MY AGRIC STORY PT 2. VEGETABLES
I started with cabbages and at K10 a cabbage the price looked very attractive.
You could fit almost 100k cabbages in 1ha. The problem is it's not that simple.
Number of cabbages in a ha depends greatly on the variety and head size.
I started with cabbages and at K10 a cabbage the price looked very attractive.
You could fit almost 100k cabbages in 1ha. The problem is it's not that simple.
Number of cabbages in a ha depends greatly on the variety and head size.
PROBLEM #1. On the local market the bigger the head the higher price it fetches.
BUT the bigger heads also typically the longer maturity and the more expensive the seed for that variety.
Furthermore different varieties have different target markets. Not all cabbages are equal
BUT the bigger heads also typically the longer maturity and the more expensive the seed for that variety.
Furthermore different varieties have different target markets. Not all cabbages are equal
PROBLEM #2: Cabbages are HEAVY feeders and as such deplete nutrients in the soil.
Plant a crop today and get a great yield. Plant another cabbage crop tomorrow and the yield could be horrible.
Crop rotation is a must or the fertilizer costs spiral out
Plant a crop today and get a great yield. Plant another cabbage crop tomorrow and the yield could be horrible.
Crop rotation is a must or the fertilizer costs spiral out
PROBLEM #3: Cabbage like tomato is impacted by seasonality.
Cabbage needs a lot of water and prices are high from August onwards cos it must be irrigated.
After that when the rains start pests are a big issue and as a result the cost of chemicals increases the cost.
Cabbage needs a lot of water and prices are high from August onwards cos it must be irrigated.
After that when the rains start pests are a big issue and as a result the cost of chemicals increases the cost.
PROBLEM #4: The market price is not always the sale price.
If you take your cabbage to Soweto you will not get the sale price. Part of the crop will not sell as some customers will literally wait for it to start rotting.
They will remove the outer leaves and reduce the price
If you take your cabbage to Soweto you will not get the sale price. Part of the crop will not sell as some customers will literally wait for it to start rotting.
They will remove the outer leaves and reduce the price
Ideally you should stage your crop so you are harvesting over a longer period.
10k this week, 10k next week..etc that way you are not under pressure to sell your crop.
That also allows you to provide a consistent amount to your buyer over time
10k this week, 10k next week..etc that way you are not under pressure to sell your crop.
That also allows you to provide a consistent amount to your buyer over time
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