Fish Farming Business, Lucrative and Easy to Start

Among agribusiness, commercial fish farming in Nigeria is very popular. Fish farming is also an established lucrative business. And the demand for catfish is increasing continuously.

Among all the fish species, catfish farming has a great demand in Nigeria. You can start fish farming on a small scale to fulfilling your daily family demands or for earning some extra cash with your regular income.

Is fish farming a profitable business in Nigeria?

Yes, commercial fish farming is a very profitable business in Nigeria. You can start this business for making money.

How to Start Fish Farming in Nigeria

Fish farming has great opportunities in Nigeria, and you also can go for large-scale commercial production. Here we are discussing more commercial catfish production in Nigeria.

Starting a commercial fish production business in Nigeria is very easy and simple. You can easily start this business if you follow the steps mentioned below.

• First of all, make an effective business plan.

• Then choose a very good location for your farm.

• Ensure a good source of water is available near your pond.

• Make one or several ponds depending on your land.

• Select the right fish species for your production. Consult with some existing farmers in your area before selecting the fish species.

• Purchase healthy fingerlings or juveniles from good suppliers.

• Feed your fish with good quality and nutritious food.

• Provide them with the required medications.

• And always try to take good care of your fish and monitor their health regularly.

Fish Species

There are numerous species of catfish around the world. All of those species are not suitable for farming according to the weather and climate of Nigeria.

A few of those can be used for commercial fish farming in Nigeria. Clarias Garie Pinus, Heterobranchus dorsalis, Heterobranchus hybrid (Heteroclarias), Clarias nigrodigitatus, Heterobranchus spp, Clarias spp, etc. are common and most popular catfish species in Nigeria for commercial fish farming business.

Which fish is best for farming in Nigeria?

Catfish are the most farmed fish species in Nigeria. It is highly popular and grows relatively faster as compared to many other fish species. Catfish is the most popular and most consumed fish species in Nigeria.

How long does catfish take to grow in Nigeria?

African Catfish is an enormously fast-growing species when raised in intensive aquaculture. It has been reported that 40 to 60 days are needed to grow fry to 20 g. 

After that, the grow-out stage begins, where the fish requires 90 to 120 days to reach 1 kg.

What are the challenges facing the fishing industry in Nigeria?

There are some problems in the fish farming business in Nigeria. Common problems are high feeding costs, low water quality, shortage of improved seeds, inadequate technical management, etc.

How much does it cost to start a fish farm in Nigeria?

Actually, it’s not possible to tell the exact amount. Because exact costs depend on numerous factors such as land cost, type of pond, size of the pond, number of stocks, type of production, equipment cost, and other facilities. Generally, you can start fish farming with as low as 7,000 Nigerian currency.

Farming Method in Nigeria

Concrete tanks and fingerling outdoor systems both are very suitable for catfish farming. Most species of catfish are cannibals.

So, you have to take proper care during sorting them as outlined by their size. In the case of fingerling outdoor culture, you have to prevent predatory insects.

You can ensure their protection by covering the tanks with mosquito nets. This will keep the predatory insects away from your fish.

Polyculture of catfish with other common fish species like tilapia fish is also very popular in Nigeria.

Polyculture of catfish in tanks with tilapia or other fish species ensures proper use of supplementary feed and higher production.

Fish Feed Choice and Method of Feeding

For successful fish farming and better production in Nigeria, you have to feed the fish well and with nutritious supplementary fish feeds.

Always ensure sufficient availability of amino acids like arginine, methionine, lysine, and crude protein in their feed. Fishmeal is a great source of crude protein.

You can also use some low-cost conventional or unconventional animal by-products and plant residue in fish feed. Groundnut cake, soybean meat, etc. are Plant residues that can fulfill the nutrient requirements of catfish.

Nowadays, most of the fish farmers of Nigeria are using pelleted floating feeds. This type of food ensures all necessary nutrients for fish and helps to increase growth rate and production.

Breeding

Generally, artificial breeding through hormonal induction is used for catfish. After successful breeding, you have to take special care of the fry during the first week.

During this time, you can feed the larvae zooplankton. The main problem with catfish is their cannibalism. So, keep the different aged and sized fish separate from each other.

Fish farming is a great business idea in Nigeria. And the demand for catfish is increasing rapidly. Because it is a great source of nutrition and food. And there is already a suitable market available.

As a developing nation, fish farming can play a great contribution to the national income in Nigeria. The government has to create more facilities for spreading the fish business throughout Nigeria.

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