Page 10 - Agric Info Mag 01 2017

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The Ministry of Agriculture, For- Despite the benefits of farm
estry, Fisheries and Rural planning, it is important to
Transformation (MAFFRT) is note that external, unforeseen
currently in the process of in- factors and incidents may re-
tensifying its drive to assist duce the likelihood of suc-
farmers with completing farm cess.
plans . However, with a farm plan, it
is easier and quicker to get
This most recent effort is asso- back on track and return to
ciated with the Agri-Export profits.
Strategy Initiative, which seeks Also, the farm planning proc-
ess can be time consuming,
to improve export performance since it involves conducting
by better aligning production market research, doing crop
with export demand. budgets and establishing the
best portfolio of enterprises
In addition to assisting farmers which can bring in the best Associated with this is a sec-
with increasing their farm in- profits. ond objective of assisting
farmers with maximizing farm
come, Farm planning has addi- The farm planning process is incomes, with a target of at
tional benefits, such as: an incessant process of re- least $1 per square foot per
valuation and improvement to
 It allows the farmer to iden- ensure the best fit between year, or $43,560 per acre per
tify the gaps in cash-flow the productive capacity, family year.
and implement strategies to Farm planning is the process
ensure positive cash flows needs and the farm and the
throughout the year. market opportunity. by which farmers evaluate
 It provides a basis in which The planning process is and finalise what is the best
creditors, such as banks, somewhat complex due to the combination of crops and or
can make decisions as to many variables that may oc-
whether or not to approve a This depends on the farm’s
loan to a farmer who is seek- cur.
ing financial aid. The Ministry of Agriculture, productive capacity, the fi-
 It facilitates marketing ar- Forestry, Fisheries and Rural nancial constraint and man-
rangements with buyers, Transformation (MAFFRT) is
who can assess the pro- currently in the process of in- agement capacity of the
jected quantity and prices of farmer and the market oppor-
commodities to be pro- tensifying its drive to assist tunities that are available.
duced. farmers with completing farm
 It minimizes the chances of plans . The process endeavours to
loss by assessing produc-
tion and market risks by ini- This most recent effort is as- sustainably utilize the physi-
tiating strategies to mini- sociated with the Agri-Export cal and non-physical re-
mise failure.
 It provides a foundation for Strategy Initiative, which sources over the long term to
engaging with the MAFFRT’s seeks to improve export per- ensure better net income
extension staff. formance by better aligning which will lead to improved
production with export de- standard of living of the
mand.
livestock needed to maximize farmer.
and sustain farm income.