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Catfish farming is a lucrative form of fish farming business. I have seen seve
ral
unemployed folks make it through this business; you too can also be success
ful if
you understand the real keys to success.
ii. The population of Nigeria is about 150million and this population is estimat
ed
to overtake that of the United states by year 2050. Now what does this mea
n for
catfi sh farmers? The truth behind this statistics is that there is a ready mark
et for
fish and the demand for fish cannot be met by local producers alone.
iii. There are a lot of recreation centers in Nigeria especially restaurants, fas
t
food outlets and bars; and fish (Point and Kill or Fish barbeque) is one of the
favorite food on the menus of these hangouts. You can even make money by
focusing on being a regular catfi sh supplier for these restaurants and bar.
iv. The operating cost for catfi sh farming (feed and maintenance) is very low
especially when compared to poultry farming.
v. In the month of December 2013, the federal government of Nigeria
implemented and enforced a law banning the importation of frozen fi sh. This
move was made to encourage the local production of fish. Now the truth is th
at
the demand for fish cannot be met by local producers alone, so there is pres
ently
a market gap waiting to be filled by smart entrepreneurs who can be bold
enough to venture into fish farming.
vi. There is a massive support and established credit line put in place by the
federal and state governments for farmers (both crop and livestock farmers).
Also, there is a fund set aside every year by the Central Bank of Nigeria and
other commercial banks in Nigeria to encourage and support farmers.
Starting Small Scale Catfish Farming in Nigeria Sample Business Plan Templ
ate
What You Need to Get Started
The first and probably the most important key to starting a successful catfi s
h
farm is the right mindset. Before embarking on this business venture, you m
ust
bear in mind that success in the agricultural sector, especially livestock bre
ed is
not instantaneous. So you must be prepared to endure the challenges of the
business and keep improving your farm equipment and breeding methodolog
y
over time.
The need to have at least the basic knowledge of any business you want to
venture can never be over emphasized. Never invest a dime to setup a catfi
sh
farm without first investing time to learn the fundamentals of catfi sh farming
(how the fi shes feed and reproduce, their favorite habitat, common diseases
that
aff ect them, etc).
A good way to get this knowledge firsthand is to visit a catfish fish farm and
make all the inquiry you need. It is even more better if you can serve as an
apprentice to a catfi sh farm owner for at least 60Days, this will equip you wi
th
both knowledge and experience. You should also read book and attend semin
ars
relating to catfish farming and management.
c. A Properly Conducted Feasibility Study
If you are really serious about setting up a catfi sh farm, then you should inv
est in
writing a business plan. This is very important as it helps you prepare and
execute your growth strategies properly. Secondly, you need a business plan
if
you intend to raise capital, or secure a loan from the bank for your fish farm.
Lastly, you will need a business plan to access the various funds and suppor
t line
established by the government and other institution. So start writing your
business plan today. You can seek the services of an agriculture business
consultant if you need help computing the financial estimates and projection
s.
Before going into the catfish farming business, you need to acquire or lease
at
least a full or half plot of land in a good location. The land should also be
accessible by road. This is important as you would want your potential custo
mers
to experience diffi culty while trying to locate your farm to buy your produce.
As
soon as the land is available, you can start allocating for each task. There s
hould
also be a decent space for the farm house ponds, and a good location for
drainage facility.
To operate your fish farm effi ciently, overhead tanks must be installed, and
borehole must also be considered; as its the best source of water for catfi sh
farming. You must ensure that there is a constant supply of water on a daily
basis
as the fi shes need it. The water system must not fail even if it means you
backing it up with a reliable water facility.
g. Pond Construction
Don try to fi x the pond yourself. You need the service of a consultant. Witho
ut a
well constructed pond, your business wont be able to stand the test of time;
and
you may end up spending more in the LONG RUN! You may choose to go for a
plastic pond tank to save cost, or you can opt for building the concrete pond
s.
2. Start small
6. Dont be afraid to take business risks. You wont know it works unless you
make an attempt.
Before you venture into catfish farming, you need to get a hold of the fingerli
ngs
and know the price. They can be obtained mainly through hormonal induction
or
artificial production, but if you prefer producing your own fertilized eggs, you
may have to make use of the homoplastic gland suspension.
Clarias nigro-digitatus
Heteroclarias
Clarias gariepinus
Heterobranchus bidorsalis
Heterobranchus sp (commonly found in the South Eastern part of Nigeria)
Clarias spp (this specie dominates the south west)
B. Feeding Methods
You have to ensure your feeds contain essential nutrients like lhysine, argini
ne
and methionine. The best type of meal to go for is fi shmeal; but due to its hi
gh
cost, it Is advisable not to go for it (that is if you are just starting out on a lo
w
budget); instead, you can use other conventional means such as Soya bean
cake, groundnut cake or plant residue (these conventional foods also meet th
e
nutrient requirements of catfi sh).
As the fi shes keep on feeding, the pond gets to its maximum loading point a
nd
the fish will stop growing. The more the fi shes stays in the pond after they h
ave
stopped growing, the lesser the profit margin. So it is advisable for fish farm
ers
to always begin scouting for customers as early as possible before the fi shes
mature for sale, so that it will be easier for them to market the fi shes withou
t
incurring any extra cost or loss.
commence production may only be able to startup with one pond after all th
e
investment made.