Q1. I read your article on Quail birds. I am interested in the business. Please how much do I need to start a commercial farm and how do I sell the eggs?

To start a commercial quail farm, you need minimum of 1,000 female birds or more. On the average the daily egg production will be 900eggs.

Average monthly feeding cost per bird’s N70

Initial Stock  :  1,000birds. at N200 per bird

Self cleaning cage :  (20units) 6ft by 3ft  - N 7,500per cage.

People are already getting aware of the medicinal values of quail egg, so selling the eggs should not be a problem. Some big supermarkets in Lagos are already buying from quail farmers. The market for quail eggs is large. Strategies for marketing any new products will also work for quail eggs.

Medicinal values of quail eggs

Treatment with quail eggs is recognised around the world. The list of diseases that can be cured (or alleviate the disease), using quail eggs are  asthma, heart disease, problematic nervous system, cancerous tumor,   allergics. Quail eggs purify the blood, normalise blood pressure, increase hemoglobin, intensively removes radionuclide’s from the body. It  restores the body after an operational period of a heart attack. Research scientists have shown that quail meat and eggs avoid adverse effects of stress and overwork. They are rich in unsaturated fatty acids that inhibit the development of atherosclerosis and obesity. Eggs are especially useful for children to enhance development, both physical and mental. A Japanese child eats 2quail eggs per day!  They give good results in treating infertility, epilepsy, allergies, and all kinds of eczema.

Q2. I am a young graduate and I am interested in establishing a Moringa plantation and a flower garden business please kindly help with information on how to go about it?

I have written extensively on moringa, I advise you visit the Nigerian Tribune Library for my past articles on moringa or Order for my book on Moringa Production.

Tips to starting a flower garden business:

1.   The followings are essential for a start up grower: land/space, water, spade, garden tools-cutlass, fork, rake, etc, water hose or watering can, gloves, wheelbarrow, Nursery bags or tray.

2. Start with healthy and common flowers

3. Grow a variety of flowers: don’t try to grow many varieties when starting your flower business. Increase the variety as the business grows Also, listen to your customers. Ask what they want to buy.

4. Get a right location to sell: selling your flowers should not be a problem. Look for offices, schools, hotels and market your flowers. You can also create a roadside place to display your flowers.

5. Make a business plan: Every business benefits from a plan for the future. Figure out where you want your business to go, and how you can get there. .

6. Exhibit Knowledge about your flowers: personal research into flowers will also be needed. Visit other flower growers and ask questions. Read books on flowers and gardening. Your customers would be more impressed if you show them that you know a bit more about the flowers than just their names and colours.

Q3.  I am into vegetable production, how can I benefit from the Fadama scheme?.

The Fadama scheme is being managed in every state by either the ministry of agric or ADP. I advise you contact the ADP office in your state.

Q4. I am a civil servant in Osun State, I will be retiring in 2015, please can you advise me on the most profitable agric business that I can invest in?

Sir, I advise that you start a business before you retire. It might be too late starting when you retire. Every business has a gestation period. Your investment should be based on your personal research into various opportunities in agriculture. Ask questions from people who are already in the business. Suggested agric business : oil palm, plantain, banana, poultry(egg laying birds), catfish, moringa plantation and food processing.

Q5. What is the local name for quail?

The quail is called japanese quail, it has no local name  The quail belongs to the same bird family as phea-sants(Aparo). It looks like our local bird called aparo but smaller. Quails range in size depending on the species from the Japanese quail which is around 10cm tall to the larger mountain quail that can grow up to 25 cm.