Grasscutter farming: Make hay while the sun shines

Therefore, the quest for self-discovery due primarily to lack of good paying jobs has shown that one can double his/her money in less than eight months raising hybrid fast-growing species of grasscutter. This however, should be a thing of interest as for instance, a former banker who lost his job now has some money to […]

Therefore, the quest for self-discovery due primarily to lack of good paying jobs has shown that one can double his/her money in less than eight months raising hybrid fast-growing species of grasscutter. This however, should be a thing of interest as for instance, a former banker who lost his job now has some money to play around. Thanks to grasscutter breeding.
Joblessness and insufficient income can be a thing of the past, as you can make over 500 percent returns if N60,000 is invested in grasscutter farming! Sadly, Nigerians inclination to go into business in the fields where thousands have already made their fortunes has led to the utter neglect of such lucrative area as grasscutter production.
“If you want to succeed, strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success. Explore uncharted business paths.” Grasscutter farming though relatively new in livestock farming, is a viable commercial venture. Its economic potential is high within the region and has an extensive market due to its high demand. Only few Nigerians for now have penetrated the market and reaping big-profit without stress.
In Africa, Nigeria is reported to be the largest importer of frozen fish and meat and requires approximately 1.5 million tonnes of fish and meat annually to meet local demand.
Currently, domestic supply is about 0.5 million tones, which is far below the demand. This has necessitated massive importation which gulps over N20 billion annually. Preliminary market analysis, according to IFC, suggests that an additional 25,000 tonnes or 100% increase in current production can be easily absorbed.
Cattle which could have been another major source of protein, is being drained by desert encroachment, pest attacks and other factors.
Mini-livestock farming such as grasscutter, geese, snail, guinea-fowl, antelope, guinea-pig and rabbit is thus placed on the spotlight as the best option for food security in the country today.
We should now look inwards and focus on the neglected, but vital sources of animal protein for household diets and export. The grasscutter-raising business is adaptable to any location. Many owners use sheds, backyards, and old barns as sites for grasscutter hutch. With the health implications of red meat and the economy in turmoil;  now is a good time to consider the grasscutter business.
The best way I know to put good food on the table and more money in your pocket without big investment, is raising grasscutters. The profits can come in many ways. You can sell your grasscutters live or smoked to restaurants, the manure for fertilizer to horticulturists or for worm growing; even the breeding family of one-male and four-females can bring huge money. The white meat, however, is by far the most important product.
 Grasscutter meat has high carcass quality and the protein is comparable to sea food. The meat is recommended for patients with cardiac problems, diabetes and high blood pressure. Local demand for grasscutter meat is increasing as the people become more health conscious by avoiding the consumption of red meat that is loaded with cholesterol.
The main reason grasscutters are now preferred by some farmers for rearing purposes is because it’s easy to house and you don’t buy food for them like you do in fish, poultry and pig farming.
They can produce many litters. In this category, they are next to pigs and rabbits. A female grasscutter of good species can deliver up to 14 babies in a year. Another advantage is that they are efficient converters of wide range of vegetables and grass matters into meat, they have a rearing period of 24 to 26 weeks and they have a high rate of ailment resistance.
You can get started without the costly items the so called experts say you should have. With just N45,000 to N50,000 one can kick-off with one male and four females depending on the age and species. They can be reared in wooden cages which costs N10,000 each. Therefore, with N55,000 one is already in a profitable business.
Are you still doubting? If so, you have a long waiting to do on the unemployment queue. Avoid writing hundreds, possibly thousands of job applications where you “beg to apply” instead of settling down with this easy-to-start, profitable agribusiness that will help you build up your business capital, feed yourself and your family, get others employed and launch you en-route your financial freedom. The choice is yours.