HOW TO START A SMALL SCALE CATFISH FARMING BUSINESS IN NIGERIA

by Demi

Looking for a resource or guide on “How to Start a Catfish farming Business In Nigeria”?

Read on..

This article comes with a free business plan for a Catfish production.

how to start a small scale catfish farming business in nigeria

IS CATFISH FARMING PROFITABLE?

Catfish farming has proved to be very lucrative for everyone involved in the industry, from the feed makers, pond constructors, producers. This article will cover how to start a catfish farming business in Nigeria.

Catfish farming has been broken down into two parts, where each phase can be operated independently and can be sure to yield profit and can also be integrated and practiced as two halves of a whole block. They are Fry Farming and Market Age Fish Farming. The market age fish farming cannot be carried out without the nursery, at least not efficiently, you’ll understand why. But as I said earlier, each part can be ventured into independently.

The Fry Farming involves fertilization, incubation, and hatching of eggs laid by the female fish, the hatchlings are called “fries”, where the name of the venture comes from, and are nurtured onto fingerlings after four weeks, this is pretty much the end of the fry fish farming, the fingerlings can then be sold out to farmers who buy the fingerlings for the Market Age Farming.

The Market Age farmer needs a nursery for the phase between the two parts which involves growing the fingerlings into juveniles and this occurs for three weeks, after this phase the fishes can then be transferred into a pond and then reared to market age which they will attain after four to five months.

Catfish farming is a major investment operation. And so, starting one requires careful consideration. Embarking on the journey to venture into the business has to be done carefully and these steps are listed to guide any reader who finds it promising;

Land Acquisition

Land, an important factor. A plot of land is fair enough and it has to be situated where it has access to good roads because of the transportation of the fishes to the market after they attain market weight. After the land has been acquired the ponds have to be constructed, a farmhouse has to be erected. A source of uninterrupted power supply has to be in place and a good drainage facility. The drainage has to be top-notch to prevent pollution and nuisances.

Pond Planning

The size of the pond has to be deliberated on and this is a mirror that directly reflects the scale of the business, the pond size directly depends on the scale of the business. The system, type of water circulation, and type of the pond should be chosen.  There are different types of ponds – Plastic pond, earthen ponds or concrete pond

Construction Considerations

These questions should be taken into consideration to construct a good pond for the fishes;

Where should the pond be located?

Will the source meet the minimum flow requirements required by the fishes?

Is the water supply suitable for catfish farming?

Is the area good for siting a pond considering the composition of the soil and permeability?

Water Supply Source

A borehole is considered as the best source of water on a catfish farm, the supply has to be steady so the need for two to three units should be included in the budgets. Tanks for holding water should be on elevated platforms and there should never be a shortage of water, you have to make sure.

Pond Design and Construction

An expert should be consulted for the construction of the pond, but before employing the services of an expert, there are a few things you should ensure, the flatness and the steepness of the site and the source of water are the most important as we have said earlier in the article. Flat topographies that has access to a well can sustain a 180o leveled pond. Watershed ponds are built for steeper areas near a natural source of water. The depth of the pond is also crucial; it influences the oxygen levels in the pond for the fish, also the amount of fishes in the pond affects the amount of oxygen available to each fish, overcrowding should be avoided.

After the whole production process has been completed, yielding maximum profit boils down to marketing and some little things like determining buyer requirements. Harvest could be sold to fish processors or directly to consumers.

COST OF FEEDING 2000 CATFISH IN NIGERIA

The cost of feeding 2000 catfish in Nigeria can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the fish, the feed type, and the market prices of feed ingredients. However, here’s a general estimation of the feeding cost:

  1. Fish Size: The feeding cost will depend on the average weight of the catfish. Typically, catfish are reared for a period of 4 to 6 months before being harvested. Let’s assume an average weight of 500 grams per catfish at the end of the rearing period.
  2. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): FCR is the amount of feed required to produce a unit of fish weight gain. The FCR for catfish can vary, but let’s assume an average FCR of 1.5. This means it would take 1.5 kilograms of feed to produce 1 kilogram of catfish weight gain.
  3. Feed Type and Cost: There are different types of feeds available for catfish, including floating or sinking pellets with varying nutrient compositions. The cost of feed can range depending on the brand, quality, and availability. Let’s assume an average cost of 250 Naira per kilogram of feed.

Based on the assumptions above, here’s an estimation of the feeding cost for 2000 catfish:

Total Weight of Catfish: 2000 catfish x 500 grams = 1000 kilograms

Feed Required: 1.5 kilograms of feed per kilogram of weight gain Feed Required = 1.5 x 1000 kilograms = 1500 kilograms

Cost of Feed: 250 Naira per kilogram of feed Total Cost of Feed = 250 Naira/kg x 1500 kilograms = 375,000 Naira

It’s important to note that the prices of feed ingredients can fluctuate, and the actual feeding cost may vary based on market conditions and other factors. Additionally, other costs such as labor, operational expenses, and water management should also be considered when calculating the overall cost of catfish production.

HOW TO REAR CATFISH IN A BUCKET

Rearing catfish in a bucket can be a small-scale and convenient way to start catfish farming. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to rear catfish in a bucket:

  1. Select the Right Bucket: Choose a sturdy and durable bucket that can hold water and accommodate the catfish comfortably. Ensure that the bucket is clean and free from any contaminants.
  2. Prepare the Bucket: Clean the bucket thoroughly to remove any dirt, residue, or chemicals. Rinse it with clean water to ensure it is ready for the catfish.
  3. Provide Sufficient Water: Fill the bucket with clean water. The water should be of good quality, free from pollutants and harmful substances. Tap water can be used, but it’s important to dechlorinate it before adding the fish.
  4. Install Aeration System: Catfish require oxygen-rich water for their survival and growth. Install an aeration system, such as an air pump and air stone, to provide adequate oxygenation. This will help maintain a healthy environment for the catfish.
  5. Adjust Water Temperature: Catfish thrive in water temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). Use a thermometer to monitor and adjust the water temperature accordingly. Heating or cooling devices may be necessary, depending on the ambient temperature.
  6. Acquire Catfish Fingerlings: Purchase healthy catfish fingerlings from a reputable hatchery or supplier. It’s advisable to start with a small number of fingerlings, depending on the size of your bucket.
  7. Feed the Catfish: Feed the catfish with high-quality commercial catfish feed appropriate for their size and age. Follow the feeding instructions provided by the feed manufacturer. Feed the fish at regular intervals, typically 2-3 times a day, ensuring they consume the feed within a few minutes.
  8. Maintain Water Quality: Regularly monitor and maintain the water quality parameters such as temperature, pH level, and ammonia levels. Perform regular water changes to keep the water clean and healthy for the catfish. Use appropriate water treatments, if necessary.
  9. Monitor Fish Health: Keep a close eye on the health of the catfish. Look for signs of disease or stress, such as abnormal behavior, loss of appetite, or unusual growths. Address any health issues promptly by consulting a veterinarian or aquaculture expert.
  10. Monitor Growth and Harvest: Monitor the growth of the catfish regularly. Catfish can take several months to reach harvestable size, depending on the species and feeding regime. Once the catfish have reached the desired size, you can harvest them for consumption or sale.

Remember to always practice good hygiene and provide proper care for the catfish in the bucket. Regular maintenance, water quality management, and proper feeding will contribute to the success of rearing catfish in a bucket.

HOW TO REAR CATFISH IN PLASTIC TANKS

Rearing catfish in plastic tanks is a popular and effective method for small to medium-scale catfish farming. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to rear catfish in plastic tanks:

  1. Select the Right Tanks: Choose high-quality, durable plastic tanks that are specifically designed for fish farming. The tanks should have sufficient capacity to accommodate the desired number of catfish and allow for proper water circulation.
  2. Tank Setup: Set up the plastic tanks in a suitable location with access to clean water and proper drainage. Ensure that the tanks are placed on a level and stable surface. Connect a water supply system to provide a continuous flow of fresh water into the tanks.
  3. Provide Sufficient Water: Fill the tanks with clean water. The water source should be of good quality, free from contaminants and pollutants. Ensure that the water level is appropriate for the size and age of the catfish.
  4. Install Aeration System: Install an aeration system, such as an air pump and air stones, to provide adequate oxygenation for the catfish. Proper aeration is essential for the fish’s health and growth. Ensure that the aeration system is functioning properly.
  5. Adjust Water Temperature: Catfish thrive in water temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). Use a thermometer to monitor and adjust the water temperature accordingly. Depending on the ambient temperature, you may need to use heating or cooling devices to maintain the desired temperature.
  6. Acquire Catfish Fingerlings: Purchase healthy catfish fingerlings from a reputable hatchery or supplier. The number of fingerlings will depend on the tank’s size and carrying capacity. It’s advisable to start with a manageable number of fingerlings for optimal growth and management.
  7. Feed the Catfish: Feed the catfish with high-quality commercial catfish feed appropriate for their size and age. Follow the feeding instructions provided by the feed manufacturer. Feed the fish at regular intervals, typically 2-3 times a day, ensuring they consume the feed within a few minutes.
  8. Maintain Water Quality: Regularly monitor and maintain the water quality parameters such as temperature, pH level, ammonia levels, and oxygen levels. Perform regular water testing and make necessary adjustments to keep the water clean and healthy for the catfish.
  9. Monitor Fish Health: Keep a close eye on the health of the catfish. Observe their behavior, appetite, and growth. Look for any signs of disease or stress, and address any issues promptly by consulting a veterinarian or aquaculture expert.
  10. Harvesting: Catfish can take several months to reach harvestable size, depending on the species and feeding regime. Once the catfish have reached the desired size, you can harvest them for consumption or sale. Use appropriate harvesting methods and handle the fish with care.

Regular maintenance, water quality management, proper feeding, and monitoring of the catfish’s health are crucial for successful catfish farming in plastic tanks. Following good aquaculture practices and seeking guidance from experts can further enhance your chances of success.

Is catfish farming profitable? Yes it is. We created a sample business plan here for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the business.

How To Download Catfish Farming Business Plan Template PDF and Doc (with financial analysis)

Above is a part of the Catfish farming business plan template in Nigerian. If you need the complete business plan, follow the procedures to download it.

Pay the sum of N8000 (Eight thousand naira only)  to the account detail below:
Bank: GTBank
Name: Oyewole Abidemi (I am putting my name and not our company account so you know we are real people and you can trust us)
Ac/No: 0238933625
Type: Saving

Thereafter, send us your email address through text message to +234 701 754 2853The text must contain the title of the business plan you want and also your email address. Immediately after the confirmation of your payment, we will send the Catfish farming business plan in Nigeria to your email address where you can easily download it.

You may also like

1 comment

Download Feasibility Study for Catfish Farming in Nigeria | Liveandwingit February 6, 2021 - 9:31 pm

[…] LEARN HOW TO START A CATFISH FARMING BUSINESS IN NIGERIA […]

Reply

Leave a Comment