business plan for fish farming in nigeria pdf

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Fish Farming Business Plan in Nigeria – The Million Naira Venture

Executive summary.

This business plan shows how fish farming venture can be done in Nigeria. The plan extensively explained catfish farming and tilapia farming in Nigeria. Types of ponds used in fish farming were thoroughly explained.

The cost and revenue analysis of engaging in fish farming business in Nigeria was also highlighted. The total cost, revenue and profit expected from fish farming in Nigeria were explained. The business plan showed that a good fish farmer in Nigeria can make a Return on Investment (ROI) of between 40-100% within a relatively short time.

This business plan highlights all the information you need to start your fish farming venture in Nigeria.

What is fish farming?

Fish farming is the rearing of fishes. In Nigeria, a lot of the people who engage in fish farming do it for profit making. About 80% of fish farmers in Nigeria engage in catfish farming. Catfish is the commonest type of fish used in aquaculture in Nigeria.

Fish farming is a venture anybody can invest in, It can be very profitable if you know the nitty gritty and it can be a loss making business if you do not know the tricks of the business.

The good thing about fish farming is that it is not seasonal like other types of farming. It can be done in the rainy season and in the dry season. Fish farming can also be done in all cities, towns and villages in Nigeria. You can engage in this venture in Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Benin, Owerri and all locations in Nigeria.

The main factors leading to failure in fish farming in Nigeria are the quality of fingerlings and other fish seeds, quality of water, the PH of the water, dissolved oxygen in the water, ammonia, cleanliness of the farm and turbidity etc.

Steps to take before venturing into fish farming business

Get a suitable land or space.

To engage in fish farming, you need to acquire, lease or rent a farmland, land or space. The beauty of fish farming business is that it can be done in a very small space through intensive farming techniques.

Your land or space must have adequate water all year round as fish farming is water intensive. It is better if your land is near a commercial area as this will enable you to sell your fish at a good price and also reduce the cost of transporting your harvests to the market.

Arrange your source of water

Water is very important to fish farming. Before getting the land or space, you should ensure that adequate water is available. Aquaculture needs a lot of water. You can sink a borehole, well or use natural sources of water like river and stream. It is also possible to harvest large volume of water during the rainy season for use in the dry season.

Do soil and water analysis

This is what a lot of fish farmers do not do in Nigeria. You must send samples of your soil and water to a credible laboratory for analysis. The soil and water test will show the PH of the water and soil, nutrients profile of the water and soil and the microbial nature and count of the soil and water. If the test shows any anomaly, you will have to correct the anomaly. For example, an acidic soil will need to be amended with lime.

Build the fish pond

There are several types of ponds. Each type of fish pond has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is better you always engage an expert to build your fish pond for you. Veggie Grow builds good fish ponds for farmers in Nigeria ( [email protected] or call 08025141924).

You should have several ponds. At different stages, you will have to sort your fishes and put fishes in different ponds according to their sizes. You will also have a separate pond for keeping sick and injured fishes. This is called the quarantine pond.

If you do not sort and separate your fishes, the big ones will not allow the smaller ones to feed, this can lead to death of the smaller ones and ultimately a loss making fish farming business.

The pond should be covered with nets to guide against predators.

Secure the farm

Thieves are attracted to fish farms because they know that they can easily sell the products. You can fence the farm round or employ a security guard. You can also use SIM card enabled IP camera with night vision.  Some areas are however very safe even without all these aforementioned measures.

Recruit capable hands

If your fish farm is big, you will need to recruit capable staff. Do not engage people based on big paper qualifications. Employ those with hands on experience on fish farming. You should also ask them for references from their past employers.

Supply of power

Your fish farm should have constant supply of power. You can use a small power generator if the supply of power from the grid is erratic.

Stock the pond with fish seeds

Most fish farmers get it wrong at this stage. I can confirm that most fingerlings and other fish seeds in Nigeria have undergone inbreeding. They are not fit for a good fish farming venture. This is what a lot of farmers do not know. Once you buy this type of fingerlings or fish seeds, you will keep feeding them and they will not grow big, at the end of the day, you are likely to make a huge loss.

Even most fish hatcheries after hatching their fingerlings will keep the good ones for themselves and sell the bad fingerlings to unsuspecting fish farmers.

Get good fingerlings and you are half way to making good profit in fish farming. Avoid runts and do not go around looking for fingerlings priced at rock bottom prices, this is the trick they use to lure you to buy bad fingerlings.

The types of fish seeds are post fries, fingerlings, juveniles and jumbo. The prices range from N8 to N60 .

At Veggie Grow, we sell fingerlings gotten from imported breed stocks.

Management of the fish farm

You should strictly follow the daily management plan of your fish farm. Disinfectants should be used intermittently to clean the water. There are also antibiotics that can be used to attack diseases that can affect the fish farm.

Manure should be cured and disinfected before introduction to the pond.

You should not harvest your fishes before you get a firm commitment from buyers. Some buyers trick farmers to harvest and later get to the farm and start offering ridiculous prices. You can also visit restaurants and hotels around your location to market your products.

Business Plan – Cost and Revenue Analysis of Fish Farming (catfish) – 5,000 Fishes

This fish farming business plan is for the rearing of 5,000 catfish to maturity. There are several ways a farmer can use to save money while stocking fish seeds or fingerlings.

This business plan suggests the buying of 15,000 fingerlings at N10 each which will make the cost of buying the fingerlings N150,000. Please note that the fingerlings will be separated intermittently until the best and most healthy 5,000 fishes are left till maturity. The rest of the fingerlings can be sold to other fish farmers. Also note that the fish farmer can also prefer to have his own hatchery, this is not discussed in this aquaculture business plan.

The fishes are expected to be reared for 5 months and sold thereafter.

Cost Analysis

In the first month, the sum of N296,000 will be spent on the fish farm. This includes the cost of fingerlings which is N150,000. At the first month, the fishes should be fed as frequent as possible. At least, the fishes should be fed three times a day. About 12 bags of fish feed will be consumed by the fishes in the first month. Copper feed can be used at this stage, it retails for N8,000 – N8,700 per bag.

The pond should be disinfected and treated with salt and antibiotics medication weekly. Blagdon is a fantastic anti bacteria and anti fungi medication that can be used. Also, tetracycline and other broad spectrum anti-biotic medication can be used. Separation of fishes according to sizes should commence in the first month. The labor costs, cost of power, cost of operations and medications and miscellaneous are in the table above.

In the second month, about 14 bags of feed are expected to be consumed by the fishes. Ziegler feed and coppers feed are appropriate at this stage. About N117,000 is expected to be spent on feeding in the second month, N15,000 on labour, N11,000 on power, N10,000 on cost of operations and N6,000 on miscellaneous making a total cost for the second month to be N159,000.

In the third month, N303,000 is expected to be spent. The cost of feeding is expected to be about N214,000. Ziegler feed and maggot should be used extensively in the third month.

In the fourth month, about 32 bags of feeds are expected to be consumed by the fishes. The biggest fishes should eat 6mm feed while the medium size fishes should eat 4mm feed. The total cost expected to be spent in the fourth month is N330,000. The breakdown of the cost is shown in the table above.

In the fifth month which is expected to be the last month before harvest, N373,000 is expected to be spent on feeding, labour, operations, miscellaneous and power as shown in the table above. 38 bags of feed are expected to be consumed at this stage.

Catfish Farming Business Plan – Revenue Analysis

If the fish farm is well run and the fishes are separated to different ponds according to their sizes. All things been equal, about 1,500 super big fishes, N1,000 big fishes, 2,000 medium size fishes and 500 small fishes are expected to be harvested after 5 months or 5.5 months.

The super big fishes are expected to be sold between N1,200 and N1,500 as they can weigh up 1.2kg -2kg. Selling the super big fishes N1,200 each will yield N1,800,000.

The big fishes can be sold for N650. They should weight an average of 1kg or slightly more. This will make the fish farmer about N650,000 (if sold N650 per kg multiplied by 1,000 fishes).

The medium and small fishes expected are 2,500 pieces. These are called mélanges and are sold in baffs in the local parlance. 2,500 pieces of small and medium fishes will be about 38 baffs.  A baff is about 28kg. A sum of N420,000 is expected as sales from the 38 baffs.

The total sales will be N2,870,000.

The Profit expected from 5,000 catfish stock is (N2,870,000 minus 1,461,000) = N1,409,000

Please note that cost, revenue, estimates and assumptions in this fish farming business plan can vary according to your location, management practices and socio-economic realities.

Catfish Melange Farming

A catfish farmer may prefer to farm his catfish and sell as mélange after 3 months. This can be profitable and the short term is an advantage.

The catfish farmer can still make Returns on Investment (ROI) of 40% – 50% within 3 months if he sells his fishes as mélange.

For some farmers, it is far easier to rear their fishes and sell as mélanges as they do not need to spend money on the purchase of expensive feeds and fats for fattening their fishes.

Should you want a detailed business plan on mélange farming, please do not hesitate to contact us through [email protected] or call us on 08025141924.

Other details about fish farming business plan

Features of catfish.

The African catfish usually farmed in Nigeria and other African countries has a fairly large head, small eyes with bones and elongated body. The catfish grown in Nigeria usually have long dorsal and anal fins and can do well in fresh water bodies. It can also be farmed at home and in farms. The colour of the catfish is brown to black. The belly of the fish is somewhat white. The catfish breathes with its gills which it opens and closes.

History of catfish in Nigeria

Catfish naturally live in the fresh water bodies in Nigeria. Aquaculture is a business venture that started in Nigeria over 100 years ago. People have always farmed fish especially catfish in Nigeria for decades.

Catfish has been widely farmed by fish farmers in the southern part of Nigeria and the northern part of Nigeria. The first domestication of catfish in Nigeria was done around 1950 in Nigeria. Same domestication trails were done almost the same time in South Africa, Ghana, Congo DR and other African countries.

The domestication trials of catfish in Nigeria in the 1950s include the spawning, breeding, catfish farm management, harvesting and marketing.

The earlier fishermen in Nigeria used boats, nets and hooks to catch catfishes in rivers and other fresh water bodies in Nigeria before some of them shifted to aquaculture.

Countries Producing Catfish

Catfish is produced by a number of countries in the world. Even in cold countries like the United Kingdom, Netherland, Canada, United States and Belgium, catfish is farmed and produced in huge volume.

Nigeria and most of the African countries produce catfish. Most of the fish farmers in Nigeria prefer the production of catfish.

Habitat and Biology

The African/Nigerian catfish is distributed across Africa. It has its natural habitat in almost all countries in Nigeria. Go to Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Congo and Somalia etc, you will find catfish in the fresh water bodies there. Catfish is also present in the waters of Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine etc. Catfish occurs in South American countries like Mexico, Peru and Brazil etc. Catfish is also found in China and Vietnam. As a matter of fact, catfish are now being used in rice farming in these countries. Catfish farming has been proven to increase the yield of rice in China and some other Asian countries.

Catfish are found in rivers, floodplains, lakes, streams and swamps. They can migrate from larger body of water to flooded areas to breed and return to where they came from after breeding. The migration of catfish in uncultured water is largely for reproduction reasons.

An adult female catfish can lay about 60,000 eggs per kg. The egg laid by catfish usually stick to vegetations around the water they live in. When these eggs hatch (after 20-60 hours), juveniles that will later turn to adults emerge.

Production Systems

Catfish in Nigeria are reared in tarpaulin lined pits, ponds, concrete ponds, plastic tanks and fiberglass etc. Fingerlings are usually bought from well established catfish farms, they can also be gotten from flooded plains near rives and dams in Nigeria. After the introduction of fingerlings into the farms, feeds made from grains and fish/soya meals are given to fingerlings periodically. These production systems highlighted here are also practiced in other countries.

Seed supply, hatchery production and nursery

Wide catfish reproduce when the environmental conditions are ideal. These environmental conditions include the rise in water level, appropriate temperature and humidity and availability of adequate level of water.

In aquaculture, hormones are used to enable catfish to reproduce. These hormones include Ovaprim, Deoxycorticosterone Acetate (DOCA) and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). In catfish farming, having good broodstock can make a farmer make good profit or make a loss. The government of Nigeria is encouraging various research to enable the country to be self sufficient in the production of good broodstock for catfish farmers.

There are a number of large and small hatcheries in Nigeria, though the number of hatcheries in the country is not enough. In well run hatcheries, catfish larvae are usually fed with a combination of egg yolk, cow brain for 3-7 days before they are stocked at 50-80 per square meter ponds. The ponds are enriched with chicken manure to promote the growth of zooplankton before the larvae are introduced. In some cases, the ponds are protected with nets and other materials to guard against predators.

Compounded feeds are usually used to feed the catfish postlarvae for 24-28 days. After harvesting at the 28 th day, the fingerlings are weighed and graded. Those weighing below 10 grams are transferred to the production pond while those weighing below 6 grams may be fattened to reach the ideal weight of 6 grams before they are sold to farmers who need them or taken into production ponds. The survival rate in the nursing of larvae is about 30%.

In Nigeria, large hatcheries run by big time catfish farmers use the intensive recirculation systems. Genetically improved broodstock are used in these hatcheries with living organisms as feeds. These live feeds include Artemia, Brachionus, Moina and Daphnia. In these hatcheries, the success rate of eggs to fry is about 70% and some hatcheries have recorded above 80% success rates.

In Nigeria, the demand for catfish fingerlings is huge. It far exceeds the supply of fingerlings. A lot of the fingerlings supplied in Nigeria are of poor quality, they do not grow big, thereby reducing the Returns on Investment (ROI) of farmers.

Artemia is used to feed fry in the recirculation aquaculture systems for the first 14 days. Water temperature must no exceed 28 degree Celsius and biofilters are used to remove the excess ammonia and nitrogen in the recirculation aquaculture system. All the components of the aquaculture system are disinfected after every cycle in order to prevent or avoid diseases. Techniques of growing catfish

There are a number of ways that can be used to grow or farm catfish, these methods are explained below:

The use of earthen ponds

Earthen ponds are common in Nigeria for the growing of catfish. This type of fish growing method involves the digging of a specified size of land and converting the dug land to a pond where fish can be stocked, fed and harvested when they are mature enough.

Stocking of fish in earthen ponds are usually done so that harvest will coincide with festive periods like Easter celebrations, Christmas, New Year and the Muslim festivals. Fish farmers expect to make super normal profits at these times of the year because of the increased demand for their stock of fish.

Earthen ponds are usually fertilized with chicken manure and other organic kitchen leftovers like plantain peels, yam peels and food leftovers etc. Compost can also be used to fertilise the earthen ponds. Fertilisation improves the development of zooplankton which the fish can feed on. This can lead to the general wellbeing of the fishes and increase their weight.

When using earthen ponds for catfish growing, grading of fish is intermittently done in order to separate the larger and the smaller fishes. The larger fishes can feed on the small ones and reduce the potential profit of the owner of the pond.

Grading and separation of fishes in earthen ponds also enable the smaller fishes to have the chance to feed will because if they are kept with bigger fishes, they will not be able to fish well and they may starve to death.

Nets should be used to guard and fence the earthen ponds so that predators like snakes will not have access to the pond. The net can also stop the catfish from going to nearby water bodies to spawn.

Tanks and raceways In Nigeria, most of the catfish farmers prefer rearing their fishes in ponds. The use of tanks is common in the urban areas of Nigeria because it is portable and very easy to use. The use of tanks for the growing of catfish does not need any special skills or technicians like the use of ponds. Unlike ponds, technicians are needed for the mapping and construction of the pond. Fish tanks can easily be bought in the open market and set up within a few hours.

The tank can either be plastic, steel or made with concrete. The plastic and steel tanks can be easily bought in the open market while the concrete fish tank has to be built on the site of fish farm.

In Nigeria, a concrete tank of 4m by 3m by 1.3m can accommodate 400 catfish of size 5-15 grams each. After 6 months of feeding these fishes, a harvest of 300-600kg per cycle can be achieved. The yield depends on the competences and skills of the fish farmer.

Water recirculation system is a new system of growing catfish that has been adopted and introduced in Nigeria. Some farmers now practise catfish farming with this unique method. To be successful in water recirculation system, there should be availability of quality floating feed which is a concern in some parts of Nigeria. Without good floating fish feed, the use of water recirculation system may not be successful. There should also be adequate supply of power as the water will be circulated around the system intermittently.

In a typical water recirculation system, a water pump and plastic substrate biological filter are used. Fingerlings are stocked at 100-200 per cubic meter and the recirculation rate is about 2-10 litres per second. Fish production rates of above 900 kg per cubic meter can be recorded every year. Most of the floating fish feed in Nigeria are imported, however, some producers and fish farmers in Nigeria produce their own fish feed.

Freshwater is better used for the recirculation aquaculture system as they have very low saline level. Catfish do not do well in salty water. The water in the recirculation system is purified intermittently with the use of plastic substrate biological filters. The system is houses in a fiberglass, concrete housing of plastic tanks.

The main difference between the recirculation aquaculture system and tanks is that the former is highly intensive and a farmer can harvest up to 1,000 kg of fish per cubic meter space. The size of land required for the recirculation aquaculture system is also small. A lot can be achieved from the intensive nature of recirculation aquaculture system; however, it may be expensive to use this type of fish growing system in Nigeria.

Flooded Plains

In this method of growing catfish, fingerlings are introduced with flooded plains which are usually very rich in zooplankton. This can be done in areas that experience seasonal flooded plains every year. Flooded plains are fertile for all types of agriculture because debris and decomposed plant materials are brought to the flooded plains.

The flood plains also have the advantage of natural recruitment of catfish fingerlings. The water emanating from flood activities bring along with it all manners of fishes and their fingerlings. Local people can use a part of the flooded plains; introduce their own catfish fingerlings and harvest the adults before the flood recede at the end of the season.

This is a cost effective way of practicing aquaculture especially the farming of catfish in Nigeria and other African countries with seasonal flooded plains.

The use of holes to grow catfish is not common in Nigeria, it is very common in southern Asian countries like India, Nepal and Bangladesh. In this type of catfish growing method, ditches of 1-2,500 metres square are constructed or dug, fingerlings are introduced into these holes, pits or ditches and they are fed till they grow into adults and harvested.

The stocking rate of fingerlings in the holes is 1 gram of fry at 40-80 cubic meter and harvests are expected to be 200-300 grams of fish. The survival rate of the fish in this type of growing system is about 40%.

Cages are also used for farming catfish in Nigeria. Catfish can be stocked in cages dipped in open water bodies like rivers and dams. The water bodies must contain fresh water. The main advantage of using cages for rearing of fish is that you do not need to change the water as the flowing water replenishes the cage with fresh water.

Cage can also be somewhat easier to manage than other methods of rearing catfish. The fish are concentrated in the cages and can be harvested easily. Cages are also easy to buy and placed in water bodies. Feed for catfish

The traditional feed used for catfish rearing in Nigeria is made with maize, wheat, rice bran, cornmeal, groundnut meal and cottonseed meal etc. The grains provide the carbohydrate while groundnut, fish meal or soya bean meal provide the protein component of the fish feed. Some big catfish farmers also make and pelletize their own feeds on farm. The feed usually contain about 30-34% protein. Raw materials used for farm made fish feed include brewery waste, chicken droppings, cocoa husk and coffee pulp etc. Earthworms, crickets, termites, maggots and other insects and worms can be used as feed for fish production.

Animal protein like fish meal and blood meal is the commonest source of protein for grow-out feeds for catfish grown and farmed in Nigeria and most other African countries. Catfish fed on feed with 34%-43% crude protein often perform better than other catfish fed with different percentage of crude protein. A lot of research have pointed to this fact.

In recirculation systems, the types of feeds used are somewhat different from the conventional type of feed, though the raw materials are almost the same but the composition of the crude protein and other nutrients are different.

Most of the packaged fish feed sold in Nigeria are imported into the country. There has been plans by some companies to start the production of quality fish feed in Nigeria but only few firms have achieved this feat. Fish farmers in Nigeria still have some concerns about using locally produced fish feed.

Methods of harvesting catfish

Catfish ready for the market can be harvested with the use of hauling seines. The seine net comes in different sizes; some can be very big while some can be small. You need to consider the size of your pond or fish farm before buying the seine net.

After hauling the fish out, they can be sorted into sizes for easier pricing and sales. Harvested catfish are usually sold per kilogram in Nigeria. However, some fish farmers prefer to smoke their catfish for sales during the lean period.

The pond can also be drained so that all the fishes in the pond can be visible to the eyes for easy catching. Some of the fishes can also hide in the mud. Draining the pond will enable the farmer to dig the mud and bring out all the hidden catfish.

Graded bars can also be used in partial harvesting of catfish especially if the farmer uses a recirculation system or tanks. Graded bars are usually used to harvest the largest fishes.

Handling and Processing

The Nigerian catfish and other African catfish are very rugged when out of water. So far there is water on the body of the catfish; they can stay out of water for days without any serious adverse effect on the catfish. This makes catfish very easy to handle. Harvested catfish can be loaded on trucks or plastic bowls with little water and taken to the market for sale. These catfish can be in these confinements for days without any of the catfish dying.

Harvested catfish are mostly sold to women. These women can be intermediaries or restaurant and bar owners. In Nigeria, about 80% of the buyers of harvested catfish are women in big cities and towns. As explained in this business plan earlier, some farmers prefer to smoke their harvested catfish.

Salts sprinkled on the skin of a catfish can kill it within a few minutes. The use of salt is one of the commonest ways of killing catfish before processing in Nigeria.

The gills of the fresh catfish are removed and placed on the traditional oven for smoking. Smoked catfish can be stored for months without deterioration.

Catfish can also be processed into fillets. In restaurants and bars in Nigeria, fresh catfish are garnished with pepper, onions and sauce before they are roasted. Roasted catfish are delicious and often consumed with soda, beer and juice. You are likely to see roasted catfish if you visit any bar or restaurant in Nigeria.

Catfish is also the choice fish for making pepper soup in Nigeria. Pepper soup is a delicacy eaten by almost all Nigerians.

Production Costs

The production costs of catfish in Nigeria vary according to location. The cost of labour in an urban area like Abuja and Lagos is much higher than the cost of labour in a rural area like Aiyetoro, Ogun state. The cost of fish feed can also be cheaper in Lagos because most of the feed producers are concentrated in this city while the same product can be more expensive in rural areas in Northern Nigeria because of the cost of trucking the feeds from Lagos to the rural areas in the  northern part of Nigeria.

The cost of feed remains the biggest production cost in catfish production in Nigeria. The cost of feed consists of between 50-75% of the total production costs of catfish in Nigeria. All catfish farmers complain bitterly about the cost of getting feeds for their stock of catfish. There are no cheap and efficient feeds to the industrially produced feeds yet; hence farmers have to contend with the high costs of the industrially produced feeds.

Farmers who use locally sourced feed often complain of low weight of their catfish and they are often forced to buy the industrially produced fish feed. Catfish farmers in other African countries also complain about the high cost of fish feed. The major reason of the high cost of fish feed in Nigeria is the importation of fish meal and other protein sources, devaluation of the naira and high cost of power.

Diseases and Control Measure

There are a number of diseases that can affect catfish, these diseases can be prevented and controlled if caught early. Below are the explanations of some diseases:

Production Statistics

Market and trade.

There is a huge market for African catfish in Netherlands, United Kingdom, France and Belgium etc, however, the Nigerian catfish farmers have not been able to tap this market because of government bureaucracy and non-adherence to standards demanded by these countries.

The price of a kilogram of catfish in Nigeria varies from N400 – N700 depending on the location and purchasing power of the buyers. Local market traders often try to buy fresh catfish from farmers at rock bottom prices. They use all manners of strategies to misprice the freshly harvested catfish.

Status and Trend

The market for catfish in Nigeria will continue to grow as it is mainly the only specie of fish cultured by fish farmers in Nigeria. The culture of tilapia and croaker is not common in Nigeria. Go to any town or city in Nigeria, you are likely to see a lot of catfish farmers.

The demand for catfish also keeps increasing in Nigeria partly due to increasing population in Nigeria, increased rural urban migration and the planned restriction on the importation of fish into Nigeria.

Value addition to catfish is also a reason for the increasing demand and consumption of catfish in Nigeria, though about 65% of the harvested catfish in Nigeria is sold fresh.

Main Issues in catfish farming in Nigeria

The issue of land ownership still remains an issue in catfish farming in Nigeria. In some cities like Lagos, touts called ‘omonile’ often make it very difficult for investors in fish farming to own farmlands. Even after paying the owner of the land and other government prescribed fees, the omoniles can stop you from taking full possession of the farmland until you pay them an exorbitant fee called ‘owo ile’ in the local parlance.

Pricing is also a key issue in catfish farming in Nigeria. Some farmers still find it hard to breakeven as the local market traders who are often women use all manners of tricks to buy the harvested catfish at ridiculous prices, knowing full well that the catfish farmer will prefer to sell the catfish in order not to over spend on feeding the fishes. There are instances where the market women will promise the fish farmers to buy at an agreed price only to reach the farm and tell the farmers that they cannot buy at the earlier agreed price. The farmer might have harvested his fishes expecting the women to come and buy at the agreed price.

The high prices of imported raw materials for catfish feed is also a discouraging factor for practicing aquaculture in Nigeria. The main protein source used for producing catfish feed in Nigeria is mainly imported from Netherland, Belgium and South Africa. The devalued local currency has made the importation expensive and the increase in prices is transferred to fish farmers. Yet, buyers of the catfish do not want to accept the increase in prices occasioned by the increase cost of catfish feed. This has reduced the margin of catfish farmers.

The quality of water used in catfish farming in areas like Lagos can be an issue. In some areas in Lagos, the water is highly saline; this can negatively impact the farming of catfish.

Responsible Catfish farming practices

Catfish farmers should strive to obey all the relevant laws and regulations of the country and location they operate in. There are state permits which catfish farmers need to get in some states in Nigeria if they want to practise fish farming in some areas. These permits do not apply to small scale fish farmers. The big catfish farmers may need to apply for these permits in order to play safe and not to do what will be termed as illegal in the location they operate. For example, in a state like Lagos, catfish farming is not permitted in some residential areas in Lagos Island.

Catfish farmers should also be responsible in their usage and discharge of water (including waste water). Water bodies should not be polluted with effluents which can be harmful to the locals, plants and animals making use of the water. Wastes from fish farms should be properly disposed.

Catfish farmers are also advised to join cooperatives or associations as there is strength in unity. Governments and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) prefer dealing with co-operatives and associations. They can offer grants, loans and other assistance to members of the association or co-operatives. They hardly deal with individual catfish farmers.

Tilapia Farming

Tilapia belongs to the family of the cichlid fish. Tilapias are fresh water fish mainly found in rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. They may also be found in brackish water. Tilapia is suitable for commercial and artisanal fish farming. Though the culture of tilapia is not common in Nigeria, it has been embraced by fish farmers in some African countries.

The specie of tilapia commonly farmed in Africa (Nigeria inclusive) is the Nile Tilapia. This specie is the most suitable breed for farming. Tilapia is an omnivorous animal; it can eat diets composed of vegetables and animal.

Tilapia farming can be very profitable though it can be more challenging than catfish farming especially in the area of management of the sex of the fish.

Breeding of tilapia

Tilapia farmers keep mostly male tilapia fish. I have never seen any commercial tilapia aquaculture business that stocked females. They mostly keep male tilapia because of the size of male which can bring more revenue to the farmer. Besides, female tilapia are very prolific, if you keep female tilapia fish, you will overpopulate your pond with small fishes which will be detrimental to the health of the whole population of fish in the pond.

Below are the various methods used in breeding male tilapia offsprings:

Methyltestosterone technique (MT)

In this technique, methyltestosterone is added to the diet given to the juvenile tilapia fish. This makes the females grow as males while the males are left as males. Methyltestosterone simply changes the sex of females to males. It contains a sex changing hormone. Methyltestosterone does not retain in the body of the fish after 30 days so it is safe for consumption after 30 days.

This method produces only YY chromosome males. It is a sex determining technique which is used to produce only male tilapia fish.

Males can also be separated individually from females in the hatchery, though this is a very tedious method for catfish breeding.

Tilapia Ongrowing Techniques

Tilapia can be cultured in ponds. Ponds can be natural or artificial. Artificial ponds are man-made body of water where fishes are kept or reared. The main inputs of pond culture of tilapia include vegetation, brans, chaff, manures, feed and inorganic fertilizers.

Animal manure and fertilisers encourage the growth of zooplankton which the tilapia can feed on. The proliferation of protein rich planktons can increase the yield of the pond. Chicken manure is one of the most nutritious manures that can be used for pond culture of tilapia fish in Nigeria.

There should be a check of the oxygen concentration level of the pond when using manure. Excessive manure application can deplete the oxygen in the water and negatively impact the fishes in the pond.

Applying chicken manure of 220kg every week per hectare with urea of 28kg of N per week per hectare and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) of 7kg of P per week per hectare can produce about 4 tonnes of tilapia per hectare in 150 days, if this is annualized, about 10 tonnes yield can be achieved in 12 months.

The pond should be limed if the soil is acidic. The dissolved oxygen in the pond every day should be between 5-15 percent.

Floating cages

Floating cages are metallic made cages placed in water bodies. Tilapia fish are kept in these cages till harvest. The main advantage of the floating cage is that the water does not need to be changed regularly, however there is an issue of polluting the water body with effluents from the cage.

Cages can also be built with raffia and other wooden materials but this type of cages do not last long like cages built with iron rods.

Other merits of floating cage are:

• The fish can be closely monitored for diseases
• The capital needed for floating cage culture is relatively low
• The cost of harvesting is relatively low

The demerits of floating cage culture are:

• The cage can be damaged by predators or thieves
• There is a higher risk of disease outbreak
• The cost of feeding may be higher

Tanks and raceways

Tilapia can also be cultured in raceways and tanks. These tanks and raceways can vary in sizes from 10-1000 cubic meter.

Recirculation systems

The recirculation system is an intensive stock management for tilapia. The main components of a recirculation system are the fish rearing tanks, biofilter, solid removal equipment, aerator and a degassing unit.

The biofiliter removes the unwanted dirts and materials like ammonia from the system. The fish rearing tank is where the fishes are reared. The aerator improves the oxygenation of the system while the solid removal equipment removes the unwanted solids from the recirculation system.

The recirculation system ensures that clean water is used to replace the waste water every day; this is to ensure that the water is free of ammonia and other unwanted impurities. Water rich in ammonia can cause problems for the fish in the system; it can even lead to their death.

Methods of harvesting tilapia

Just like catfish, seine nets can be used for the harvesting of tilapia in ponds. The seine nets can be spread in the pond, one the fishes enter the net, the rope of the net will be drawn to capture the fishes.

Some seine nets can also be set overnight to capture the fishes in the pond. The pond may need digging to unearth the fishes which might have hidden in the mud.

The nets come in different sizes. Some nets can be handled by just a single person while some larger types can only be handled by several people.

Baskets are also used for harvesting of tilapia in some communities in Nigeria and Africa. The baskets are woven with raffia; they are made in a cylindrical shape which ensures that fishes that enter it cannot get out again.

The tilapia can also be harvested by hand especially in intensive farming culture. The fishes can be trapped in an enclosure in the system so that they can be hand picked individually.

This fish farming business plan has discussed all what you need to know about fish farming and its profitability. Should you need any further information, kindly send an email to [email protected] or call us on 08025141924. We do a complete fish farm set up.

Ayo Akinfolarin

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Fish Farming Business Plan In Nigeria

Fish Farming Business plan in Nigeria – Starting a fish farming business today requires you get a professional help or buy a well written business Plan which can serve as a guide through the set up period. The truth is that there are several business challenge

facing the average businessman/ woman In Nigeria today, especially when it has to do with fish farming as well as the stiff competition that comes with this type of investment, the question now is how to start fish farming in a country like Nigeria? And the get the required return on the investment made in the business.

Executive Summary On Fish Farming Business Plan In Nigeria

Overcoming these challenges places you at the pinnacle for your business career. And also the business you get to understand how to start up a business venture in country like Nigeria and being able to running it successfully irrespective of the challenges’ that comes your way.

The Commercial fish farming business plan offers a detailing information on how to start up a fish farming business. For a fact, these are over a thousand species of edible fishes one can actual farm, the most common among them is the catfish, you can see catfish farming business.

In the business of farming fishes , there are categories of fishes to be farmed, and these fishes has procedures which must be adopted; they are subdivided into two categories, they include;

• Grow-out pond operation

Nursery – The nursery subdivision is a kind of feeder operation which forms the basis for the grow-out pond subdivision. The thing is that the later won’t operate maximally without a functioning nursery. The primary function of the nursery entails the ability of the fish farmer to induce the female fish which makes them to be able to lay eggs. After laying on of eggs, these eggs are either fertilized, incubated or are hatched, these are also known as the fries. In their tiny state, these fries are nurtured for a short period of time, approximately 3 to 4 weeks. At this stage they become what is called fingerlings, the fingerlings can now be transferred to the fish grow-out operation.

Grow-Out Pond operation – This subdivision talks about the fingerlings gotten from the nursery subdivision which will be nurtured until they are matured enough to be sold. This is also applicable to the catfish farming business.

This feasibility study on commercial catfish business plan centers on the processes involved in growing a fish from the nursery to the grow-out pond operation level. The stages include;

• Pre fingerlings
• Fingerlings
• mini juveniles and then

These stages can take place within a period of say 4 to 5 months. At that final stage when is has matured into a table size fish , you can then offer them for sale.

Factors Involved In Setting Up A Fish Farming Business

One thing the fish farming business feasibility study will help you in achieving is effective planning and the proper implementation of detailed information that will be useful, below are some of the factors to consider;

Location To Site The Fish Farm – You need to secure a site where the fish farm will be located, getting a suitable land earns you a huge step in the right direction as regards your fish farming business. In setting up this farm, things like an accessible road to the farm, nearness to the market etc should be considered. Then after securing your land, carefully map out how every department will operate, from (i) Ponds to the (ii) Farm house (iii) Water supply (iv) Drainage facility etc.

Note – Effective water draining helps your business not to constitute public nuisance in your area of establishment.

Map Out A Workable Fish Farming Business  – Your plan is the blood stream of the business. What you have in your plans tells the size of the fish farm you want, either large scale or small-scale. Your plans will also tell of the pond system you will adopt. We have different pond system, they include;

• Re-circulatory system
• Earthen pond system
• concrete/plastic pond system, you can go for both.

Where To Source For Water supply – For your fish farming business to be successful, you need constant water supply, you can use the following sources,

• Bore hole water source, this source has been considered as the best water for fish farming.
• Installing Overhead tanks, this system will help you to retain water and then pumping it into the pond. You can hold water in the tanks for a period as it can also maintain a certain temperature.

Pond Construction – This has to be included in your fish farming business plan. There are professional pond constructors you can employ to help you construct a quality pond.

Aquaculture Production In Nigeria

The aquaculture production in Nigeria has in recent time attracted considerable attention. With a well written feasibility studies like the commercial fish farming business plan that has created an avenue for private individuals to participate in the venture as a business.

The procedure and technology adapted for growing these fish in the farm method are well detailed in this business plan. Also information contained therein was written with respect to principles of sustainable aquaculture, as well as aquaculture production technology system where the ecological as well as the economic viability persists indefinitely’.

Fish like other living creatures are affected the happening of their environment (water), these happenings can either help their growth or hinder their growth. Fish has an ecosystem that is dynamic in nature, a fact that is contributed by nutrient, weather or season. It is important to know that the dynamic nature of the ecosystem is even more visible in the fish farm system. Hence, ensure that your water supply is constant and then also know when to change the water.

Fish farmers can be successful if they can be pretty much observant and then adapt their farming schedule, this alone can help to boost their fish productivity as well as profitability. By getting this fish farming business template , you have a well detailed feasibility study that has all you need to have your commercial production of catfish set up in Nigeria.

Labour Force, Admin Requirements, And Organisation for Fish Farming Business

• Personnel requirement
• Organization structure

Capital (Investment Analysis) Involved

This covers for;

• Cost production of 50,000 fingerlings and their expected returns (ROI). Investment in feed, fingerlings etc
• Cost production of 50,000 Grow-out pond and their expected returns (ROI)
• Cost production of 50,000 smoked fish and their expected returns (ROI).

Designs, Construction And Pond Types for Fish Farming Business

• Earthen pond
• Flow through system (Concrete tank, plastic tanks or vat)

How To Start Fish Farming Business In Nigeria

Fish farming business in Nigeria can be regarded as one of the most profitable businesses out there, this is easy to know due to the high level of patronage the very few fish farms around us get, not only that, fish has been described by nutritionist as an alternative source of protein, so instead of buying the red meat you so much dread, you simply buy either iced fish from a cold room or buy from the fish farm around your area.

Without a doubt Catfish farming is a profitable business ventures and the good thing about starting one is that beginning your fish farm with a catfish, will yield returns earlier since catfishes are easy to get as well as cultivate, with easy accessibility to all types of fish feeds. In a very short and very brief review, we are going to look at how to start a fish farm, things you need to rung a standard fishery in Nigeria, and then a list of equipment required to kick start your business venture.

Entrepreneurship and extensive innovation has made it possible for business enthusiast to run a fish farm business without necessarily going to the river to fish or constant visit to a nearby pond. Today, with enough money at hand, you can easily build a fish pond, supply enough water constantly and your fish will grow and becomes some of the biggest in the market, in order words a commercial fish farm is possible if the capital is available.

Why Fish Farming Is Lucrative With High Profit Margin

A lot could be could be attributed to the reason why fish farm business in Nigeria comes with loads of advantages for the business owner, below are three reasons you should consider going into fish farming;

Affordability but highly Lucrative – In comparison with other meats, fish is cheaper than birds such as chicken and Turkey and then goat mean or beef. Fishery products are popular, with different types, from dried fish to smoked fish and many more, the Nigerian market is filled with different types, hence the possibility of selling faster than meat.

Alternative Source of Protein – As stated earlier, fish offers another protein source, the good thing about it is that it comes with a lot of zero fat. Fish according to nutritionists are of the opinion that fish contains vitamins such as the Riboflavin as well as the ever important vitamin D, also present is the omega-3 fatty acids, in essence, the nutrients in fish could help in situations such as when an individual needs a heart or brain surgery. Other nutrients found in fish includes but not limited to the following;

• Omega-3 fatty acids

Rapid Growth –  Another reason why fish farming is assumed to be lucrative is because of the rapid growth cycle in fishes, this means you could make profit within a very time from constant reselling of your farm produce.

Hurry now, TO GET YOUR FISH FARMING BUSINESS PLAN. Simply order yours by paying N10,000 to

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Account Name – Okite Joseph ikenna

Account No – 0044083736

Once payment is made for the Fish Farming Business Plan, send the following info (i) a valid email address and (ii) your payment details to any of these numbers – 07039768549.

NOTE – It is important to note that the Business Plan for fish farming will immediately be sent to the email address after your payment has been confirmed.(Soft copy only).

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Fish Farming Business Plan

This post Fish Farming In Nigeria (Business Plan), entails all you need to know about starting a fish farm in Nigeria which includes the Executive Summary (full introductory analysis summarized here), Farm Set-Up(full details in business plan pdf), Detailed... More

This post Fish Farming In Nigeria (Business Plan), entails all you need to know about starting a fish farm in Nigeria which includes the Executive Summary (full introductory analysis summarized here), Farm Set-Up(full details in business plan pdf), Detailed financial analysis which includes running cost and profit margin (full details in business plan pdf), Marketing strategy (full details in business plan pdf), Competition analysis (full details in business plan pdf) etc Less

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Fish Farming in Nigeria: How to Build a Thriving Business

Ever thought about starting a fish farm in Nigeria? It may seem like an unconventional business idea, but fish farming, or aquaculture, is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in the country. As the population expands, the demand for fish keeps increasing. If you have access to land and water, fish farming could be an extremely profitable venture.

You’re probably wondering how to get started. The good news is, it’s easier than you might think. With some time, money, and dedication, you can build a successful fish farm. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start your own fish farming business in Nigeria.

While fish farming does require an investment of time and resources, the potential rewards are huge. Not only can it be a sustainable source of income and food production, but it can also create jobs and support local communities. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for an opportunity to grow a thriving business, fish farming in Nigeria may just be the catch you’ve been waiting for.

What is Fish Farming?

Fish farming, also known as aquaculture, is the practice of breeding and raising fish in controlled environments for commercial purposes. In Nigeria, fish farming is a lucrative business because there is high demand for fish and limited local production.

To get started, you’ll need adequate land, fishponds, fingerlings, feed, and equipment. A small fish farm can cost between 500,000 to 5 million naira to set up. The major fish species farmed in Nigeria are catfish and tilapia. Catfish and tilapia are more popular because of their fast growth rate and high market demand.

With the right location, quality inputs, and good management, fish farming can be very profitable in Nigeria. Some farmers earn as much as 800,000 to millions of naira per harvest, with 2-3 harvests possible per year. The key is keeping costs low while maximizing fish growth and survival rates.

If done properly, fish farming is a sustainable way to produce healthy food, create jobs and boost the economy. By learning about this field and starting your own fish farm, you’ll be swimming your way to success in no time!

The Potential of Fish Farming in Nigeria

The potential for fish farming in Nigeria is huge. Nigeria has a population of over 200 million people, and fish is a major source of protein. However, the demand for fish in Nigeria far outstrips supply. Nigeria imports about N122.5 billion worth of fish annually to meet demand.

There is a huge gap between the demand and supply of fish in Nigeria that needs to be filled. Fish farming presents a huge opportunity to fill this gap. The climatic conditions in Nigeria also favor fish farming, especially catfish farming. Catfish is the most popular fish for farming in Nigeria.

How to start a fish Farming business in Nigeria?

To start a successful fish farming business in Nigeria, you need to first develop a comprehensive business plan. If you want to start a thriving fish farm in Nigeria, you have several options for production methods.

The intensive system means raising fish in high densities, like in tanks. Pros: high yields, controlled environment. Cons: expensive, risk of disease.

The extensive system uses large ponds with low stocking densities. Pros: low cost, natural feed. Cons: lower yields, vulnerable to predators.

The flow-through system continuously supplies fresh, oxygenated water. Pros: maximum growth, reduced waste. Cons: high cost, requires filtration system.

Ranching utilizes natural lakes or rivers. Pros: low cost, natural habitat. Cons: difficult to monitor, vulnerable to pollution.

With the right method, equipment, and care, fish farming in Nigeria can be a profitable business. Do your research to determine which system is the best fit based on your resources and goals.

Selecting the Right Fish Species for Farming in Nigeria

When selecting fish species for your farm in Nigeria, consider the following factors:

Climate and environment

Choose species that will thrive in Nigeria’s tropical climate, such as catfish, tilapia, and carp. These species can tolerate warm water and low oxygen levels.

Local demand and preferences

Catfish and tilapia are popular and widely eaten in Nigeria, so they are good options for commercial farming. Meet with local buyers to determine current demand and preferences.

Growth rate

Fast-growing species like tilapia and catfish reach market size in 4-7 months, allowing for quick harvest and return on investment. Slower-growing species may tie up capital for longer.

Input requirements

Choose species that do not require expensive feed or equipment, like trout or striped bass. Low-input species like tilapia and catfish are better suited for small and medium-scale farms in Nigeria.

Disease resistance

Select species that are resistant to diseases common in Nigeria’s climate to minimize losses, e.g., tilapia is resistant to streptococcus while catfish is susceptible.

By considering these factors, you can identify fish species well-suited to farming in Nigeria’s climate and markets, with low input requirements, fast growth, and strong demand from buyers. Focusing on the right species will help ensure the success and profitability of your fish farm.

Choosing a Suitable Location for Your Fish Farm

Choosing a suitable location for your fish farm is critical to its success. Some key factors to consider:

Accessibility

Pick a spot that is easily accessible for building supplies, equipment, workers, and transportation of fish products. Being near a main road is ideal.

Water supply

Ensure there is an abundant supply of fresh, clean water for your fish tanks and ponds. A natural water source like a stream or well is best. If using municipal water, check that supply is consistent and chemical-free.

Soil and terrain

Select land with fertile, clay soil and a gentle slope for easy construction and drainage. Avoid rocky, sandy, or steep areas.

Consider the local climate and how it may impact your fish farm. Lots of rainfall and warm temperatures are good for fast growth, while extremely hot weather requires shade and aeration. Colder climates need indoor facilities.

Zoning laws

Check with local authorities regarding any restrictions on aquaculture facilities in the desired area before purchasing land or beginning construction. Proper permits must be obtained.

Choose a spot away from pollutants like agricultural runoff, industrial waste, or residential sewage that could contaminate your water supply and harm your fish.

Pick a location that allows room for future growth as your business develops. Extra space is useful for building new ponds, storage facilities, hatcheries, or processing plants.

With the right location that provides ideal conditions for your fish to thrive, you’ll be on your way to establishing a successful fish farming business in Nigeria. But be sure to start small and scale up as you gain experience.

Equipment and Supplies You’ll Need and their Functions

To get started in the fish farming business in Nigeria, you’ll need to invest in some basic equipment and supplies. Here are the essentials:

-Fish tanks or ponds: You’ll need containers to raise your fish. Choose between concrete ponds, plastic tanks, or fiberglass tanks.

-Pipes and pumps: For circulating and filtering the water. You’ll need water pumps, PVC pipes, and valves.

-Filters: Mechanical filters remove solid waste, while biological filters help establish beneficial bacteria. Choose between mesh filters, box filters, and drum filters.

-Water test kits: To monitor the pH level, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels to keep the water conditions healthy for your fish.

-Fish feed: You’ll need to feed your fish a proper diet to support healthy growth. Choose between pelleted feed, extruded feed, or live feed, like insects or worms.

-Fingerlings or juvenile fish: To start your farm, you’ll need to obtain fish to raise to market size. Buy from reputable hatcheries.

-Fencing and netting: To keep predators out and contain your fish. You’ll need netting, wire, posts, and gates.

-Oxygenation equipment: Paddlewheels, diffusers, and aerators help keep oxygen levels adequate for your fish.

-Harvesting equipment: Seine nets, lift nets and dip nets to harvest your fish.

-Transport equipment: Oxygen tanks, hoses, and insulated containers to transport your harvested fish.

-Protective clothing: Boots, gloves, coveralls, and masks for handling fish and maintaining your farm.

In the end, evaluate your resources and goals. Ponds, cages, or tanks can all be excellent options if set up and managed properly. A thriving fish farm starts with choosing a system suited to your needs and sticking to best practices.

Marketing and Selling Your Fish

To successfully sell your fish, you’ll need to find the right buyers and market your products effectively. Some options to consider:

Local fish markets and traders

Selling to established local traders and markets is convenient since the infrastructure and customer base already exists. You can sell your fish wholesale or retail to individual customers. Make sure to build relationships with the traders and market managers.

Restaurants

High-end restaurants are always looking for fresh, high-quality seafood to serve their customers. Contact restaurants in your area, especially those that focus on local and organic ingredients. Offer them samples of your fish to build interest. Once they see the quality, they’ll become repeat customers.

Online and social media

Create a website to promote your fish farm and sell products online for delivery or pickup. Use Facebook and Instagram to increase visibility, engage with potential customers, and sell fish. Offer discounts and promotions on social media to drive new traffic to your website.

If you have access to an international airport, consider exporting your fish to overseas markets where demand and prices may be higher. Make connections with seafood importers and distributors in target export countries. Ensure you understand the regulations for exporting fish and can properly handle and ship fresh seafood.

With some hustle and the right strategy, you’ll find many opportunities to sell your fish at a good price. Keep improving your quality and production, build strong customer relationships, and actively promote your products in person and online. Success will follow!

Best Practices for Maximizing Fish Farm Productivity and Profits

When it comes to maximizing your fish farm’s productivity and profits, following some best practices will help you build a thriving business.

Location matters

Select a site with access to clean, fresh water and electricity. Place your farm in an area with a suitable climate for the fish species you want to raise. Locate near available resources and infrastructure to minimize costs.

Choose wisely

Select a fish species suitable for your local conditions and target market. Fast-growing, disease-resistant species with high demand are ideal. Provide the proper habitat and diet for healthy fish.

Quality over quantity

Focus on producing high-quality fish to gain the trust of customers and maximize profits. Feed your fish a nutritious diet and monitor water conditions closely.

Keep good records

Maintain detailed records of expenses, growth rates, feeding schedules, and harvests. Track data to determine optimal practices and make adjustments to improve productivity. Records also help in obtaining financing and certifications.

Staff properly

Hire knowledgeable, dedicated staff and provide ongoing training. Pay fair wages to minimize turnover. Make sure you have enough staff to properly care for fish, equipment, and facilities.

Market wisely

Develop a marketing plan to build customer demand and gain the best prices for your fish. Consider selling to local buyers, restaurants, distributors, and at regional markets. Build your brand and customer base over time through quality, service, and competitive pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions about fish farming in Nigeria

Here are some of the most asked questions about fish farming in Nigeria:

Can I do fish farming at home?

Absolutely! Fish farming, or aquaculture, can be done right in your own backyard. All you need is a pond or tank, some fingerlings (baby fish), food, equipment like nets, buckets, and an aerator. Start with a small home-based system before expanding.

What nutrients do fish need?

Fish require a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to grow healthy and strong. Feed your fish a commercial pellet food 2-3 times per day. For tilapia and catfish, look for a feed with roughly 32% protein and 5-10% fat. The food should also contain essential fatty acids like omega-3s, as well as vitamins A, B, C, and D. Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium are important for bone and cell health.

How do you calculate fish feed?

To determine how much to feed your fish, start by calculating the total weight of fish in your pond. For tilapia and catfish, feed about 2-3% of body weight per day. So, if you have 100 kg of fish, feed 2-3 kg of food daily, divide this amount into 2-3 equal feedings. As the fish grow, increase the amount of feed accordingly. It’s best to underfeed slightly, as overfeeding can pollute the water.

How can fish be harvested?

When the fish reach market size (0.5-1 kg for tilapia), they are ready to harvest. Lower the water level so you can easily catch the fish with nets or by hand.

How can the harvested fish be preserved?

Freezing, canning, smoking, and pickling are the four most common ways to preserve fish. Fish is the most vulnerable to tissue disintegration, rancidity, and microbiological deterioration of any flesh food.

How long does fish farming take?

Fish farming in Nigeria typically takes 4-18 months, depending on the species.

What are the ways to grow fish faster?

To speed up growth, here are some tips:

• Provide high-quality feed 2-3 times a day. A pelleted feed with 35-40% protein is good for young fish.
• Change 1/3 of the water every week. Fresh, oxygenated water promotes growth.
• Maintain good water quality. Test for ammonia, nitrites, pH, and temperature regularly and make adjustments as needed.
• Use aerators or pumps to add oxygen to the water. Lack of oxygen slows growth.
• Stockfish at the proper density, Overcrowding causes stress and stunting.

What is the most consumed fish in Nigeria?

The most consumed fish in Nigeria is catfish, followed by tilapia. Catfish can be sold fresh, smoked, or dried and used in dishes like pepper soup, catfish stew, and grilled catfish.

What’s the easiest fish to farm?

Tilapia and catfish are two of the easiest fish to farm. Tilapia are fast-growing, disease resistant, and can survive in poor-quality water. Catfish also grow quickly and have a high market demand in Nigeria. Both fish are easy to breed and are suitable for small-scale farms.

What are the challenges of fish farming in Nigeria?

Some challenges of fish farming in Nigeria are:

• Difficulty accessing quality inputs like feed, fingerlings, and equipment
• High cost of feed
• Inadequate access to finance and credit
• Pollution and waste management
• Lack of technical knowledge

With hard work and persistence, fish farming can be a very rewarding business in Nigeria. Do your research, start small, provide great care and high quality, and you’ll be on your way to success!

So that’s the basics of building a thriving fish farming business in Nigeria. While it may seem daunting, if you start small, get the right training, build a solid plan, and work hard to achieve your goals, you’ll be well on your way to success. Remember, choose a sustainable location, select fish breeds suited for your local climate, keep your fish healthy and your ponds clean, and find customers by building connections in your community. Fish farming can be a rewarding business if you go in with realistic expectations, learn from your mistakes, and don’t get discouraged easily. With some luck and perseverance, your little fish farm could turn into something that provides income and nourishment for years to come.

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Fish Farming Business Plan In Nigeria

2024, Joshua Uche

Fish Farming Business Plan In Nigeria (2024 PDF) Fish Farming Business Plan In Nigeria 2024 Sample Starting a Fish Farming Business today requires you get a professional help or buy a well written business Plan which can serve as a guide through the set up period. The truth is that there are several business challenge

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Fidelis Ada

SIDIQAT ADERINOYE ABDULWAHAB

The study investigated the management practices employed in fish farming and the constraints militating against effective fish production in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from one hundred and twenty fish farmers that were randomly selected from two fish farmers association existing in the area. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentages and mean scores) and inferential (Pearson product moment correlation) statistics. Findings from the study showed that respondents had average age of 46.23 years, 82.8% indicated different levels of formal education while more than 2/3rd of them had between 1 to 20 years of fish farming experience. Information was mostly needed in fish marketing strategy. Respondents indicated lack of sufficient capital as a major challenge in fish farming. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationship between age (r = -0.821, p = 0.001); educational level (r = -0.718, p = 0....

Journal of Agricultural Extension

Julius Omeje

Continental J. Sustainable Development

Science and Education Development Institute (SEDInst)

This study assessed the problems facing fish farmers in four (4) Local Government Areas of Kwara State. Thirty (30) fish farmers based on availability were surveyed in this study. The stratified sampling technique was used to carry out the survey. The data collected were subjected to descriptive analysis. The outcome of the survey exercise carried out revealed that water shortages during dry season, lack of capital, disease and pest infestation and high cost of fish feed were identified as part of the major problems that affected fish farming business in the study area. The study recommends the use of supplementary feed for catfish such as maggot and other locally formulated feed as an alternative to foreign feeds which are very expensive. In view of this, the study further recommends that fish farmers in Kwara State should attend trainings on maggot production, preservation and utilization.

Journal of Human Ecology

ENIOLUWA IJATUYI

This study investigated information needs among fish farmers in Ife Central Local Government area of Osun State, South West Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 80 of the 160 fish farmers registered by the Zonal Office of Osun State Agriculture Development Project. A self-developed questionnaire segmented into sections was used to elicit information covering respondents’ background, information sources, their credibility and usefulness as well as information needs. The findings revealed that sixty-five percent were males while thirty-five percent were females. The majority (65%) was married and fell within active years (30years) and had primary education. Catfish was mostly farmed (40%) followed by Tilapia (23%) and Heterobrancus (20%). Monoculture was predominant (42.5%) and locally formulated feed was used by the majority (34%). Homestead concrete (30%) and earthen pond (30%) were commonly used among respondents. The majority of respondents (76.3%) were new entrants. Information needs of respondents covered both technical and economic areas. The greatest information needs of fish farmers was on the construction of the modern pond at 73.8 percent, feed formulation techniques at 71.3 percent, feeding operation at 66.3 percent, method of improving fingerling breeds and stocking operation at 62.5 percent and 61.3 percent respectively. It can be concluded that the most useful information means and sources are through mobile phones, radio, professional colleagues, religious organizations and the internet. The study recommends that Agricultural extension should identify information needs of fish farmers as well as prominent sources of information so that they can be targeted properly for extension activities.

Tropical Journal of Animal Science

Sulaiman Yusuf

Continental J. Agricultural Science

Management practices involved in fish farming operation cannot be overemphasized as it provides the basis for a successful fish farming business. In Nigeria, fish farming has a lot of practices existing along its production - supply chain that is not standardized. For optimum utilization of resources and increased production, productivity and returns to the farmer, improvement in the existing technology and practices are necessary. This survey was carried out to purposely assess the management practices carried out by fish farmers in four (4) Local Government Areas in Kwara State of Nigeria and thereby propose possible management practices that can further improve productivity. Thirty (30) fish farmers based on availability were surveyed in this study. The survey was carried out using a stratified sampling technique involving the use of a closed-ended questionnaire. The data contains information pertaining to sex, age, marital status, gender, household size, years of farming experience, level of education and the various management practices carried out. The SPSS statistical package of version 25.0.0.0 was used for data computation. Survey result revealed that we have a large number of educated fish farmers that falls within the age bracket of 31 – 40 years having a household size of 0 - 5 persons. The result further revealed that majority of the respondents had between 1 - 10 years of fish farming experience. Also, the management practices performed during fish farming operation revealed that majority of the fish farmers managed the water quality of their fish pond, clean their fish pond regularly, weed their fish pond surroundings, protect their fish ponds against predators, feed their fish routinely and provided measures for disease control. It was also observed in the study that regular sorting, growth monitoring, record keeping being aspects of fish farming management practices were not compromised. However, survey results concerning the use of liming and pond fertilization were not commonly practiced among the fish farmers. This study also provided some useful recommendations that will assist in boosting fish production in Kwara State of Nigeria.

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Most Complete Fish Farming business plan in Nigeria pdf download

So you’ve chosen to begin a fish farming business in Nigeria and you are currently looking for the  Most Complete Fish Farming business plan in Nigeria pdf download.  There are numerous means simultaneously to get this business started and each should be executed accurately or your business won’t be everything you expect it to be.

Our   Fish Farming business plan in Nigeria Pdf  is regularly updated and can also be used to obtain loans and grants etc.

The fish farming business is one of the lucrative businesses to start in Nigeria that’s why over the years there has been a high demand for fish farming business plans in Nigeria. Starting a business involves defining your why in order to have clear business objectives, so the major reason people start this business is because of the increasing demand for seafood which contains lots of natural protein. So many entrepreneurs have become millionaires just by starting this business model and I know you’ll be one of them very soon, this article will provide you with all you need to know in other to start a fish farming business in Nigeria and also provide you with a guide on how to get a  Complete Fish Farming business plan in Nigeria pdf download document.

Advantages Of Starting A Fish Farming Business In Nigeria 

• Growing market: African fish market is developed and growing every day, and according to the researches, it is constantly growing because there under satisfied demand. Fishery products are cheaper than meat and richer in protein, which is a great advantage that makes the product more popular among the more significant part of the population in Nigeria.
• Low cost of operation: At first, it seems that starting a farm requires a lot of money. Nonetheless, you do not need a considerable sum of money to launch and maintain the farm. For example, the poultry products business requires much more money to start, and there are more threatening vices.
• Support from government: There is a campaign by the Nigerian Government to motivate people to make more agriculture investments by providing soft agricultural loans to farmer, and also facilities to help them produce more goods which will in return bring about economic growth and development.

Other Advantages Includes:

• Little raw material needed
• No wastage of goods
• Demand for the products are high
• Good natural source of protein
• Small factory space needed
• Fast returns
• Few workers needed
• 100% profit and more
• No down time

Materials Needed To Start

Table of Contents

Fish farming business like any other business will require some materials to aid the effective running of business activities, some of these materials are:

• Factory site
• Pumping machine
• Plastic pond
• Miscellaneous

Registration And Documentations

Since we are running a food business we have to make sure we are fully authorized by NAFDAC and CAC before we begin sales. Sometimes it gets hard to get registered with these government authorities and might have to pay the extra money to register quick.

If you want to run your fish farm as a real business then it is important that you register your business with the CAC so as to show you are running a real business and quite different from other fish farmers.

Fish Farming Business Plan In Nigeria

Success in business does not depend on luck but it rests on the shoulders of a well-structured business plan which will adequately and effectively cover all business goals and profit margins. Your business plan is simply a draft of your business goals and how it will be achieved, a well-defined Fish Farming business plan in Nigeria pdf download  should contain the following:

1. Executive Summary 2. Description of Problem and Solution    2.2 Vision    2.3 Mission    2.4 Value Proposition    2.5 Business Objectives    2.6 Critical Success Factor    2.7 Current Status of Business    2.8 Legal Requirement    2.9 Contribution to Local and National Economy    2.10 Contribution to SDG 3. SWOT Analysis 4. Market Analysis 5. Competitive Analysis & Risk Analysis 6.  Marketing Plan  6.1  Description of Product (S) or Service (S)  6.2 Potential challenges in the business industry  6.3The Opportunity  6.4Target Market  6.5Marketing and Sale Strategy 7 .Production Plan/Operational Plan  7.1 Description of the Location/Factory  7.2 Raw Materials/consumables  7.3 Production Equipment/Capital Expenses  7.4 Equipment/Depreciation Table  7.5 Pricing strategy  7.6 Record/Stock Control Process  7.7 Pre-operating Activities and Expenses 8. Organization Structure and Responsibilities  8.1 Salary Schedule 9. Financial Plan  9.1 Start-Up Capital Estimation (Expansion Capital Estimation)  9.2 Loan Details  9.3 Business Risk and Mitigating Factor  9.4 Financial Projections  9.5 Sales Forecast And Sales Assumption  9.6 Income Statement (P&L) Account 10. Conclusion Now you don’t have to go through the stress of creating your own fish farming in Nigeria business plan from scratch, We at  NaijaCEO  have done the hard work for you. You can get the Most Complete Fish Farming business plan in Nigeria pdf download from us with the information listed in the Table of the content above at an affordable rate and then edit to your taste or have us go the extra mile in editing to your own unique business.

Conclusion:

In our business plan, we’ve prepared a step by step, easy to follow plan which has helped numerous entrepreneurs to start their own fish farm and also secure loans for their business.

Types Of Farming

Your decision on the type of fish farm you want to start will determine your profitability rate and market penetration and also relevance in your target market. Here are some types of fish farms that are profitable

• Catfish farming Catfish farming  is the most popular type of aquaculture business in Nigeria in this 21 century because many Nigerians prefer to eat fish to meat because of the nutritional value of fish over meat. Catfish is also an important ingredient and a standing pillar in many Nigerian foods. The rate of high demand, ease of cultivation and nutritional value, puts it at the top of the aquatic market in Nigeria.
• Tilapia farming This type fish farming makes use of shallow streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes which is a natural habitat for  tilapia fish . This is profitable in many Nigerian states which are surrounded by rivers and swampy regions. This is the second most important type of fish farming in Nigeria by rate of consumption and it grows fast and yield more even in bad quality water.
• Salmon (Mackerel) farming Salmon fish are fresh water inhabitant who are popularly known for their seasonal migration in the ocean. There is a popular sardine called “Titus” in Nigeria and it is made from Salmon and purchased by millions of Nigerians daily.

Maintenance

Running a fish farm can be hectic if you don’t regularly maintain the fish pond and equipment, it can lead to huge losses if not attended to. Maintenance in fish farming normally requires you to change the pool water regularly when it is contaminated and add necessary chemicals to prevent death.

Maintenance is an important aspect of fish farming and can run any fish farm down the drain if not properly handled. Maintenance also involves proper feeding and medication so as to reduce losses.

Capital Evaluation

Unlike other businesses, fish farming requires small capital and equipment when starting out small but when starting a large scale fish farm you can opt for an agricultural loan from the government which will require you to submit your fish farming business plan  In our fish farming business plan in Nigeria we have prepared a step by step procedures and financial projections and breakdowns for the successful running of a fish business in Nigeria and Across Africa.

The issue of location is a key factor when it comes to fish farming in Nigeria and will greatly affect profit margins if not properly handled. The main factors to consider when choosing the location of a fish farm are:

• Proximity to the nearest market
• The absence of fish prey
• Availability of water

Labour Force

For a large scale fish farm to effectively function there is some position that has to be occupied to bring about the effective running of the day to day business. Some of these positions are:

• Chief operating officer
• Field employees
• Front desk officer
• General fish farm manager
• HR and admin manager
• Sales and marketing executive

Agriculture is one of the Pinnacle parts of economic development in Nigeria. It has been our main source of living before colonization. Thousands of firms and entrepreneurs are involved in this industry. Because agricultural development is a key factor in any economy. Aquafarming is a concrete part of agriculture, and fish farming is considered the most common type of aquafarming in the 21st century. Aquaculture and fish farming in Nigeria has become a very popular profitable business in recent years. Many entrepreneurs started this business, but not all of them manage to stay afloat. Because they didn’t get a Fish Farming business plan in Nigeria pdf download document. to guide them on the projections they need to have in mind before starting their fish farming business. This is why we’ve prepared a fish farming business plan in Nigeria that contains all you need to start your own fish farm and also sustain relevance in your target market.

To round this Article Up Here are Some Major things to consider before starting a fish farm:

• Land You’ll definitely need a land to start a fish farm and depending on your size of farm either small or large scale you may start with a factory site or get a plastic pool at your backyard to start small. Many fish farmers started out their farms in their backyard before getting a proper factory site when they upscale. Choose a place which is not-so-rural area especially places with little or no water bodies around the state because, it is usually available at a lower price in rural areas.
• Pond planning It is profitable and smart to appeal for the services of an aquaculture consultant but you can also plan your fish farm your self if you’re up to the task. But if you hire professionals they’ll help you determine what kind of pond you need, examine your goals, and provide an estimate containing all the required conditions for setting a pond which is suitable for the type of fish farm you want to start.
• Source of water supply This is one of the main factors of a sustainable and ever developing fish farm. a proper borehole system near a good source of quality water supply is Paramount in fish farming. Also note that chemically treated water and rainwater cannot be used on a fish farm because they harmful to fish and can incur losses. There has to be a steady flow of freshwater for the development of your farm to be certain.
• Feeding system Your feeding system will determine how big and profitable your fish farm will be, so you have to select the feeding system which is best for your type of fish farm by doing adequate research on what feeding system works in your location.

Fish farming in Nigeria is one of the lucrative businesses to start as a smart entrepreneur in Nigeria. And since you’ve now known all there is about fish farming and you can get a Fish Farming business plan in Nigeria pdf download document  from us.

Congratulations on your Fish Farming new business and GODSPEED.

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Micah Erumaka

About Micah Erumaka

Micah Erumaka is the Founder of LiaonCEM solutions which owns NaijaCEO. He is an Internet Entrepreneur and a content creator. After the failure of his first company at age 18 he started NaijaCEO to help entrepreneurs with the information they need in operating a successful business in Africa

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