Berakah Integrated Organic Farms International

13/08/2024

Happy International Youth Day!🥳

The Innovative Youth in Agriculture Project, I-YouthProject is excited to offer E-Learning SCHOLARSHIPS for Coursera programs focused on , including , , and social media management.

This is your chance to gain the needed to in the .

Applications are now open, secure your spot, and start your journey today.
Click this link: https://bit.ly/iyouthelearning to apply! 🔗

16/05/2024

The 4 Broiler Breeds And The Ones That Grow Taller And Fatter In Shorter Time

ALL BROILERS ARE NOT THE SAME, ONE IS MORE SUITABLE TO SELL AT 4WEEKS, ONE IS STRONGER AGAINST COLD, ONE IS STRONGER AGAINST HEAT AND ONE GROWS TALLER THAN OTHERS.

THERE ARE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT JUST BUY ANY BROILERS BREED BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE BUYING IT. PEOPLE BUY BROILERS BASED ON DIFFERENT REASONS. SOME BUY BIRDS THAT GROWS FASTER AND SELL THEM OFF FOR 4WEEKS, SOME BUY OTHER TYPE OF BROILER BREED BECAUSE THEY GROW TALLER AND ARE EASIER TO SELL OFF. SOME BUY BROILERS BASED ON THE TYPE OF TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS BECAUSE THERE ARE BROILERS THAT ARE STRONGER AGAINST COLD AND SOME ARE STRONGER AGAINST HEAT.

Am going to be talking about the 4 best types of broiler breed we have in Nigeria and the hatchery that produces them, the advantages they have over themselves and you get to know which you should go for when you are ready to start poultry farming.

The 4 best Broilers are
1)ROSS 308.
2)COBB 500.
3)ARBOR ACRE.
4)MARSHALL.

1)ROSS 308.
The Ross 308, they don't grow very tall and are always short but very fat, they can withstand cold but they hate heat.Ross 308 grows faster than other broilers breed. They have a good conversion ratio and are more suitable to be raised for 4-6weeks and then sell them off. they can weigh up to 2.5kg at 5WEEKS of age. The hatcheries that produce them include SAYED AND AGRITED HATCHERY.

2)COBB 500.
Not as fast-growing as the Ross 308, but they grow taller than Ross 308. They can’t withstand cold and often sneeze and contact chronic respiratory diseases(CRD) easily even when they are still a day old chick. They are also strongly resistant to heat more than Ross 308. And more agile and resistant to diseases.
Hatcheries that produce COBB 500 include ZARTECH, OLAM, CASCADA, AND NPG.

3)ARBOR ACRE.
They are more similar to Ross 308 and can weigh up to 2.7kg At 6 weeks of age, they have an average daily weight gain of 93 g and an average daily weight gain of 79g at 8 weeks of age under good conditions. They are also more resistant to diseases.
Hatcheries that produce ARBOR ACRE ARE AMO, CHI, AND FIDAN.

4)MARSHALL
The only disadvantage is that Marshall doesn’t grow up fast like the other breeds do but they are the broilers that grow the tallest among the broilers breed. And they are more required during the celebration period because of their physical appearance. They can stay up to 12 weeks before you can start marketing to sell them.

13/05/2024

The Art of Crop Rotation: Boosting Soil Health and Yields in Nigeria

For generations, Nigerian farmers have nurtured the land, coaxing bountiful harvests from the earth. But with a growing population and the ever-present threat of soil degradation, traditional practices need a modern twist. Enter crop rotation, an age-old technique that's experiencing a resurgence due to its remarkable benefits.

A Dance of Nutrients

Imagine your soil as a bank account. Certain crops, like maize, are heavy feeders, withdrawing specific nutrients. Planting the same crop year after year depletes this account, leading to weakened plants and diminished yields. Crop rotation is like depositing diverse crops. Legumes, for example, with their nitrogen-fixing abilities, enrich the soil, while deep-rooted plants improve drainage and aeration. This creates a balanced ecosystem, ensuring a sustainable supply of nutrients for future harvests.

Nature's Built-in Pest Control

Monoculture, planting the same crop repeatedly, is a buffet for pests and diseases that specialize in that particular plant. Crop rotation disrupts this cycle. By introducing different crops with varying pest vulnerabilities, you break the life cycle of these unwanted guests. It's a natural defense mechanism that keeps your crops healthy and reduces reliance on chemical pesticides.

More Than Meets the Eye: Soil Health Matters

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving farm. Crop rotation goes beyond immediate yields, nurturing the very lifeblood of our agricultural system. By incorporating cover crops and allowing residues to decompose, organic matter in the soil increases. This translates to better water retention, improved soil structure, and a thriving community of microorganisms – all essential for long-term soil fertility.

Planning Your Rotation Success

The beauty of crop rotation lies in its adaptability. Consider factors like your local climate, soil type, and desired crops. Legumes like beans and peas are excellent nitrogen fixers. Deep-rooted plants like cassava can break up compacted soil. Consult with agricultural extension agents to develop a rotation plan specific to your needs.

The Future of Nigerian Agriculture

Crop rotation is a powerful tool, offering a sustainable path towards increased yields, reduced reliance on external inputs, and a healthier environment. By embracing this time-tested practice, Nigerian farmers can ensure the continued bounty of the land for generations to come.

Remember, crop rotation is an art, not a rigid formula. Experiment, adapt, and watch your soil and crops flourish!

11/05/2024

Cultivating Connections: How Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is Thriving in Nigeria

Nigeria's agricultural sector is a sleeping giant, with the potential to not only feed its population but also become a regional powerhouse. However, a critical challenge lies in connecting farmers directly with consumers, especially those seeking fresh, healthy, and local produce. This is where Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) emerges as a game-changer.

The CSA Model: A Shared Journey

CSA fosters a unique partnership between farmers and consumers. Consumers commit to a subscription at the beginning of a growing season, paying upfront for a regular basket of fresh produce from a specific farm. In return, they receive a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and sometimes even eggs or dairy products, all grown using sustainable practices.

Benefits for All: A Win-Win Situation

According to a study by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) [research on CSA in Nigeria can be found in various reports by IITA], CSA offers a multitude of advantages for both farmers and consumers in Nigeria:

Financial Security for Farmers: Upfront payments from CSA members provide farmers with much-needed financial stability at the start of the season. This allows them to invest in better seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation, ultimately leading to higher quality produce.

Fair Prices for Consumers: By cutting out middlemen, CSA ensures that farmers receive a fairer share of the profits. Consumers, on the other hand, benefit from competitive prices and the knowledge that their money is directly supporting local agriculture.

Freshness on Your Plate: CSA guarantees access to the freshest possible produce, often harvested just hours before reaching your table. This translates to superior taste, higher nutritional value, and a reduced environmental footprint due to shorter transportation distances.

Building a Community: CSA fosters a sense of community between farmers and consumers. Consumers gain valuable insight into the challenges and rewards of farming, while farmers receive direct feedback and appreciation for their hard work.
The Rise of Nigerian CSA Initiatives

While still in its early stages, CSA is gaining traction in Nigeria. Platforms like Farmlinkup and Hello Tractor are leveraging technology to connect consumers with CSA farms. Additionally, farmers' markets in major cities are increasingly featuring CSA booths, raising awareness and accessibility.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite its promise, CSA faces hurdles. Educating consumers about the model and its benefits is crucial. Additionally, logistical challenges like storage and delivery in sometimes-remote areas need to be addressed.

A Sustainable Future for Nigerian Agriculture

By overcoming these obstacles, CSA has the potential to revolutionize Nigeria's agricultural landscape. It empowers farmers, provides consumers with healthy food options, and fosters a more sustainable and equitable food system. As CSA continues to grow, Nigerians can look forward to a future where their plates are filled with fresh, local produce, cultivated through a thriving network of connected communities.

08/05/2024

The Art of Crop Rotation: Boosting Soil Health and Yields in Nigeria

In Nigeria, agriculture is not just a means of livelihood; it is deeply intertwined with the nation's culture and economy. With a growing population and increasing pressure on land resources, sustainable farming practices are becoming imperative. Among these practices, crop rotation stands out as a time-tested technique for enhancing soil health and agricultural yields. In this article, we delve into the art of crop rotation and its significance in the Nigerian agricultural landscape.

Understanding Crop Rotation:

Crop rotation is a method of farming where different types of crops are cultivated in the same area sequentially over a series of growing seasons. The primary goal of crop rotation is to optimize soil fertility, control pests and diseases, and improve overall crop yields. By alternating crops with different nutrient requirements and growth patterns, farmers can prevent soil depletion and maintain its productivity over time.

Benefits of Crop Rotation:

Soil Health Enhancement: Continuous cultivation of the same crop can deplete specific nutrients from the soil, leading to nutrient imbalances and decreased fertility. Crop rotation helps replenish soil nutrients naturally by diversifying the types of crops grown. Leguminous plants, such as beans and cowpeas, are often included in rotation cycles as they have the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, enriching the soil for subsequent crops.

Pest and Disease Management: Monoculture, or the continuous cultivation of a single crop, creates a favorable environment for pests and diseases to thrive. Crop rotation disrupts pest and disease cycles by introducing different plant species that may not be susceptible to the same pathogens. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more sustainable farming ecosystem.

W**d Suppression: Certain crop rotation patterns can help suppress w**d growth naturally. For example, planting cereals like maize or sorghum followed by legumes like soybeans or groundnuts can effectively crowd out w**ds, reducing the need for herbicides and manual w**ding.

Improved Yields and Income: By maintaining soil fertility, managing pests and diseases, and reducing w**d pressure, crop rotation ultimately leads to improved crop yields. Higher yields translate to increased incomes for farmers, contributing to poverty alleviation and food security in Nigeria.

Crop Rotation in Nigerian Agriculture:

In Nigeria, where smallholder farming dominates the agricultural landscape, crop rotation has been practised for generations, often guided by traditional knowledge and experience. However, modern challenges such as land degradation, climate change, and population growth necessitate a renewed emphasis on sustainable farming practices like crop rotation.

One prevalent crop rotation system in Nigeria involves alternating between cereals, legumes, and root crops. For example, a typical rotation cycle might include planting maize or millet in the first season, followed by cowpeas or groundnuts in the second season, and then sweet potatoes or cassava in the third season. This rotation not only maintains soil fertility but also provides a diverse range of food crops for both subsistence and commercial purposes.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Despite its benefits, widespread adoption of crop rotation faces several challenges in Nigeria. Limited access to quality seeds, lack of knowledge about best practices, and inadequate infrastructure for market access are some of the barriers that smallholder farmers encounter. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts from government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector to provide technical support, extension services, and market linkages to farmers.

Moreover, there are significant opportunities to leverage modern agricultural technologies and innovations to enhance crop rotation practices in Nigeria. Precision agriculture techniques, such as soil testing and digital mapping, can help tailor crop rotation plans to specific agroecological conditions, maximizing efficiency and productivity. Additionally, investment in research and development of high-yielding crop varieties adapted to rotation systems can further boost agricultural productivity and resilience.

Conclusion:

In the quest for sustainable agriculture and food security, crop rotation emerges as a fundamental practice with profound implications for Nigeria's farming communities. By embracing the art of crop rotation, Nigerian farmers can rejuvenate soils, mitigate pest and disease pressures, and improve crop yields, thereby ensuring a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector for generations to come. As Nigeria continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, crop rotation stands as a beacon of hope, offering a pathway towards a more sustainable and bountiful agricultural future.

05/05/2024

Toulouse Geese

Toulouse Geese originate from the countryside around the city of Toulouse in Southern France. The French created this incredibly heavy goose to use for ‘Pâté de foie gras’. This has been, and still is, a delicacy in France. Forced feeding in the production of foie gras is controversial, due to the procedure of forcing a tube down the throat and the health consequences of an enlarged liver. European countries now have laws against the sale of foie gras and the force-feeding of animals although France continues to ignore these laws.

The Toulouse is a popular goose and good specimens can sell for high prices. It was the British and American breeders that increased the size and dewlap of the Toulouse Goose even further. German Toulouse have smaller keels than British Toulouse.

The Grey Toulouse Goose (together with the Embden Goose) was one of the first Geese to be standardised in 1865 in the UK. The White version was standardised in 1982 and the Buff in 1997. In North America, the Toulouse entered the American Standard of Perfection in 1874 and is only standardised in Gray. In France they are called L’oie du Toulouse and in Germany Toulouser Gänse.

Uses: Utility – meat, especially when crossed with Embden Geese. As a broody although due to their size, can break their eggs.
Eggs: 20 to 40 white eggs per year.
Origin: France.
Weight: Gander: 11.8-13.6Kg. Goose: 9.1-10.9Kg.
Colours: Grey, Buff and White
Useful to Know: A popular fast-growing commercial hybrid is an Embden Gander crossed with Toulouse Geese. Dropped Tongue is common in Toulouse Geese.

Credit to Tim Daniels of PoultryKeeper

03/05/2024

Embden or Bremen Geese

Embden Geese are a white goose that is sometimes called the Emden (without the ‘b’) or the Bremen (usually in America). Embdens have an orange bill and legs and have blue eyes. Embdens are quite tall compared to other geese, although the Embdens in the UK tend to be a little shorter and stockier than those found in Europe and heavier than those found in North America.

The Embden is thought to originate from the North part of Germany. The town of Emden used to be spelt with a ‘b’ and the goose has retained this in its name in the UK. Some early publications suggest it might have some of its origins in Holland but some of the more respected Authors of the day, such as Lewis Right believed the breed to have been created in Emden, North Germany.

Embden geese do not lay very many eggs in a season, typically only 20 eggs. They will often go broody and are good sitters. Ganders can be aggressive whilst protecting the sitting goose or young goslings. Some grey feathers can be found in young first year females, typically on their back or rump but eventually, they should end up as pure white.

The Embden is called L’oie d’Emden in France and Emder Gans in Germany. They have been a popular bird to use to generate a hybrid cross for meat production across Europe. In the UK, the largest supplier of Embden Crosses is in Norfolk – Goslings from Gulliver Geese. Typically, Embdens can be crossed with Toulouse Geese or other large Geese if you want to create a good utility hybrid.

During the last century, the emphasis was always on improving the goose’s weight and many of the early poultry shows judged birds on their dead weight. In America, the standard weights have always been lower (currently 26lb for an Old Gander) compared to the British Waterfowl Standard (currently 28 to 34lb for Ganders).

The Embden goose entered the British Poultry Standard in 1865 and the American Standard of Perfection in 1874.

Credit to Tim Daniels of PoultryKeeper

01/05/2024

Quick Steps To Grow Yams In Sacks For Harvest Within 6-8 Months

Yam sack farming is the growing of yam in sacks. The beauty of this method is that it allows even those with limited space to enjoy the benefits of homegrown yams.
Growing yams in sacks is not just a practical solution, it is also an eco-friendly and resource-efficient method.

By using sacks, you can save water and space and even reduce the risk of pests and diseases.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you grow yams successfully in sacks:

Step 1 – Selecting the appropriate sacks is the first step in successful yam cultivation. Get cement sacks or rice sacks, the bigger the sack(s) the better. You can get sacks from old garri, semo, and bean bags.

Step 2 – Before you begin planting, take a moment to select the right yam variety for your growing conditions. Here are a few popular choices to consider:

Dioscorea alata (Water Yam): Known for its smooth, tender flesh and sweet flavour.

Dioscorea rotundata (White Yam): Has a dry, starchy texture and is often used in traditional dishes.

Dioscorea cayenensis (Yellow Yam): Features a yellowish flesh and a milder flavour.

Then get ash from burnt charcoal and rub on the yam heads which have been cut in small sizes.

Step 3 – Fill the sacks with healthy soil.

Step 4 – You either bury the yam heads or cut your yam into small sizes, rub the ash on the piece, then bury deep in the sack filled with soil.

Step 5 – Proper care is essential for the successful growth of your yams. Yams love consistent moisture, so be sure to keep the soil evenly moist without overdoing it. Make sure the sacks have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. Place the sacks outside where it can access rain and sunlight.

Step 6 – Provide support: As the yam plants grow, they will need support to prevent them from sprawling. Install stakes or trellises around the sacks and gently tie the vines to encourage upward growth. As soon as it starts springing leaves, attach a stick to it, so the leaves can climb.

Remember to perforate, make holes around the bag, to avoid water logging and decay and loss of the seedlings.

Other things can be planted this way too. Such as Potatoes, corn, okro, spinach.

There is lesser disease and pest infestation with yam sack farming nonetheless, regularly check your yam plants for any signs of pests or diseases. Common yam pests may include armyworm, nematodes, aphids etc. If issues arise, address them with organic pest control methods or consult a professional if necessary.

Patience pays off! Your yam plants are usually ready for harvest 6-8 months after planting.

30/04/2024

African Geese

African Geese are some of the largest domestic geese, the Ganders weighing up to 12.7Kg. They are close relatives of Chinese Geese and have a similar ‘knob’ above their beak, being a descendent of the Swan Goose (rather than the Greylag that other breeds of geese are descended from). They lay far less eggs than Chinese geese, normally producing somewhere between 20 and 40 eggs per year.

Despite the confusing name, African Geese are believed to originate from China. African’s are often crossed with Toulouse Geese to create a commercial hybrid bird used for meat. African geese normally have a very docile temperament. The geese tend to be stockier, with a larger keel than the gander who also has a higher pitched call than the goose and is usually larger in size.

In France, the African Goose is called L’oie Africaine. The Brown / Grey was standardized in the UK in 1982, the Buff in 1999 and the White in 1982. The African goose entered the American Standard of Perfection in 1874.

Uses: Crossed with Toulouse for meat production, sometimes as a broody.
Eggs: 20 to 40 white eggs per year.
Origin: Possibly China.
Weight: Gander: 10 – 12.7 Kg. Goose: 8.2 – 10.9 Kg.
Colours: Brown / Grey (most common), Buff, White.
Useful to Know: The dewlap is slow to develop in some African Geese, taking 12 to 36 months to develop fully. Usually a gentle breed, despite their size.

Credit to Tim Daniels of PoultryKeeper

29/04/2024

The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Resilience and Prosperity Launches Agribusiness Challenge Fund

The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Resilience and Prosperity has launched an Agribusiness Challenge Fund, calling for proposals from SMEs in the agriculture sector that can create work opportunities at scale for young women and men, young persons with disabilities, and refugee youth.

The Agribusiness Challenge Fund will provide SMEs with innovative and commercially viable agribusinesses across 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa the opportunity to receive support to upscale their businesses in a bid to create sustainable employment opportunities for young people, with particular focus on young women.

Selected SMEs will receive support from the Fund, including grants ranging from US$ 500,000 to US$ 2,500,000, disbursed over a 3-year period, based on the applicants’ development stage, scalability and business model, in accordance with agreed periodic milestone targets. The funding structure will be determined on a case-by-case basis after evaluating proposals and organizations. Additional support to successful applicants will include tailored technical assistance in alignment with FRP objectives over the 3-year period.

The Agribusiness Challenge Fund call for proposals is currently open and will close on November 22, 2024, with periodic collections of applications to be assessed every 12 weeks.

The Challenge will be open to SME applications as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and their projects are being implemented in at least one of the 20 focus countries the Fund is targeting. Unsuccessful applicants will have the opportunity to refine and resubmit their applications for subsequent collections.

Potential applicants for the Agribusiness Challenge Fund can register and access the application platform through the Fund website. http://www . frp.org / apply

Source: https: // mastercardfdn.org /all/the-mastercard-foundation-fund-for-resilience-and-prosperity-launches-agribusiness-challenge-fund/

28/04/2024

Growth and Life Cycle of Ostrich in Poultry Business

Ostriches, while not technically poultry (they are flightless birds in the order Struthioniformes), are sometimes raised commercially for their meat, skin, feathers, and eggs. They have a unique growth and life cycle compared to traditional poultry species like chickens and turkeys. Here's a breakdown:

Hatching and Chick Stage (0-3 months):

Chicks hatch after an incubation period of around 42 days.

They are precocial, meaning they are mobile and independent shortly after hatching.
Chicks grow rapidly, reaching about 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs) by 3 months old.

They require a diet high in protein and fiber during this stage.

Grower Stage (3-12 months):

Ostriches continue to grow quickly, reaching about 100-150 kg (220-330 lbs) by 12 months old.

Their diet can transition to more forage and grains during this stage.
Feathers begin to develop, but they are not yet mature.

Maturity and Breeding Stage (12-36 months):

Ostriches reach sexual maturity around 18-24 months old.

Females lay eggs starting around 2 years old, with peak production between 3 and 5 years old.

Males develop their characteristic black plumage and become territorial.

Adult Stage (3+ years):

Ostriches can live for 20-30 years in captivity.

Females lay clutches of 15-20 eggs each year.

Males continue to defend their territories and mate with multiple females.

Key Considerations for Ostrich Farming:

Ostriches require large enclosures with plenty of space to roam and graze.
They are social creatures and do best in groups.

Their powerful legs and sharp beaks can pose safety hazards, so proper handling is essential.

The ostrich industry is not as well-established as the poultry industry, so there may be fewer resources and support available to farmers.

If you're considering raising ostriches for commercial purposes, it's important to do your research and understand the unique challenges and requirements of this species.

This domain has all already been restored and not Suspended anymore. If you are the registrant of the domain please update your nameservers so it resolves to your site.

18/03/2024

To my Kogites following me here. Kindly inform your loved ones to look for a cooperative and benefit from these World Bank intervention funds. Do now before they close their portal.

Credit to Jeffy Oche