Requirements for Catfish Farming

Requirements for Catfish Farming

by Tritech Business Solutions Ltd.

The following are 7 requirements for Catfish Farming

1. Water

This is the most important factor in fish farming operation after securing a land space. Water must be considered based on its;
a. Source: it could be well water, borehole water, ground water (earthen pond), river or lagoon (cage culture.).
b. Quality: this is referring to the basic water parameters that can sustain culture of fish. Such parameters include PH, salinity, temperature, hardness, ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, etc.
c. Quantity: The volume of your water source must adequately sustain your fish culture from stocking to harvesting.

2. Fish Pond

You have to decide which type of pond you want to use depending on your level of investment, available land space, type of production, water management practice to be adopted.

3. Fish for Stocking

You have to decide on the type of fish you want to stock, its quality and where to source it.

4. Source of Electricity

The water pump needs to be powered. Without electricity additional cost needs to be incurred on alternative source of power such as generator, inverters, solar etc.

5. Feed

Since it is unthinkable that fish can grow without feed. You need to check on the type of feed to use, quality of feed, its source and regular availability.

6. Market

It is necessary to determine where, how and at what price do you want to sell your fish.

7. Environmental Impact

This is an issue that most fish farmers operating in Nigeria are ignorant of. The environmental laws of Lagos State frowns at the discharge of fish pond waste water into the public drainage without first treating the waste water. People that have just two ponds in their backyard may be over looked and allowed to operate without hindrance.

The Business of Mud-Catfish Farming

by Tritech Business Solutions Ltd.

Most farm owners / managers who want to invest / manage catfish farming business rarely ask themselves the question: WHY DO I WANT TO EMBARK ON CATFISH FARMING? That is, whether for business, passion (hobby) or charity. It is very important to decipher your business objective. Once you are able to agree with yourself that it is for business then business it should be.

Agriculture generally, is often embarked upon as passion, hobby or charitable venture in Nigeria. Constitutionally, it is seen as an all comers affair. It is the only business you are allowed to do constitutionally in addition to your government job.

Like other businesses, the factors to be considered before setting up a business should also apply to catfish farming. These are land, labour, capital, market, raw materials etc.

When proposing to start a successful catfish farming project, you need detailed information and know how on culturing catfish. This information could be gotten from government agricultural ministries, agencies and parastatals. It could also be gotten from private sector practitioners and experienced consultants (such as Tritech Business Solutions Limited) in form of site visits, trainings, workshops and printed materials on catfish farming.

However, having the technical knowhow alone is not enough to delve into production. Proper planning is expedient. You need a business plan (feasibility report) on the cost / benefit analysis of your proposed catfish farm.

After putting a business plan in place, you are ready for business. Focus on your plan and implement it religiously.