As said before, grasscutter production is one of the easier low-cost ventures in agriculture. However, no matter how small, it will still cost you some amount of money to start and hopefully make some profits.
Today, we expose the costs and benefits of grasscutter production. The analysis will also include all inputs needed to reach high profitability.
The most interesting thing about grasscutter rearing is, the budget to start is so flexible with so many ways to house them, even when you don’t have enough money.
In the end, you will know how much money you can make from producing grasscutter. Also, an idea of how much it will cost you to get to profitability.
Let’s first look at the benefits part.
Read Also: How to Successfully Start Grasscutter Production Business; Complete Guide
Cash Benefits in Grasscutter Production
You can make money from the sale of;
- Weaners at 6weeks for breeding by other farmers.
- Matured at 8months with 2.5kg weight for consumption.
- Matured female, ready to mate for breeding by other farmers.
| Type | Price (GHC) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Weaners | 150.00 | Production |
| Matured males | 250.00 | Production |
| Matured females | 300.00 or higher | Production |
| Matured | 103 per kg | Consumption |
So, sales of 100 matured grasscutter in a year at GHC200 will earn you GHC20,000.00. Just an assumption.
From this information, you now have an idea of the size of production per year. That target will also inform you of the size of the colony and the investment you must make to achieve the levels you want.
That takes us to the cost.
Read Also: Complete Guide on Profitable Rabbit Production and Management
Cost of Producing Grasscutter
To arrive at the amount you need to start grasscutter production, you must consider.
- Cost of the housing structure
- Cost starter/breeding stock
- Cost feeding and Water
- Medication cost
- Labour cost
The cost of these components varies according to the location, and the availability of materials. Especially with housing. Though concrete or metal cages are preferred for their durability, wood or bamboo may be very cheap materials in your area.
The same applies to the kind of feed available in your area may determine the cost of feeding. Sometimes you may have to travel distances to get their feed.
To stay profitable and productive, make sure you have easy access to all the materials and conditions that promotes production of grasscutter.
| Item | Description | Quantity | Unit Cost(GHC) | Total (GHC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 tier metal cage | 1.5mx9m | 1 | 2000.00 | 2000.00 |
| Breeding stock (Female) | Matured | 4 | 300.00 | 1200.00 |
| Breeding stock (Male) | Matured | 1 | 300.00 | 300.00 |
| Feed & Water | 12 | 50.00 | 600.00 | |
| Labour | 12 | 50.00 | 600.00 | |
| Total | 4,700.00 |
Feed, water, and labour are usually provided by the farmer. It is always good to put a cost to them to have a true picture of how much it will cost. The cost of a cage may vary depending on the materials used.
Note: A 3 tier cage with dimensions 1.5mx9m can keep about 100 grasscutters.
This costing also gives you an idea how much you need to invest to start a grasscutter production business.
In conclusion
First, know whom you will sell your grasscutter to. That will be a motivation to set a production target to meet market demand. This target will also help you to know what you need to start production.
