigation safe in the southwest.

Value of Coconut in Market

They have very good for the coconuts do well without education. But unfortunately we don't have young people that are building new plantations and there is a huge shortage of coconut and byproducts coconut oil in the market. Local and international market growth water has high medicinal values. There's something we vegetable farmers call coco peat that we use for our nursery.

Combining Agriculture with Other Ventures

The coconut husk is a very good material for that. And I said, you can interpret with papaya. Papaya is amazing. It's amazing. There are grass varieties that understood production in four months, by six months you are making your money. I was very lucky one breeder from east west India is one of the leading vegetable companies in Nigeria.

The Future of Soursop Farming

They brought their breeder from Philippines and Netherlands three years ago. They came and saw the amazing things we are doing with papaya. Even though without their quality seed we would have been doing amazing things. But we are doing papaya and coconut on a farm and also I'm also farming soursop. Currently. Soursop is a fruit of the future.

Exploring the Potential of Soursop

It has maximum potential. I have not seen a fruit that has potential soursop. I want to call soursop a fruit of the future because the potentials have not yet been discovered yet. There is a global acclaim that soursop produces kills cancer cells, both the leaves and the fruit. Imagine you have a farm of 1000 source of trees and you are coming not even for the fruits.

Harvesting Potential from Soursop

When you come and harvest the leaves selling bag of leaves, 75,000. How many bags of leaves will you harvest from 1000, 2003 and source of this very leafy crop. Where we are intercropping soursop with perfection fruits. We are having a very wonderful experience. And now we are looking to include honey and beekeeping for one to better pollination.

Integrating Resources for Better Yield

Once you put one bead around your pollination with soybeans, sunflower, almost everything would double. So we are, we are doing that. But where we have gotten it right in terms of trust is because I study diplomacy. I'm a diplomat. I spent years, like three years working closely with farmers, knowing everything about them, they knowing everything about you.

Building Thorough Connections

Where and again I removed grid from my equation where I make sure everybody across the value chain is a beneficiary. Let's see, let's say we are taking, we are taking irish potato now from, from, from books. The driver that took it from bookers to Lagos will get his own appropriate share person that take it from bokos to Lagos.

Building Trust in Relationships

Appropriate here, the people on the roads, everybody will have their wish here. Come to Lagos. Everything, everything. Just try and give people their due. People will still be people, but I believe have relationship with people and you will prosper. I am here for eight years, ten years now. I'm having a very wonderful experience.

Creating a Lasting Impact

We are building a multi generational firm that will outlive us. That would hopefully be one of the crown jewels of nigerian horticultural system in the future. But till then, we are paying our price now and being steadfast. This is past midnight, almost 1230. So this is, let me just pull you too much. I'm very happy to be back.

Value of This Space

This conversation. This is a space that we have briefly. This is a very wonderful space. A lot of connections have been made. A lot of connections have been made. Swearings have been farmed, now, cows have been kept. The potential of working together are enormous. So I welcome you to our space.

Calling for Future Collaboration

I implore jerry to please do that agricultural conference or summit in just next year. I really want people to come and see our plateau. We have a lot to offer in Plateau across various value chains. Vegetable, animals, fruits, grains. We have one of the biggest meat markets in Nigeria, the mangu market.

Showcasing Agricultural Resources

We have the biggest market in Nigeria. The bucos market. We have instead just metropolis alone. We have, we have markets that will run you agas. We have markets. We have building materials markets. We have katako market. We have markets. Please come to Plateau, come to Plato.

Acknowledgements and Conclusion

Thank you very much. Let me not put you too much. All right. Thank you very much, hrh. Okay. So Selim, you want to say something? No, no. Your microphone is okay. Oh, okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Thank you very much. Hrh. Very, very resourceful. I've bought.

Closing the Conversation

I've never met HRH before. We both live in Plato state, but we never met. And I've bought grapes from him a gazillion times. I can't even count. So this is the power of this space. I mean, you meet people here and they become very resourceful, you know, and I believe that all of you who are probably joining for the first time, this is an opportunity for you to network, check people's profile, follow them.