Strawberry Farm Management Program

Program Summary

Start Dates

Duration

Fees

Laerning Activities

Course Overview

The Strawberry Farm Management Program is a comprehensive training course designed for farmers, agribusiness professionals, and agricultural enthusiasts who aim to establish, manage, or scale strawberry farms.

Combining theoretical insights with practical demonstrations, this program equips participants with modern strawberry cultivation techniques, post-harvest management strategies, and sustainable farming practices.

Participants will gain the skills to optimize strawberry production, maintain soil health, control pests and diseases, adopt advanced technologies, and implement value-adding processes.

The program emphasizes profitability, sustainability, and market readiness, ensuring participants meet the growing demand for premium-quality strawberries in domestic and international markets.

What You Will Achieve

1

Hands-on Training

Field demonstrations on planting, irrigation, pest management, and harvesting.

2

Expert Guidance

Sessions led by experienced horticulturists and industry professionals.

3

Networking Opportunities

Connect with peers, buyers, and stakeholders in the strawberry value chain.

Program Curriculum

Module 1

Understanding the Strawberry Value Chain

Gain a comprehensive overview of the strawberry industry, including market dynamics, value chain opportunities, and consumer trends.

Topics Covered:

Economic significance of strawberries in local and global markets.
Market dynamics and consumer preferences for fresh and processed strawberries.
Certification opportunities, such as organic and fair trade, to enhance marketability.

Actionable Insights:

Identify local and export opportunities for fresh and processed strawberries.
Develop strategies to meet market preferences for quality and certifications.

Module 2

Agronomic Practices for Strawberry Production

Master best practices for soil preparation, planting, and agronomic techniques to optimize strawberry yields.

Topics Covered:

Land preparation techniques, including raised beds and mulching.
Selection of high-yield, disease-resistant strawberry varieties.
Crop rotation and intercropping for improved soil health.
Irrigation strategies tailored for strawberry plants.

Actionable Insights:

Implement raised beds and plastic mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds.
Develop a planting calendar based on variety and local climate conditions.

Module 3

Pest and Disease Management

Learn effective pest and disease control strategies using sustainable and integrated pest management (IPM) practices.

Topics Covered:

Identifying common pests (e.g., aphids, spider mites) and diseases (e.g., gray mold, powdery mildew).
o Using biological controls, such as beneficial insects and organic sprays.
Monitoring systems and early detection techniques.
Field sanitation practices to minimize pest and disease risks.

Actionable Insights:

Design an IPM plan tailored to your strawberry farm.
Train workers to identify and address pest infestations early.

Module 4

Mechanization and Technology Adoption

Discover how mechanization and modern technology can improve efficiency in strawberry farming.

Topics Covered:

Drip irrigation systems for water efficiency and plant health.
Precision agriculture tools, such as sensors and drones, for monitoring plant health.
Use of plastic mulch and raised beds for weed and moisture control.
Mechanized harvesting and packaging options.

Actionable Insights:

Adopt precision agriculture tools to monitor plant health and optimize yields.
Use mechanized harvesting equipment to reduce labor costs and maintain fruit quality.

Module 5

Post-Harvest Operations and Quality Control

Learn best practices to preserve strawberry freshness and quality during storage, transportation, and marketing.

Topics Covered:

Proper harvesting techniques and timing for optimal fruit quality.
Cooling, cleaning, and packaging processes for market readiness.
Grading systems to classify strawberries by size, color, and quality.
Storage and transportation practices to extend shelf life.

Actionable Insights:

Implement cooling systems to preserve freshness during transport.
Develop branded packaging to attract premium market segments.

Module 6

Value Addition and Processing

Explore opportunities to increase profitability through value-added products and secondary markets.

Topics Covered:

Processing strawberries into jams, sauces, dried fruits, and beverages.
Branding and packaging for value-added products.
Utilizing by-products, such as strawberry puree and freeze-dried powders.

Actionable Insights:

Launch a line of value-added strawberry products to capture secondary markets.
Leverage e-commerce platforms to market branded strawberry products.

Module 7

Financial and Business Management

Focus on financial planning, cost management, and market strategies for a profitable strawberry farm.

Topics Covered:

Developing financial plans and analyzing costs and returns.
Pricing strategies for local and export markets.
Exploring funding opportunities, grants, and subsidies for strawberry farming.
Building relationships with buyers, distributors, and exporters.

Actionable Insights:

Create a financial plan to optimize costs and maximize profitability.
Develop partnerships with distributors and retail outlets.

Module 8

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Learn sustainable farming practices to enhance productivity while preserving natural resources.

Topics Covered:

Organic farming techniques and certification processes.
Water conservation through rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation.
Promoting biodiversity with intercropping and pollinator-friendly plants.
Renewable energy integration for farm operations.

Actionable Insights:

Transition to organic certification to access premium markets.
Adopt renewable energy solutions to reduce farm operating costs.

Why Study at the Nigerian College of Agribusiness?

No other institution in Africa offers such a comprehensive approach to agribusiness and development sector education as the Nigerian College of Agribusiness. We provide a unique blend of academic rigor, practical expertise, and industry connections. Here, you will learn from experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields and deeply engaged with the latest advancements in their industries.

We leverage interdisciplinary knowledge and the latest research to enhance our programs, ensuring they are relevant and impactful. At NCA, you will continuously engage with thought leaders who are constantly shaping the dynamics of their industries and after graduation, you will be a life-long member of a vibrant alumni community that continually foster cross-disciplinary learning and networking.

Admission Process

STEP 1: Complete the Application for Admission Form for the course

STEP 2: A non-refundable application fee of N20,000 applies and will be deducted from the tuition upon enrollment. This is payable into
Zenith Bank
Account Name: Nigerian College of Agribusiness
Account Number: 1228461510

STEP 3: Attach receipt of Application fee with your highest academic credential and submit to: [email protected]

STEP 4: Upon successful evaluation of your application, you will receive your Admission Letter indicating acceptance into the program. The Letter will also contain details of enrollment into the Course.
Click on the link below to fill the application form for this course

Tuition Fees

Local: N450,000

International Students: $400

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