# **Professional Business Plan for Maize Farming in Iringa, Tanzania (2025)**
## **Cover Page**
**Business Name:** GreenHarvest Maize Farm
**Location:** Iringa, Tanzania
**Owner:** [Your Name]
**Contact:** [Your Email/Phone]
**Date:** [Insert Date]
**Capital Investment:** TZS 10,000,000
---
## **Executive Summary**
GreenHarvest Maize Farm is a small-scale maize farming business in Iringa, Tanzania, leveraging fertile
land and favorable climate conditions to produce high-quality maize for local and regional markets. With
a capital investment of TZS 10 million, the farm aims to cultivate 5 acres of maize, generating an
estimated revenue of TZS 15,750,000 in the first year, with a net profit of TZS 4,550,000. The business
will adopt modern farming techniques, efficient cost management, and strategic marketing to ensure
profitability and sustainability.
---
## **Project & Owner Introduction**
### **Owner Background**
[Your Name], an experienced farmer/businessperson with [X] years in agriculture, aims to establish a
profitable maize farming enterprise in Iringa.
### **Business Structure:** Sole Proprietorship
### **Location:** Iringa (fertile soil, reliable rainfall, proximity to markets)
### **Farm Size:** 5 acres (leased at TZS 200,000/acre/year)
---
## **Products/Services**
- **Main Product:** Dry maize grains (sold to wholesalers, processors, and local markets)
- **By-Product:** Maize stalks (sold as animal feed or used for compost)
- **Target Market:** Local traders, milling companies, and regional markets
---
## **Market Analysis**
### **Demand:**
- Tanzania’s maize consumption is growing due to population increase and food demand.
- Iringa supplies maize to Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and neighboring countries.
### **Competitors:**
- Small-scale local farmers and large commercial farms.
- **Competitive Advantage:** Better farming techniques, cost efficiency, and direct buyer relationships.
### **Pricing (2025 Projections):**
- Farm-gate price: **TZS 900/kg** (dry maize)
- Wholesale price: **TZS 1,050/kg**
---
## **Marketing Plan**
### **Sales Strategy:**
- Sell directly to local traders and wholesalers.
- Partner with milling companies (e.g., Azam Mills).
- Use local markets (e.g., Mafinga, Dar es Salaam).
### **Promotion:**
- Word-of-mouth marketing.
- Networking with agro-dealers and cooperatives.
---
## **Production Plan**
### **Land Preparation & Planting (5 Acres)**
| Activity | Cost (TZS) |
|------------------------------|------------------|
| Land lease (5 acres) | 1,000,000 |
| Ploughing & harrowing | 500,000 |
| Seeds (20 kg/acre @ TZS 5,000/kg) | 500,000 |
| Fertilizer (DAP & CAN) | 1,500,000 |
| Pesticides & herbicides | 500,000 |
| Labor (planting & weeding) | 800,000 |
| **Total Production Cost** | **4,800,000** |
### **Expected Yield:**
- **2,500 kg/acre** (average in Iringa)
- **Total Yield:** 12,500 kg
- **Revenue (TZS 900/kg):** **TZS 11,250,000**
---
## **Management Plan**
- **Owner:** Oversees operations and finances.
- **1 Permanent Worker:** TZS 300,000/month (harvesting period).
- **Casual Laborers:** Hired during planting/weeding/harvesting.
---
## **SWOT Analysis**
| **Strengths** | **Weaknesses** |
|------------------------------|-------------------------|
| Fertile land in Iringa | Dependence on rainfall |
| High local demand for maize | Price fluctuations |
| **Opportunities** | **Threats** |
| Export to neighboring countries | Pests/diseases |
| Contract farming with millers | Drought risk |
---
## **Financial Plan (TZS)**
### **Startup Costs (TZS 10,000,000)**
- Land lease: **1,000,000**
- Seeds, fertilizer, pesticides: **2,500,000**
- Ploughing & labor: **1,300,000**
- Contingency fund: **1,200,000**
- Miscellaneous: **4,000,000** (working capital)
### **Revenue & Profit Projection**
| **Item** | **Amount (TZS)** |
|------------------------|------------------|
| Total Production Cost | 4,800,000 |
| Total Revenue (12,500 kg @ 900/kg) | 11,250,000 |
| **Gross Profit** | **6,450,000** |
| **Operating Expenses** (labor, transport, storage) | **1,900,000** |
| **Net Profit** | **4,550,000** |
### **Break-even Analysis**
- **Break-even Yield:** ~5,333 kg (to cover TZS 4,800,000 costs at TZS 900/kg).
- **Profit Margin:** ~40%.
### **Cash Flow (First Year)**
- **Initial Investment:** TZS 10,000,000
- **Revenue:** TZS 11,250,000
- **Net Cash Flow:** **+TZS 1,250,000** (after covering costs)
---
## **Implementation Timeline**
| **Month** | **Activity** |
|-------------|-----------------------------|
| Jan-Feb | Land leasing & preparation |
| Mar | Planting |
| Apr-Jun | Weeding & fertilizing |
| Jul-Sep | Pest control |
| Oct-Nov | Harvesting & selling |
| Dec | Financial review |
---
## **Risks & Mitigation**
| **Risk** | **Mitigation** |
|-----------------------|------------------------------------|
| Drought | Use drought-resistant seeds |
| Price fluctuations | Contract farming with fixed prices |
| Pests/diseases | Regular monitoring & spraying |
---
## **Conclusion**
With TZS 10 million capital, GreenHarvest Maize Farm can generate **TZS 4.55 million net profit** in
the first year. By optimizing costs, ensuring good yields, and securing reliable buyers, the business is set
for growth and sustainability.
**Next Steps:** Secure land, purchase inputs, and begin planting in March 2025.
---
**Prepared by:** [Your Name]
**Date:** [Insert Date]
This plan is realistic, based on current maize prices and farming costs in Iringa. Adjustments can be made
based on actual market conditions. 🚜🌽
