In Nigeria catfish farming business
is another lucrative business. Catfish farming business has actually caught the
heart of many Nigerians most especially the young ones because of the good profits
that can be gained. The kinds of fishes used for this type of agricultural
practice are bony fishes which are mudfish, catfish, tilapia, salmon, carps,
trout, perch and herring. Although in Nigeria it is catfish that is mostly
reared, the reason is because it is very easy to rear and it has an available
market. Some customer can even place an order directly from your farm. This
particular fish don’t even need to grow up to a market size before you can sell
it.
The major benefits of
fish farming in Nigeria
1. Without been told fish is a cheap
source of protein to both man and livestock, they can really serve as protein
to both humans and livestock.
2. Another benefit of fish farming is
that the fish can be processed into fish by-products like fish meal, fish oil,
manure and skin.
3. Fish farming really provides income
and employment to many people. Any young Nigerian that is still looking for a
job or anyone who is willing to diversify is income sources can venture into
fish farming. Also Fish farming can really create employment to the ever
increasing young graduates in the country.
4. Fish farming has also ensured the
better use of land and water in our environment.
Furthermore, the following are some
of the major factors to consider before venturing into catfish farming in
Nigeria;
1. An adequate water supply in the
environment: A constant supply of good quality water is very important, this
water must not have a bad smell taste or color. The source of the water can
come from lakes, streams, taps, etc.
2. The kind of soil in the environment:
If you are actually considering using an earthen pond, ensure that the soil is
fertile to soil nutrients to the fish. Make sure it is clay because of its
ability to hold water which is very important for fish pond construction.
3. The vegetation of the environment:
From my own little experience grassland is preferable in the area you want to
site your fish pond.
4. The topography: Make sure the shape
of the land really allow easy draining and the filling of the pond with water. The
water should be able to flow in from a place that is higher so that it can flow
out from where it is lower.
5. Fingerlings should be available: Make
sure there are fast growing fingerlings or baby fish available to stock the
fish pond. Don’t forget that catfish are of different breeds, it is very important
the farmer take is time to select the fast growing and disease resistant
breeds. The truth is that the use of good breeds in stocking the fish pond
makes the fish farming profitable.
6. The design of the pond: In catfish
farming the stocking density is very important and it will determines the
growth rate of the cultured catfish, the overcrowding of the catfish will
increase the competition for resources like oxygen and food. Also it can promote
the growth of some fishes at the expense of others and in the end lead to
cannibalism. As a fisher farmer there is need to consider the appropriate
length and breadth of the pond, which actually depends on the intended number
of fishes to stock the pond with. Make sure the pond structure incorporate
provision for separation as growth rate among the fishes is not proportionate
to avoid cannibalism.
7. The availability of feeds for the
fish: In catfish farming feeds constitute the major cost, which is about 60%
and above. In Nigeria the imported catfish feeds are the one that are really
available and the average cost should be about 6500 per 15 kg bag. From my own
research a bag can take 700 two months old fishes for just ten days. Just make
sure you can contain the challenges of feeding the fishes, before you actually
think about reaping the profits.
Furthermore, below are
the steps to start fish farming in Nigeria;
- - A proper site selection.
- - A general survey about the site.
- - A proper clearing and stomping of the
site.
- - A proper construction of the dam,
core trench, and spillway.
- - The catfish pond fertilization and
Inoculation, which can be done by pouring organic fertilizers like poultry
droppings, cow dung or the use of inorganic fertilizers such as N.P.K or
superphosphate.
- - The stocking of the pond with fishes.
Try as much as possible to get fingerlings or fries to stock the pond.
- - The harvesting period. Under normal
condition an African catfish takes an average of five months to reach table
size and this time they should have attained an average weight of 1 kg.
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