Choosing Investment Over Instant Gratification

As an NYSC corps member, I know how hard it is to save. Trust me, some people can relate. You would feel like your allowance is enough, not until another problem shows up in front of you, staring as if it had been waiting for too long.

Ha! It isn’t funny at all — transport, feeding, cooking, and more. They are demanding. But here is where I relieved myself of some of these headaches. Though it was not the final solution, it paved the way for something more significant.

I realized that I was broke and wanted more because of my dreams and goals.
Hmm! I decided to go into a bit of agriculture.

I didn’t think that agriculture could change my perspective on life. I didn’t even envisage that money could come out of it and be worth it.

First, I bought chicks for ₦25,000. It was about 25 pieces. Initially, feeding wasn’t the problem. I fed them with grower’s mash, but as they grew, I could barely survive.

Sometimes, I would weigh the cost of everything and ask myself, "Was I not spending more?"
In fact, I grew tired — not until they started laying eggs. As in, I was really happy. I used the money from the eggs to buy feed. Though I wasn’t gaining much, the money from egg sales was a relief.

But out of all these ups and downs, I understood the concept: Agriculture is not about making instant money. You need to lay down a foundation, and this foundation must not be weak. Quick money is not for farmers, yet farmers are rich. Farming is an investment that amazes you when you finally get something out of it.

What I am trying to say is that one needs to think long-term and also be patient. One cannot make it in agriculture without patience.
Additionally, one needs to get his or her hands dirty to get the best out of farming because it requires regular maintenance for one to sustain a clean enviroment.

Now, I have started raising chicks until they become fully grown adults. Additionally, I have begun to understand their diseases and illnesses, which means I am gaining experience. Also, I have been able to select the best chicks and eggs for the market and for personal use. I’ve also noticed that just a few fully grown chickens can cover many expenses.

Thanks @indiaunited for organising this contest.
Thanks @ecency.

Thanks for reading.