Starting a castor oil farming business can be a lucrative venture, as there is a growing demand for castor oil in various industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and lubricants.
If effectively utilized a whole Nation can be self reliance if it ventures into castor oil farming.
This observations was made by the group CEO and founder of Optimistic Farms and Agro-Consult, Mr. Afolayan Samuel Ifeoluwa.
During an interview session with 9japarrot media, Mr. Samuel shared with our Team on how they have been to train over 100 people physically and 5000 people virtually in regards to castor oil farming.
He noted that apparent to what people generally may have thought about castor beans farming before, castor beans can be farmed in any type of soil or land. In addition, he added that Oilpalm plantation can also survive in Kwara State while noting that their Oilpalm producing fruit has kicked off in Pampo, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Discussing their journey so far and challenges which started 4 years ago, the Team’s Agronomist, Mr. Uba Paschal highlighted how they have been able to overcome their challenges while putting in more effort to meet client expectations.
He added that the brand helps to set up farms and manage farms for people who are either not chances to practice agriculture in person, or people who are not in the country. Such that adequate reports are given intermittently.
L-R: Olodo Saka Kayode – Admin officer, Uba Paschal – Agronomist, Afolayan Samuel Ifeoluwa – CEO/Founder and Shittu Abdulganiyu – Farm supervisor
Olodo Saka Kayode the group’s admin officer spoke on the need for collaboration while charging relevant stakeholders to come on board and invest greatly in the castor oil business which is one of the fastest ventures to yield more returns within the shortest period of time with low or no risk evaluation.
The Farm Supervisor, Mr. Shittu Abdulganiyu noted that the group in its quest to give back to the society has begun its corporate responsibilities by supporting children and pupils living within the host community in their academic pursuits through provision of learning and educational materials, as a way of creating trust and synergy between the brand and host community.
The group further explained that Nigeria imports billions worth of castor oil every year despite having arable and fertile land, and climatic conditions suitable for its farming.
These reasons among many others motivate the brand (Optimistic Farms and Agro-Consult; a group of young and teaming Nigerian farmers) in venturing into the castor oil farming business.
The team is working round the clock, putting in all efforts and resources to bridge the huge gap between demand and supply and in the long run benefit from the dividends (financial rewards).
Optimistic Farms and Agro-Consult have directly trained farmers in the Northwest region (Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina states) of Nigeria culminating to well over thirty (30) hectares of castor cultivated land.
In the Southwest (Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti and Ondo states) the group have trained a culmination of forty-five (45) hectares.
Ten (10) hectares in the Eastern region (Imo state), Five (5) hectares in the South-south region (Edo and cross river states) and well over eighty (80) hectares of castor cultivated land in the North central region (Kwara, Kogi, Niger, F. C. T. and Nassarawa states).
Yet, with all these efforts, the group is yet to meet up with 50% demands of castor beans locally let alone internationally.
This report examines the financial viability of establishing more castor farms in Nigeria.
Aside from the castor farm business, Optimistic Farms and Agro-Consult duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria also help in setting up farms of various kinds for clients while giving it proper monitoring to yield positive outcome. Other services they render are; Purchase of farmland, Sourcing of Farm inputs, Farm management, Marketing of agricultural product and general Agricultural service.
Mr. Samuel while shedding more lights discloses that through their Kwara farms if partnered with the State Government can be another great source of generating huge revenue for the state continuously and consistently.
He urges relevant stakeholders and the government to tap from the uncommon riches tied to the business of castor business while calling on Nigerian youths to fall back to agriculture as it is a lucrative and reliable source of income.
Optimistic Farms and Agro-Consult office address is located at No 29, Coca-Cola road, opposite Ireti clinic, Unity area, Ilorin, Kwara state and can be contacted through 08083308295, 08072698736.
