Ever had the delicious Nigerian-native catfish pepper soup or tasted the famous fisherman soup? If yes, then you probably enjoy having fish in your food. We all do. But have you ever stopped to think of how fish is farmed and the work that goes into it?
In this article, we explore the basics of fish farming. Read on to learn how to start your own small business.
What is Fish Farming?
Fish farming refers to the practice of cultivating fish for the purpose of sales or personal consumption. It is not much different from farming as we know it. However, it relates closely to animal husbandry which involves farming livestock or animals such as cattle.
The practice of fish farming is unique because fishes are aquatic in nature. Farmers have to understand their habitat. They also have to understand their feeding and growth needs. This requires patience, care, and expertise.
In summary, it is an interesting venture with potentially rewarding outcomes. The product itself is also very tasty and an important source of nutrients for humans.
How Profitable is Fish Farming
Why fish farming? How easy is it? Also, how profitable? These are all important questions that you are most likely asking yourself.
Fish farming can be challenging. But we can say the same for every other farming business. So just how challenging versus rewarding is it, is the real question here.
For what it’s worth, fish farmers are relevant.
They stand as producers of one of the most sought-after sources of protein. That is so much of a big deal, especially in a country where malnutrition is high. And it doesn’t end with direct local sales alone. Fish farmers have a lot to gain from export and fish-related food processes.
Therefore, a typical fish farmer can sell locally, export, and even contribute to food processes. This level of involvement creates relevance which almost equates to profitability in any economy.
That explains why a fish farmer could earn between 100,000 to 200,000 naira monthly.
If you like lump sum earnings, the prospect is even greater. This is because fishes take time to mature. Fish farmers have to wait between four to five months before they have sales-ready products.
Farmers who start with a batch of over 1,000 fishes could realise sales above 500,000 naira at the end of the breeding period.
Nigeria’s Fish Consumption By Region
Culture has always played a big role in the overall lifestyle and preference across Nigeria. Interestingly, that can also be seen in areas such as fish consumption. Certain types of fishes are consumed and preferred in some regions over others.
This happens despite whether the preferred type of fish is prevalent in a region, or not, resulting in imports.
So what does the statistics look like? Here it a summary from this 2021 research study:
Southern Nigeria:
The Southern regions of Nigeria reportedly enjoy mackerel, catfish, and crayfish the most. Mackerel is usually imported into the country. However, catfish and crayfish are locally available alternatives.
Mackerel appears to be the choice among the wealthy urban. On the other hand, catfish appear more appealing to the low wealth rural. Also, the wealthy urban consume over 24 varieties of fish including croaker and moon fish.
The research further shows that the wealthy urban buy dried fish whereas the low wealth rural prefer them fresh.
Northern Nigeria:
The story is different up in the North. Except for catfish, the other top preferences are tilapia, sardines, and cod/stockfish. Both the wealthy urban and low wealth rural people love catfish and choose to buy fresh.
Only seven different varieties of fish are consumed by the wealthy urban.
How to Start Fish Farming
Now, to the nitty gritty of it. How to prepare for and begin your very own fish farm.
Do Your Research:
As with starting any business, fish farming should be well researched. You might ask what this is for or the idea behind it. Think about it as finding out specific critical factors that could impact the success of your farm.
For example, ask how the current or coming weather will affect your stock. Also ask how sensitive your stock is to water that is no longer fresh or clean. Your research should cover as many angles as possible.
Make Your Plan:
If your research tells you that the coming weather will be harsh, what is your counter measure? Are you going to provide shade over the fish farm? How about if you can’t access clean water frequently? Are you going to choose a stock that can thrive in not-so-clean water?
By providing an answer for every question, finding, research enquiry, you reduce the chances of poor execution. This guides you in creating a solid plan and might also help take care of unforeseen circumstances.
Your plan should also cover the basics. This includes decisions such as:
- getting a pool or bath
There’s a lot to think about here. The length. The depth. And how well the structure can carry the intended load, especially without collapsing, rusting, or degrading over time.
- determining how to access and supply clean water
Quality fish farming means a healthy supply of clean water. Consider the ease and possibility of making this frequently available to your farm.
- choosing where to purchase fish feed from
Choosing a vendor is a big decision point for every business. Good quality products, easy accessibility, and sales discounts are some things to look for. Fish feed used for farming must be rich and properly preserved.
- acquiring your preferred breed of fishlings
Fish breed is important. You don’t want to farm a type of fish that is unpopular in your sales region. Also, you have to consider how much food a particular breed consumed. Other characteristics such as the taste or demand, maturity period, and average size and weight of the fish upon maturity are not to be overlooked.
- determining how to access medical care for the stock and the frequency
Get a veterinary doctor who can visit and physically inspect your stock. Long-distance medical care might not work as much or even produce expected results. That said, it is advisable not to start a fish farm if you are unsure of adequate medical care for the stock.
- determining feeding times and your availability
You have to be readily available for your fish farm. First, to consistently feed your stock. Second, to physically inspect them. This could help prevent disease outbreak and mortality.
Execute and Improve:
The rest of the work involves executing your plan step-by-step. As you progress, make careful observations, review your options and decisions, and improve the process.
Quick Notes on Fish Farming
There are a number of things to bear in mind when venturing into fish farming. Here is a brief highlight on them.
- Mortality Rate:
Fish mortality is an issue for many farmers. Causes range from dirty breeding water to poor feeding or spread of diseases. To maintain profitability, farmers should keep mortality of their stock to between five to 10 percent.
- Breeding Period:
Every product is sold at maturity. For fish farming, the average breeding period is four to five months. This means dedicated feeding, observation and care for the fishes all through that time. Depending on the kind of fish, and certain other factors such as feeding rate and quality of feed, the product might mature faster than the regular timeframe. It is important to make sales plans in line with the expected time of maturity.
- Production Cost:
Farmers report that the main cost in production is tied to feeding. In areas with poor access to water, creating the right breeding environment might be expensive. These two factors usually account for the highest costs in production.
- Accessing Medical Care:
Expertise in terms of medical care could be difficult to access. Many farmers do not even plan for this. The result is a high rate of mortality whenever a disease hits their stock. You should remember to keep a veterinary doctor close before starting your fish farm.