So many people have explained how to start a profitable fish farming business in Nigeria. But we will begin by explaining how to start, what is needed for fishing, and then go into detail about growing live bait such as snails or worms that are cheaper than feed pellets. There seem to be many advantages with this method; they use an expendable resource that can easily be found everywhere while also not requiring a lot of space unlike other forms of aquaculture like pens where you need more land area since it’s possible for them to escape from these types of structures.
What is fish farming?
Fish farming is the rearing of fish for commercial purposes. It is done in ponds, tanks, or enclosures. Fishing farming is a sustainable and profitable business.
How to start a profitable fish farming business in Nigeria
In learning how to start a profitable fish farming business in Nigeria, there are things to consider. If you are planning to grow a small fish farm and then expand in the future. Follow these steps:
- Search for a suitable location and secure land. A suitable location is a business itself.
- Check out for a steady source of water or dig a borehole. See that there is a source for a consistent water supply. You can also install an overhead tank.
- Look for clean water. Check it for freshwater.
- Construct the fish pond. Build in such a way that there are ways to dispose of dirty and add clean water.
- Decide the species of fish to rear. Go for catfish or tilapia fish. The climate of Nigeria is most favorable for rearing them.
- Go for healthy fingerlings. Look out for good fingerlings to avoid recording too much death.
- Learn about fish feeds and the feeding methods.
- Get practical training on fish farming. Fish farming can be a delicate business.
- Start the marketing process before growth
About fish farming in Nigeria
Nigerians are very good at fishing. In Africa, they have a thriving industry in fish farming that has helped to solve the problem of food shortage and starvation across their country.
The Niger River Delta is an area where you can see many people catching wild carp on rafts made from palm leaves or woven baskets with ingeniously designed traps for bait as well as nets moving upriver to catch freshwater shrimp near Lake Chad which supplies about two-thirds of Nigeria’s need for freshwater. Fish farms here also supply most domestic consumption needs by producing varieties such as tilapia, catfish, silver perch, e.t.c.
Types of fish you can farm in Nigeria
The most common species of fish in Nigeria are:
- Catfish
- Tilapia
Others include:
- Mackerel (Titu) – it is not farmed but wild-caught because it grows in salty water.
- Carp
- Salmon
3 Fish farming tips
The various fish farming tips to note includes:
- Take care of your water. As water stays longer, the oxygen level of the water decreases and it becomes unhealthy for the fish.
- Checkout for quality feed
- Maintain consistent care and check up on the fish.
Fish farming equipment in Nigeria
The various equipment needed for quality fish farming include:
- Fish pond
- Good water
- Quality feed
- Fishnet
- Labour and care
How much does it cost to start a fish farming business in Nigeria
Small fish farming can take up to 300,000 to 500,000. Going by a rough estimate, when you are looking to produce 2000 naira of Tilapia fish per acre sold on retail to the consumers, at least 2,000 per acre will start up the operating costs. The environment differs and equipment differs with different prices. This was why we wrote the rough estimate.
How profitable is fish farming in Nigeria?
The farming of aquatic organisms remains a growing sector in Nigeria. It is said to be profitable because:
- It is rich in protein, omega3, vitamin D, and vitamin B2, so people will buy to get these nutrients
- We have a population in Nigeria harboring different ethnic groups, willing to try out new food.
- The market is already established for young farmers.
Where can you locate your fish farm in Nigeria?
Location matters in business. You can locate your fish pond in a backyard that is very close to the market. This helps to ease off transportation costs.
6 Fish farming association in Nigeria
The lists of fish farming associations in Nigeria include:
- Association of Fish Farmers and Aquaculturists of Nigeria (AFFAN)
- United Fisheries Association of Nigeria (UFAN)
- Association of Fingerlings Producers of Nigeria (AFPON)
- Nigeria Union of Fishermen and Seafood Dealers (NUFASD)
- Association of Ornamental Fish Exports of Nigeria (AOFFN)
- Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON).
You can join this association if you see the need, however, there are benefits to doing this association.
6 Benefits of fishing farming
Fishing farming has a lot of advantages which include:
- Fish is popular, and the market is already established
- It is a source of protein, and so everybody needs protein as an essential nutrient.
- Fish sells quick, and the market is open
- Fish matures quickly and is ready for sales
- No much environmental hazard
- Requires no special training but normal training to start up.
Other searches- Food supply business in Nigeria.
Conclusion
If you calmly go through this article and also follow the tips here, starting your fish farm won’t be a big deal. Know what is required and then follow the steps as listed. Know also the species of fish that thrive well in Nigeria’s climate. With all these in place, you even expand and start a frozen fish business. All these things are very important in learning how to start a profitable fishing farming business in Nigeria.
