After dedicating nine years to the banking sector, Samuel Aende, a man in his 30s, made a bold decision to venture into the challenging realm of greenhouse farming, even though he lacked formal agricultural training. Driven by his determination to succeed, he embarked on a quest for knowledge, participating in training both locally and internationally. These efforts transformed him into the accomplished greenhouse farmer he is today.
"The idea came to me while researching ways to enhance agricultural production. Greenhouse farming had always intrigued me, so during my research, I delved deeply into the subject. I even traveled to Israel, where greenhouse and irrigation practices are widespread, to gain practical knowledge and business experience. Additionally, I visited Songhai farms in Benin Republic to further expand my knowledge base. These experiences played a crucial role in shaping my vision for the venture, and it has been an incredibly enriching journey," he shared with Daily Trust.
Aende's farm, Terjimin Farms Limited, spans 12 hectares and is situated in Masaka, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, on the outskirts of Abuja. At present, he cultivates beef tomatoes and bell peppers, yielding approximately two tons of each crop per week.
He emphasized that the most valuable lessons he has learned pertain to the patience required in this industry. Success in greenhouse farming demands unwavering patience and diligence before reaping returns on investment. It also carries inherent risks, particularly concerning infections, which can result from contaminated soil, previous visits by individuals from infected farms, or insect transmission. Over the years, experience has taught him that precautionary measures, such as using high-quality inputs and adhering to good agricultural practices, can significantly mitigate these risks and increase the chances of profitability.
Quitting a lucrative banking career to embrace farming is a daunting decision for many young adults. However, Aende's determination has made the journey worthwhile. He acknowledges that he is still on a path to achieving his dreams but takes immense satisfaction in what he does. His decision to enter the agricultural business has provided him with diverse experiences, including knowledge sharing, travel opportunities, support for other SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) and NGOs, all of which have broadened his perspective on business and life.
Like other farmers in the sector, Aende recognizes that challenges in greenhouse farming are multifaceted and require a calculated and coordinated response. He advises newcomers to address the high cost of production, secure quality seeds, acquire fuel for irrigation systems, and carefully select inputs, as these factors contribute to elevated product costs. Additionally, he highlights the importance of marketing products effectively to facilitate sales and off-take. Identifying quality inputs is crucial, given the prevalence of counterfeit products in the market.
Aende expresses concern about the reluctance of commercial banks to lend to farmers. He believes that policies should be developed to bridge this financing gap. High-interest rates pose a significant obstacle to agribusiness borrowing, especially considering the inherent risks in agriculture. He suggests that government, in collaboration with stakeholders, should address this challenge by involving farmers in policy design to ensure successful implementation, contrasting it with previous government programs that faced limited success.
Despite the obstacles, Aende underscores the significance of greenhouse farming, as it ensures year-round availability of products, even during off-season periods. This benefits both farmers and consumers alike.
He urges the government to support greenhouse farmers by establishing tailored programs to promote production scalability and youth skill development in this field. Scaling up greenhouse production can potentially lead to product exports, similar to what Kenya has achieved. Moreover, vocational training hubs for greenhouse technology can create jobs, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to economic development.
Discussing the market for greenhouse products in Nigeria, Aende notes that consumers and companies demonstrate consistent interest in purchasing these products. With proper planning and diligence, the returns on investment in greenhouse farming can be remarkable.
