Do you have intentions of venturing into fish farming in Nigeria?
If so, this write-up will serve as a good guide. We will give you all the necessary guidelines that will lead you to set up a thriving fish farm in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, let’s take a quick look at fish farming in Nigeria.
Catfish Farming in Nigeria
Fish is an excellent wellspring of protein and several personalities in Nigeria have made it their favorite food.
As a result of the high demand for this protein meat, fish farming has become a rewarding agricultural enterprise.
The people who have gone into fish production can testify to that.
Background On Commercial Aquaculture in Nigeria
The 2012 statistics show that Nigeria has more than 13,000 fish farmers.
As a result, it stands as the leading fish-producing country in sub-Saharan Africa. This was achievable because the FGN provides financial assistance to fish farmers to develop their fish enterprises.
Fish farming can be thriving in all parts of the country, from the south, north-central, southeast, and southwest.
Whenever there is the availability of water, you can breed any variety of fish.
Notwithstanding, fish varieties that are grown in Nigeria comprise tilapia, catfish, and mackerel. Other strains that are not grown are due to low patronage.
Starting A Fish Farm in Nigeria
Below are a few guidelines that will lead you to establish a successful fish farm in Nigeria.
These steps are pretty straightforward, but it will take a lot of money.
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Determine the Farming Method
There are two methods for fish farming. We have an intensive and extended method.
Intensive fish farming means breeding fish in a closed synthetic system such as a concrete tank, a plastic tank, earth ponds, etc. While on the other hand, the extensive method is done under a typical river, or open pond.
Those who may want to set up a fish farm on a lighter budget should opt for the extensive method. The intensive method will be appropriate for those with heavy pockets because it is expensive to set up one.
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Get a Nice Farming Area
A good thing regarding fish farming is that it can be convenient practice in urban and rural areas. However, your desired farming method will have a big impact on your choice of farm place.
If you prefer an extensive method it means you will operate your fish farm outside residential zones.
But if you opt for an intensive method, you can make it everywhere, even in your home if you have enough space. As well, it will reduce some of the spendings.
Another thing you should consider in your choice of site is the safety of your farm. a
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Provide Sufficient Water
Water is an essential requirement for fish farming. The reason is that fish can’t survive without water. In this regard, you can construct a well or tap to get adequate clean water.
Those who will practice the extensive fish method can channel running water from a stream nearby.
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Get a Healthy Package of Fingerlings
The kind of fish you will want to grow counts a lot if you intend to make an enormous profit on your fish farm. There are fish species with a high yielding capacity, such as catfish, tilapia mackerel, and lots more.
You can get them from other fish producers who specialize in supplying fingerings. However, be sure to obtain healthy ones.
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Storage Facilities
Storage facilities are essential to fish farming. It could be a room or warehouse.
These are systems you can use and store your fish temporally before you make sales. Nonetheless, you may use it for other storage purposes.
For example, agricultural tools, feed, and so on.
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Make Advertisement
Marketing your farm is what’s going to add up to the success of your fish farm. If you can raise awareness of your products, you will be in contact with many potential buyers.
There are so many platforms for you to advertise. These include the media house, flyers, personal contacts, social media, and so forth.
What Are the Benefits Of Fish Farming?
Just below are a few benefits that go with fish farming, not just in Nigeria but other nations too.
Let’s go look at them.
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Fish Enterprise Moves
Those who have been in this industry for some time can attest to the fact that fish sells quickly compared to other animal strains. The reason is that fish is inexpensive.
With your little ₦100, you can buy a fish that can add to your soup and make it delicious.
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Doesn’t take Long to Mature
Fish are among the agricultural products that mature in a short time, which means you can harvest multiple times in a single season. Some feed is given to the fish to accelerate their maturity.
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Fish Farming is not a Disruptive Activity
As mentioned above, fish farming doesn’t affect the environment’s health.
You can practice any method of fish farming wherever you choose. This is among the factors most fish farmers in Nigeria adopt the intensive method of fish farming.
The Drawbacks to Fish Farming
Regardless of how remunerative fish farming is, there are some drawbacks you can encounter along the line. We’ll go through that very quickly.
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Fish Farming is a Fragile Industry
Handling a fish farm needs considerable care.
A minor error may end in fish degeneration or even death as in some cases. As a result, some personalities are afraid to go into fish farming.
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It’s Expensive to Establish One
In contrast to poultry, fish farming needs a lot of assessment and funds to set up. Establishing a small farm can cost up to ₦500,000. So it’s a venture for those with large pockets.
To date, fish farming continues to be a gratifying enterprise in Nigeria. With the best strategy and management, you can put in place a wonderful fish farm that will enhance your economic life.
Simply follow what we discussed above; to assist you set up a flourishing fish farm in Nigeria.