BACKGROUND
Fish is an important source of food, income, employment, and recreation for people around the world and it is very important source of animal protein for both man and livestock in developed and developing countries. Humans consume approximately 80% of the catch as food. The remaining 20% goes into the manufacturing of products such as fish oil, fertilizers and animal feed (FAO, 2015). Fisheries and aquaculture are integral part of Agriculture which were found to have the capacity to increase the country's GDP (Gross Domestic Product), employment opportunities and also bring about financial uplift to individuals farmers involved.
Fish is an important source of food, income, employment, and recreation for people around the world and it is very important source of animal protein for both man and livestock in developed and developing countries. Humans consume approximately 80% of the catch as food. The remaining 20% goes into the manufacturing of products such as fish oil, fertilizers and animal feed (FAO, 2015). Fisheries and aquaculture are integral part of Agriculture which were found to have the capacity to increase the country's GDP (Gross Domestic Product), employment opportunities and also bring about financial uplift to individuals farmers involved.
According to the Intergovernmental Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in 2015, The demand for fish in Nigeria mostly outstrips the local production. Nigeria is the largest fish consumer in Africa, and among the highest fish consumers in the world. With over 1.5million tons consumed annually. Yet, Nigeria imports over 900,000metric tons of fish, while it's domestic catch is estimated at 450,000 metric tons per year (IITA, 2015) . Statistics shows that need for aquaculture arose from decrease in supply from ocean fisheries as a result of over fishing, habitat destruction and pollution (FDF 2015).
PROSPECTS FOR FISH FARMING IN NIGERIA
PROSPECTS FOR FISH FARMING IN NIGERIA
Although, Aquaculture activities in Nigeria started about 50 years ago (Olatunji FI 2007), yet Nigeria has not been able to meet domestic production demand for the populace. According to (Ekunwe PA, 2009), statistics indicate that Nigeria is the largest African aquaculture producer closely followed by Egypt. Only five other countries; Zambia, Madagascar, Togo, Kenya and Sudan produce more than 1,000 tons each. This result shows that Africa in general is far behind in aquaculture production (FAO 2012).
Over the past years, Nigerians have increasingly consumed the special fish delicacy (catfish pepper soup or grilled) (ref). Hotels, Beer Parlors, Pepper Soup Joints are ordering this specie of fish in large quantities and making lots of money from it. Many Nigerian homes are fond of the fish variety than any other because of its nutritional value and palatability. Millionaires are being made every year through catfish production. Our farm is a living evidence of the above claim, and there is no end to the prospects of creating more and more wealth through fish farming in the coming years
WHAT IS FISH FARMING?
Fish farming involves raising fish in ponds, tanks or enclosures, either for personal consumption, as experimental animals or for commercial purpose.
There are hundreds of species of fish among which are; sea trout, cyprinids, pangas catfish, freshwater fishes, silver seabream, common carp, catla, greasy grouper, bighead carp, Nile tilapia, grass carp, etc.
But most of these species are not suitable for fish farming in Nigeria, the most common species fish farmers grow for commercial purpose are carp, salmon, tilapia and catfish (while the last two,
catfish and tilapia is the most common species in Nigeria fish farming industry)
FISH FARMING SYSTEM
Fish can be grown in two ways:
1. Extensive aquaculture where fish grow under natural environment, (i.e. river, stream, earthen) , with minimum supply of external food and water.
2. Intensive aquaculture where fish are fed with external food supply with fully installed water supply either in a concrete or earthen pond system.
For commercialization and standard ,intensive system is the best method of production.
STARTING AN INTENSIVE FISH FARM.
The following are what a farmer needs to start the fish farming business
1. Good source of water.
Water is as important to fish, same way oxygen is as important to human. Once a pond runs out of water, or the water is bad and dirty, the fish becomes inactive, growth and productivity is severely affected.
2. Housing.
Just as humans need a residence, fish needs a residence. Either pond, tanks or other durable enclosures, a fish needs to feel at home and live comfortably. The more natural and comfortable their environment and residence is, the better for them.
3. Fish Feeds.
Fish need to feed on organic materials such as plants, other animals, or prepared food that contains plants or/and animals.
Feed fish well and with quality fish feed. Ready made fish feeds are now available across the country. Congratulations if you are able to get an expert to train you in formulating feeds by yourself, it is richer, it is more economical.
4. Get Juveniles :
Juveniles are the little fishes you` will need to grow. Everything must be ready before you bring in the juvenile. There are farms that specialize in hatching fingerlings and selling juveniles. Make sure you go for a reputable farm so as to avoid getting unhealthy juvenile.
5. Go for a fish farming training :
This item should come 1st, but purposely i listed it last to draw your attention to it.
There is always a wide margin between a trained and an untrained human. Skills acquisition is very important in any agribusiness. To be interested in Agriculture is not enough, it is important to get trained in any line selected to avoid loss and unnecessary heartbreaks. Many agribusiness has crumbled because of lack of technical know-how, it is important to either consult experts, engage in training or partner an with an already established fish farmer.
FINAL KEY NOTES
1.Ensure adequate and constant water supply
2.Change water regularly especially for concrete and tank ponds.
3.Avoid chlorinated water, dug borehole and well is the best
4.Ensure you feed fish with quality feed
5.Design a constant feeding regime. Haphazard feeding pattern affects production.
6.Give close observation and report any sudden negative change in fish behaviour to experts.
7.It is preferable you go for training before starting
8.In the event that you have interest in fish farming and you do not have the technical ability, get to meet an established farmer and partner with him on production. This is safer for your investment.
Ahmed Olanrewaju Aliyu
Researcher, Agribusiness Consultant.
WHAT IS FISH FARMING?
Fish farming involves raising fish in ponds, tanks or enclosures, either for personal consumption, as experimental animals or for commercial purpose.
There are hundreds of species of fish among which are; sea trout, cyprinids, pangas catfish, freshwater fishes, silver seabream, common carp, catla, greasy grouper, bighead carp, Nile tilapia, grass carp, etc.
But most of these species are not suitable for fish farming in Nigeria, the most common species fish farmers grow for commercial purpose are carp, salmon, tilapia and catfish (while the last two,
catfish and tilapia is the most common species in Nigeria fish farming industry)
 |
| Catfish |
FISH FARMING SYSTEM
Fish can be grown in two ways:
1. Extensive aquaculture where fish grow under natural environment, (i.e. river, stream, earthen) , with minimum supply of external food and water.
2. Intensive aquaculture where fish are fed with external food supply with fully installed water supply either in a concrete or earthen pond system.
For commercialization and standard ,intensive system is the best method of production.
 |
| Concrete pond |
 |
| Earthen pond |
STARTING AN INTENSIVE FISH FARM.
The following are what a farmer needs to start the fish farming business
1. Good source of water.
Water is as important to fish, same way oxygen is as important to human. Once a pond runs out of water, or the water is bad and dirty, the fish becomes inactive, growth and productivity is severely affected.
2. Housing.
Just as humans need a residence, fish needs a residence. Either pond, tanks or other durable enclosures, a fish needs to feel at home and live comfortably. The more natural and comfortable their environment and residence is, the better for them.
3. Fish Feeds.
Fish need to feed on organic materials such as plants, other animals, or prepared food that contains plants or/and animals.
Feed fish well and with quality fish feed. Ready made fish feeds are now available across the country. Congratulations if you are able to get an expert to train you in formulating feeds by yourself, it is richer, it is more economical.
4. Get Juveniles :
Juveniles are the little fishes you` will need to grow. Everything must be ready before you bring in the juvenile. There are farms that specialize in hatching fingerlings and selling juveniles. Make sure you go for a reputable farm so as to avoid getting unhealthy juvenile.
5. Go for a fish farming training :
This item should come 1st, but purposely i listed it last to draw your attention to it.
There is always a wide margin between a trained and an untrained human. Skills acquisition is very important in any agribusiness. To be interested in Agriculture is not enough, it is important to get trained in any line selected to avoid loss and unnecessary heartbreaks. Many agribusiness has crumbled because of lack of technical know-how, it is important to either consult experts, engage in training or partner an with an already established fish farmer.
FINAL KEY NOTES
1.Ensure adequate and constant water supply
2.Change water regularly especially for concrete and tank ponds.
3.Avoid chlorinated water, dug borehole and well is the best
4.Ensure you feed fish with quality feed
5.Design a constant feeding regime. Haphazard feeding pattern affects production.
6.Give close observation and report any sudden negative change in fish behaviour to experts.
7.It is preferable you go for training before starting
8.In the event that you have interest in fish farming and you do not have the technical ability, get to meet an established farmer and partner with him on production. This is safer for your investment.
Ahmed Olanrewaju Aliyu
Researcher, Agribusiness Consultant.
Nice tips
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