5 TIPS FOR VEGETABLE FARMERS

By Eric K Mwenda

Vegetable Farming as a business is a growing sector on the Zambian market.

Most farmers are venturing into vegetable farming with the hope of returning profits faster than they would on other crops.

Vegetables being the most important part of every balanced diet are the most sort out for product on the market.

Vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health.

Mr. Eric K Mwenda, Seedco Head of Vegetable Department gives five tips on how a farmer can be successful in farming and have a successful yield of vegetables for business.

1.       It starts with the right seed – to produce high yield and quality vegetables one needs to starts with the right seed, Mr. Mwenda points out that the right seed is essential for vegetable production. However, he points out that soil type is important he states that land needs to be rich, crumbly loam and teeming with life.

2.       Follow Agronomic Practices – These are practices that farmers incorporate to improve soil quality, enhance water usage, manage crops and improve the environment. Agronomic practices focus on better fertilizer management as a way of improving soil quality.

3.       Mr. Mwenda advisesfarmers to get in touch with Seedco qualified seed specialists to guide andsupport them on how to go about different vegetables and crops. He points outthat many farmers begin farming vegetables that they don’t know about. Itsimportant to consult qualified people so they can give farmers tips andprocesses on how to have a successful yield.

4.       Farmers need to doMarket Research – “every vegetable farmer needs to take time to go to themarket to understand the demand and supply of the plants and understand whatcrop is on demand this helps the farmer to identify the right target audience,”Mr. Tomato says.

5.       The Head of Vegetable Department explains that understanding trends on the market helps the farmer take advantage of the demand on the market. He gives an example of how onion farmers took advantage of the pandemic to supply onions to the public when the boarders where closed.

6.       Ensure you know where to sell – Identifying the actual market where you will sell your vegetables after harvest is very essential in having a successful vegetable business – this helps farmers to know how to package the vegetables in a way that will be attractive to the market.

Mr. Eric also adds that it is important to do the planning in order to take advantage of the market. These simple steps will help a vegetable farmer in having a yield that is successful with quality vegetables.

By Eric K. Mwenda

To learn more about any other new releases from SEEDCO, follow our Facebook page! Or if you are ready to purchase your own  seeds visit our new online shop +260 97 7509544 or +260 966784515. Remember it starts with the right seed!

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