Catfish Farming In Nigeria - Step By Step How To Start
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Catfish farming
in Nigeria consists of two most important types, which could either be
operated separately or as an integrated process. The two divisions are
the Nursery Fish farming and the Grow Out Fish Farming.
The grow out fish farming is dependent of the nursery fish farming
because you can't grow fish without the nursery. But, like I said, they
can be operated separately by two different farmers.
The nursery involves the
inducement of the female fish to lay eggs, which are then fertilized,
incubated and hatched. Those little fishes are know as fries. These
fries are then nurtured from between three and four weeks into
fingerlings which is the size suitable for use in the Grow Out farming.
A catfish farming is a major investment operation. And so, starting one needs careful consideration.
In between the nursery and grow
out operation is what we referred to as the primary operation. It
involves the nurturing of the three or four weeks within which they
could grow into post fingerlings, mini juveniles and juveniles
respectively. These can then be nurtured for between four to five month
into grow out or table size fish suitable for sale and consumption.
Going in catfish farming involves the following
Step One: Land To Use
This is very important. One has
to acquire at least half plot of land in a suitable location. This
means, you must consider good access road, closeness to market and
labor. If the land is already available, it is good. Then we apportion
it as follows:
1. Location of ponds
2. Location of farm house
3. Location of water supply and lastly, location of drainage facility. The last point is very important, as you don’t drain your water to constitute public nuisance.
2. Location of farm house
3. Location of water supply and lastly, location of drainage facility. The last point is very important, as you don’t drain your water to constitute public nuisance.
Step Two: Pond Planning
Here, one has to determine
whether one wants to go into a big or small-scale commercial venture,
secondly, the pond system to adopt, Re-circulatory system, earthen pond
or concrete/plastic pond or both.
Once the pond was dug and the area has been developed, there is nothing
one can do to undo the work and recover the cost. And so, extensive
evaluation must be done by someone planning to start a catfish farm
before he finally decides whether it is wise for him to pursue the
project.
Construction Considerations
- Where should the pond be located? Does the site have enough supply of quality water (from wells or springs)? There are minimum water flow rate requirements in building a pond for a catfish. Will the source meet them? Employ professionals to test whether the water supply volume and flow rate meets standard requirements.
- Is the water supply suitable for catfish farming? Try growing a few catfish using water taken from the target source.
- Is the area suitable for pond construction in terms of soil composition and permeability? Ideal soil for pond construction is one with good compaction property. One resource you can run to check on this is your local soil management office.
- Catfish farming will require some water movement. Will you be able to obtain permits and other necessary licenses for the operation?
Step Three: Water Supply Source
The best water for catfish
farming is from bore hole. One or two must be sunk to guarantee steady
water supply. Overhead tanks for holding water should also be installed.
The mechanism of pumping of water must be back up facility. The system
must not fail.
Step Four: Pond Construction
It is advisable to engage the
service of a consultant. The success or failure of this project depends
largely on construction of standard ponds that can stand the test of
time.
Pond Design and Construction
One major consideration in designing a pond for catfish production is
the flatness or steepness of the area and the source of water supply.
For a generally flat area that has access to a well, a levee pond could
be built. Watershed ponds are built for steeper areas near a natural
source of water.
The depth of the pond is also crucial as this influences the
availability of oxygen for the fish. And so is the amount of fish per
surface acre of water. Check catfish growing manuals for standards to
adhere to.
For one to get the most profit
for a catfish harvest, it is necessary to determine buyer requirements
when planning the season’s production. Consider what buyers demand in
terms of weight, frequency, size and price. One can sell the season’s
harvest to fish processors or directly to consumer. The latter results a
greater return to the farmer.
Putting
up a facility for catfish farming is a large investment. The most major
investment for a catfish farm is the construction of the pond. Once
that is done, you are as good as through to your business. Buy the Catfish comprehensive Ebook!
