We are deep into the annual planting season in this part of Nigeria; like most farmers in the community, cassava is one of the most important crops we plant. To me, farming is not just an occupation; it is also my hobby.

Satisfaction

Caring, nursing, pruning harvesting crops or caring for livestock is a very rewarding work that gives a lot of satisfaction and the feeling of accomplishment. Every day, you see your crops grow and the progress is satisfying, almost therapeutic in nature. Caring for these things feels like a natural instinct being satisfied.

Income Generation

After observing and enjoying the growth process of cultivated crops, a bumper harvest is a farmer's joy. Once you see your livestock multiplying or the good yield from your crops moved to the market and exchanged for money, it is a thing of joy. I often sell pumpkin fruits and seeds. The leaves are also a source of income.

Creating some hips as part of my preparation for planting cassava. Traditionally, we bury our cassava stem, but I prefer pining it in at an angle on a hip of loose soil.

Farming for esthetics

Imagine a well-built house at one corner of the land surrounded by a bush that grows wild. Such would demote the house. I plant and care for my garden because the green beauty of a well-kept garden adds beauty to the environment.

health and vitality

Our body needs to be used and pushed to a certain degree for it to function well. As I work on the farm, the farming activities also work on my body, like some kind of exercise or workout. Getting involved in this form of manual labour builds our body and endurance levels. So my farm is my Gym.

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Agriculture keeps me healthy

Many who live long and productive lives are farmers. Every day, the farm gives me something healthy to worry about, taking the concentration away from myself. Those advanced in age who worry about their crops and enjoy the peace that surrounds working in a garden often live longer.
It such people, maintaining the garden feels like therapy.

As a tool for transmitting culture

Though I often use the hips when planting cassava on the farm, I sometimes use our traditionally handed down method, which involves digging a shallow pit and burying the cassava horizontally with the ground after clearing, burning the bush and removing unburnt debris.

Conclusion and Invitation

Farming is an interesting occupation that provides revenue, satisfying work and also keeps us in good health.

I would love to invite the following friends to participate in this subcontest titled Agriculture and Me @ninapenda, @okere-blessing and @bela90

Media Credit

Composer	@manuelhooks
Graphics from	GalaxyA15
Entry type	Contest participation
Organizer	hive-118902
Date	Fri.. 23rd May
	(@) 2025