Tuesday, December 19, 2023

HOW PROFITABLE IS POTATO FARMING?

Written by Elfas Mcloud Zadzagomo Shangwa (Hunter)


Potato Farming and Processing Project in 4 Months Cash Flow Forecast and Profits for a 4 Hectare Using $100,000 Potato Farming and Processing Project in 4 months


Startup Expenditure (Budget):


When it comes to calculating the cost of starting a commercial potato farm with a potato processing plant, some key factors should serve as a guide. Factors such as the capacity of the potato processing plant you want to own and the size of the commercial potato farm.

Given that, here are some of the basic areas we will spend our startup capital on in setting up our commercial potato farm;

  1. The total fee for incorporating the business will amount to – $375.
  2. The total cost for payment of the insurance policy covers (general liability, workers’ compensation, and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $400

  3. The amount needed to acquire/lease a farmland – $1,500
  4. The amount required for preparing 4 hectares of farmland – $750
  5. The cost for acquiring the required working tools and equipment/machines/fencing et al – $7,000
  6. The amount required for the purchase of the first set of potato seedlings et al – $5,000
  7. The amount required to set up a standard potato processing plant within the farm facility – $15,000
  8. Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $10,000
  9. The cost of launching an official website – $60
  10. Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,000

Going by the report from detailed research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need an average of four hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($100,000) to start a standard commercial potato farm with a potato processing plant business.

Undertaking a potato farming and processing project with an investment of $100,000 in 4 hectares of land within 4 months can be a good business opportunity. However, it is crucial to have an accurate cash flow forecast and profit analysis to ensure the success of the project.

Cash Flow Forecast:

Starting a potato farming and processing project can be a profitable venture, but it is important to have a solid understanding of your cash flow forecast and potential profits. By creating a thorough cash flow forecast and analyzing your expenses and potential revenue, you can make informed decisions about your business and maximize your profits.

Potential Profits:

The potential profits for your potato farming and processing project will depend on a variety of factors, including your yield per hectare, the market demand for potatoes, and your processing costs.

Based on research, the potato crop can yield an average of 30 to 50 tons per hectare and sold at $300 per ton. Therefore, the project can yield around $225,000 to $300,000 from the sale of potato crops. Additionally, the processing of potatoes into packaged potato products such as chips, fries, and starch can add around $150,000 to $160,000 more to the revenue.

On the other hand, the costs of the project may vary depending on several factors such as soil fertility, access to water, weather conditions, labour costs, and equipment rental costs. For instance, the cost of preparing the land, planting the potatoes, and applying fertilizers can add up to $20,000.

The labour cost for harvesting and packing can add around $60,000. Equipment rental can add up to $8,000. The cost of electricity, packaging materials, and warehousing can also add up to around $12,000.

Considering the projected revenue and costs, it is estimated that the project can yield around $200,000 to $270,000 in profit by selling raw potatoes to the market within 4 months.

Below are the projections that we were able to come up with for the first three years of running our Potato Farms, Inc.;

ü First Fiscal Year (4 Hectares): $810,000        

ü Second Fiscal Year (8 Hectares ): $2,430,000

ü Third Fiscal Year (16, Hectares ): $7,290,000

For more about our work visit the following sites:

https://www.farmersprideinternational.org/

https://www.facebook.com/farmerspride.org/

All rights reserved @Farmer's Pride International

Saturday, December 16, 2023

FPI- Executive President's Year-End Report

  


December 16, 2023

 

Dear Farmer's, Partners and Shareholders,

I am pleased to present to you the year-end report for Farmer's Pride International, a leading agriculture company operating across several countries. Although carrying over challenges that started in 2022, the year 2023 has been a transformative and eventful period for our company, marked by significant achievements, challenges, and opportunities. I am proud to report that despite the global uncertainties, we have continued to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and sustained growth across our multi-national operations.

Financial Performance:

In the face of a complex and dynamic global economic environment, I would like to report that Farmer's Pride International has not been able to deliver strong financial performance for the year 2023 due to the slowing down of the start of its investments. In 2024 we expect growth that will be driven by our strategic expansion into new markets, increased productivity, and the successful launch of innovative agricultural products and services.

Operational Highlights:

Our commitment to operational excellence has been unwavering, and we have made substantial progress in several key areas. Our efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, streamline supply chain operations, and optimize distribution networks have yielded tangible results. Furthermore, our investment in cutting-edge technologies such as precision agriculture, data analytics, and sustainable farming practices has positioned us as a leader in the industry.

International Expansion:

Farmer's Pride International has continued its expansion drive into new markets, and we have successfully established a presence in 49 countries most of which are at their teething stage. Our international operations have contributed to our growth and allowed us to diversify our risk and leverage the unique opportunities presented by each market. Our ability to adapt to local conditions and cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders in these countries has been instrumental in our success.

Crops under Promotion for International Exports:

Farmer’s Pride International has chosen 15 high-value crops for its sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment, and through its RUAIPP it started providing skills and knowledge on Potato farming in 5 countries from the year 2022 to the year 2023, in the year 2024 we expect to bring on board the following crops:

1- Sunflower  

2- Moringa

3- Rice

4- Wheat

5- Soybeans

6- White Sesame seeds

7- Strawberries

8- Blueberries

9- Yellow maize

10- Ground nuts and other nuts

Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility:

As a responsible global citizen, we remain committed to sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility. Our initiatives to promote environmental stewardship, support local communities and ensure the welfare of our employees have been integral to our long-term success. We have made notable strides in reducing our environmental footprint, promoting responsible land use, and contributing to the well-being of the communities in which we operate.

Microfinance Credit Schemes: 

In the year, Kevin Wilson the Vice President and CEO managed to work with most of our international branches'  leadership in setting up microfinance credit schemes (Self Help Microfinance initiatives), these have brought in great results with countries involved now able to start bigger RUAIPP projects, these achievements have brought with them a relief to our farming communities who now find themselves being able to fund their agriculture activities. 

Cluster Farming:

It has always been a strength to work together as a people, FPI has brought in a special initiative that promotes working together and this initiative will assist our farming communities to win big as they work together on big projects that are self-funded from the Self Help Microfinancing initiatives being done in their communities, this gives them power to control the results of their projects. Agriculture Based Clusters are a composition of farming clusters and Industrial Clusters that promote the mass production of cross-border, value-chain development crops, that are required globally and can give farmers money in a short space of time. 

Challenges and Opportunities:

While we have achieved significant milestones in 2023 outside finances, we are not oblivious to the challenges ahead. The agriculture industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and global macroeconomic shifts. However, we see these challenges as opportunities for innovation, diversification, and strategic adaptation, and we are confident in our ability to navigate the evolving landscape.

Postponement of the Farmer's Global Network Round Table:

December 2023 saw the postponement of the Farmers Global Round Table, which was originally scheduled to take place on 22 December 2023. This was due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to reschedule the event to 6 to 11 May 2024

As a company committed to providing a high-quality event that brings together farmers worldwide to discuss the industry's challenges and opportunities we hope by postponing the event, we can ensure that our farming community and all stakeholders deliver on our promise.

 Partnerships:

In 2023 we managed to go into several partnerships with great partners and institutions of higher education, notably amongst all is our partnership with the Unversity of Richmond in the United States of America, a deal which was brokered by our Vice President and CEO Kevin Wilson. This partnership brings value to FPI as it will bring much-needed capacity building on Research and Development being carried out in New Jersey, USA, where we have our research and development department, this partnership brings Technology into RUAIPP.  

Looking Ahead:

As we look to the future, we remain focused on our strategic priorities, including innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. We are committed to leveraging emerging technologies, expanding our market presence, and fostering a culture of excellence across our global workforce. 2024 holds immense promise, and we are determined to build on our achievements and create long-term value for our shareholders, partners, and stakeholders. Lastly, on this part, 2024 shall see us fulfilling our investment promises as we bring in new partners to support our work.

 Appreciation: 

I would like to give my appreciation to my two vice Presidents, Kevin Wilson and Donald Pillai who have continued to stand with the company and me as we work on building a Global sustainable food transformation system. 

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to our country Directors, National Coordinators, Provincial Coordinators, District and Cluster Coordinators,  shareholders, employees, customers, and other partners for their unwavering support and dedication. Our success was only possible with the collective efforts of our global team. I am confident that with our shared vision and commitment, Farmer's Pride International will continue to thrive and lead the way in the agriculture industry.

Thank you for your continued trust and confidence in our company.

 

Sincerely,

 

Elfas Mcloud Zadzagomo Shangwa

Executive President and Founder

Farmer's Pride International

Mobile: +26773269606

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