The Chief Executive Officer of Benrotimi Farms, Mr Benjamin Olusoji Olarotimi, has revealed that the company has entered what he describes as “Phase Two” of its development, marking a significant transition from livestock production into large-scale cash crop cultivation as part of a broader vision to become one of Nigeria’s leading agribusiness brands.
Speaking during an interview with Golden Nation Multimedia, Olarotimi explained that the new phase represents a strategic diversification of the farm’s operations beyond livestock farming.
According to him, Benrotimi Farms initially focused on various livestock enterprises, including poultry, fish farming, goats, sheep, snails, and cattle. However, the company has now expanded into commercial crop production.
“Phase Two means we have moved beyond livestock farming alone,” he said. “We are now cultivating cash crops such as cucumber, watermelon, pepper, tomatoes, and other food crops. We want to be fully involved in everything related to food production and consumption.”
He noted that cash crop farming has brought a new dimension to the business, offering shorter production cycles and quicker returns on investment.
“There is a big difference between livestock and cash crop farming. Some crops mature within weeks, and within three months, you can already begin to see substantial returns. We’ve witnessed significant growth in revenue and profitability since introducing cash crops.”
Reflecting on the farm’s growth journey, Olarotimi disclosed that Benrotimi Farms started on just one acre of land.
“When we started, we had only about one acre. Today, we are operating on approximately three acres.”
He explained that part of the land is currently dedicated to cucumber production, while other sections are used for okra and pepper cultivation.
The company is also planning to establish greenhouse facilities to improve crop quality and increase yields despite changing weather conditions.
“We want to produce the best varieties possible and attract more buyers. In agriculture, offtakers are extremely important because they determine the market for your products.”
Today, Benrotimi Farms runs a diverse agricultural operation.
According to Olarotimi, the farm currently manages:
Layer and broiler poultry production
Catfish farming
Tilapia production
Red snapper cultivation
Goat and sheep rearing
Snail farming
Crop cultivation, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and watermelon
The company also processes and packages some of its products, including dried fish, frozen chicken, gizzards, goat meat, and snails.
Despite its growth, Olarotimi admitted that farming remains one of the most challenging businesses in Nigeria.
He identified transportation costs, insecurity, rising feed prices, and limited government support as major obstacles facing farmers.
“Transportation alone has become a serious challenge. Deliveries that used to cost ₦5,000 now cost ₦10,000, ₦15,000, or even ₦20,000 because of fuel prices.”
He also expressed concern about insecurity, particularly attacks on farms in rural areas.
“Many farms have been abandoned because of insecurity. Farmers are facing enormous challenges, and we need more support.”
One of the biggest issues confronting livestock farmers, he said, is the rising cost of animal feed.
According to him, Benrotimi Farms is currently working toward establishing a feed production facility that would allow the company to manufacture its own feed.
“The cost of feed is extremely high. Farmers spend heavily to raise animals, but when products reach the market, consumers often don’t understand the production costs involved.”
To sustain operations, the company frequently reinvests profits and supplements farm operations with income generated from its other businesses.
Olarotimi credits much of the company’s strategic growth to the knowledge he gained at Lagos Business School (LBS).
He described his time at LBS as transformational, saying it exposed him to new ideas, successful agribusiness models, and influential business leaders.
“Lagos Business School changed my mindset completely. I met CEOs, visited successful farms, learned modern business strategies, and gained contacts that have helped my business.”
He revealed that he and several classmates are currently working on establishing a new company focused on agricultural inputs, seedlings, cash crops, poultry products, and other agribusiness ventures.
“You cannot attend Lagos Business School and remain the same. The knowledge and exposure are invaluable.”
Benrotimi Farms currently employs about seven staff members across various departments, including farm operations, planning, record keeping, and animal health management.
Olarotimi emphasised the importance of hiring skilled personnel, particularly individuals with expertise in livestock management, vaccinations, and record keeping.
He also invests in staff development by sponsoring training programs, seminars, and professional courses.
“We want our staff to grow because the company cannot grow without them.”
When asked about leadership, Olarotimi said he believes in leading from the front.
Rather than managing from an office, he regularly works alongside his employees in the poultry pens, fish ponds, and livestock sections.
“I wear my work clothes and join them in the field. Leadership is about setting the right example.”
According to him, teamwork, discipline, and unity have been critical to the company’s progress.
Over the next five to ten years, Olarotimi envisions Benrotimi Farms becoming a nationally recognised agribusiness brand with an international footprint.
His ambition is to see Benrotimi products exported beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“We want our products to be consumed outside Nigeria. Even if only a small percentage of foreign customers patronise us, it will show that we have reached another level.”
The company is also exploring future investments in rice production, grain processing, and food manufacturing.
His long-term dream is to see products such as Benrotimi Rice and other branded food items available in markets across Nigeria and beyond.
Throughout the interview, Olarotimi repeatedly emphasised the need for stronger government support for farmers.
He argued that increased access to agricultural loans, farm security, infrastructure, and affordable inputs would not only strengthen food production but also reduce poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.
“Without farmers, there is no food. If the government invests more in agriculture, it will help reduce hunger, create jobs, and improve national security.”
For young Nigerians interested in agriculture, Olarotimi encouraged them to start small and remain patient.
“Start with the little space you have behind your house. You don’t need to begin big.”
He advised aspiring farmers to secure access to land first, describing it as one of the most important foundations for success.
“Once you have land and the passion to farm, you have already achieved a significant part of your dream.”
He also called for youth-focused agricultural programs that provide access to land, equipment, finance, and training.
While growth and profitability remain important, Olarotimi said he wants Benrotimi Farms to be remembered not only for quality products but also for its contribution to society.
“I want Benrotimi Farms to be known for quality, integrity, and giving back to society. We want to support the less privileged, orphanages, and communities around us.”
For the Benrotimi Farms CEO, agriculture is more than a business—it is a mission to produce food, create jobs, and contribute to national development.
“We have a dream,” he said. “And with hard work, patience, and God’s grace, that dream will become a reality.”
