Think Big with a business plan and entrepreneurial advice from Banks, consultants but always start small, within the capacity you can afford and handle
Be well informed about the aspect of agriculture you want to go into especially the risks involved and the market value of product at each stage of the value chain.
Network with other young people. There are a lot of youth out there who are already into agriculture. Attend Seminars and workshop on agriculture and agribusiness even if you have to pay.
Acquire practical knowledge. Read books, manuals, journals and work for others on their farms to gain experience and exposure.
Get training in business planning, marketing and management it has proved very helpful because a major challenge of most agriculturists in Nigeria is their inability to build a business plan and market to their products.
Be observant and open to new information, techniques etc.
Be ready to be a team player, most aids from the government and the Bank of Agriculture sometimes require you are in a group of ten or there about. So start watching out for young people you can join hands and work together
Follow the trend of activities around you to get updated about opportunities open to you through programs like YOUWIN, FADAMA, Agric Growth Enhancement Scheme(GES), First Bank Farm Scheme and others that would be coming on soon under the Agric transformation agenda.
First published in the Nigerian Tribune of 19th June 2012 under the Column Wealth Creation through Agriculture.
