I MADE KSHS. ONE MILLION WITHIN 30MINUTES

 

                

                                                                   Onion farm

This might sound absurd, but it happened to me. Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the story.

In July last year I leased an acre of the farm in Taveta Sub County in Taita-Taveta County. Those who know the area, it is endowed with fresh underground water and very fertile soils. The area is capable of feeding the whole Taita-Taveta County.

I had always had this dream of growing onions on an acre of land. I even tried at one time but not in Taveta and the results were not as expected. I had a conviction that I would make it.

Therefore, I packed my belongings and headed to my newfound treasure. I bought hybrid onion seeds whereby a kilo was going at Kshs. 19,000 from Monsanto seeds Nairobi. It was the Jambar F1 variety.  This is a fast maturing and high yielding variety giving up to 23 Tonnes per acres under good crop husbandry techniques.

After carrying out necessary land preparation activities for a week, a nursery was established with the help of 2 other casuals since it was a labor-intensive work. After one and a half months the onions were pencil-thick, therefore, were ready for transplanting into the main field.

The onion production was under basin irrigation. In addition, the transplanting was done all at once. Trust me this was the most difficult job! I had to hire more than 10 casuals to do the work.

Onions ready for market

After 4 months the onions were ready for harvesting. Meanwhile, I made prior arrangements so that the marketing of the onions will be smooth. Harvesting was done in November targeting to sell in December. I had harvested 20 Tonnes of onions which were properly packed to ensure longer shelf life.

I made contact with the person I was supposed to sell to who was in Malindi. Prices of vegetables are highest during December, January, and February in Malindi. That is why proper timing played a crucial role in ensuring that you reap maximum profits from any agribusiness venture.

A kilogram of onions goes for Kshs. 120-160 in the month of December. Therefore, with my 20,000 kilograms, I negotiated with wholesaler who agreed to buy a kilo at Kshs. 90. Therefore, we sealed the deal by raking in a hooping Kshs. 1,800,000 just like that in just some minutes! Though he did not pay all in cash but was paid in installments but within 3 days I had all the money in cash.

It was such a relief cause even after deducting all my expenses that were coming to Kshs. 250,000 I managed to remain with something very attractive. I have since diversified to other agribusiness ventures which are also very rewarding. My life has also not remained the same as I now dream big!

My advice to those who want to venture into agribusiness is select high-valued crops for a start and plan properly so that you harvest when there are the best prices in the market. In addition, also, network so that you know your buyers in advance. Avoid falling for conmen who will trick you into giving you cash, and they do not live up to the promise. Am lucky I found someone who was very trustworthy.