In the tumultuous landscape of agribusiness, there exists an unforgiving nature that demands resilience and strategic thinking from time to time. Mostly among youths, the hesitancy to dive into agriculture stems not from a lack of potential profitability, but from the harsh reality that every mistake in this field is met with brutal consequence, or the fact that anything can happen any time.
Witnessing some financial pitfalls within agriculture has shaped many people’s risk aversion in the field. The inability to pinpoint the precise reasons for these failures underscores the complex web of challenges farmers face. It extends beyond mere missteps, encompassing uncontrollable factors such as diseases decimating livestock or adverse weather wreaking havoc on crops or some stray livestock eating up your investment. While failure is an intrinsic part of progress, avoiding agriculture altogether due to its inherent risks may hinder genuine advancement. The path to success in agribusiness requires not evasion, but resilience and perseverance in the face of adversities.
The dichotomy of agriculture’s lucrativeness and potential for disaster is rooted in factors beyond one’s control – weather fluctuations, disease outbreaks, insecurity, inflation, untrustworthy labour, and inadequate processing and transportation facilities. For a graduate contemplating agricultural investment, the key lies in a meticulous, long-term approach with an eye on mitigating risks. Considerations such as oil palm plantation, with its low-risk profile, offer a prudent avenue for sustained returns. Short-term ventures, like goat farming, beckon but demand a high level of personal involvement. A poignant narrative shared by a farmer on his twitter handle, Olamilekan Peter, echoes the bitter truth of agriculture’s volatility.
He wrote; “I farmed rice with a friend one time, we used mouth to buy Benz with our proceeds already, they called us one day that cows entered farm and ate up the farm including that of neighbours, my friend just carried his bags and returned to Lagos … sad days, mhen”. Olamilekan’s story underscores the sweetness of agricultural endeavours intertwined with the necessity for unwavering patience. In conclusion, agriculture, while promising, demands a judicious approach. Success hinges on one’s ability to navigate the complexities, embracing setbacks as stepping stones toward future triumphs. The inherent risks may be enormous, but with perseverance, strategic planning, and a patient mindset, the rewards can indeed be reaped without succumbing to bitter consequences.
