How to Start Fish Farming in Nigeria

How To Start Fish Farming in Nigeria is one of the things a lot of people are interested in, because Fish Farming business in Nigeria is pretty profitable. In fact, many that are yet to have a practical experience of the business are always demanding for proofs. You know, since the government isn't doing much in providing jobs, more people are becoming entrepreneurs, and want to know all about fish farming in Nigeria.

Of course, there are a lot of things out there on how to start fish farming in Nigeria especially catfish farming, but we will try to cover important things including facts about fish farming business in Nigeria and importance of fish farming business in Nigeria.



Fish Farming Business In Nigeria 

Fish farming is getting more and more popular in the country. You can run it anywhere. Yes, you can start a fish farming business in Lagos, you can start a fish farming business in Abuja, in fact, if you are even outside the country, like Canada, you can start a fish farming business in Canada.

There was a time people only get fish by catching it in the local rivers and ponds. But today, it is possible to grow fish in the farms and even control the input.

So, you are interested in knowing all about fish farming business in Nigeria, or you want to know the cost of fish farming in Nigeria? The reasonable thing is to start from somewhere.

It is advisable to start Catfish Farming - due to various reasons which you will still get to see. Now, let us add it here that if you have a poultry, you can expand your capacity immediately. Catfish farming in Nigeria is most compatible with poultry farming as you can use the poultry drops to produce the feed for your fish.

Benefits Of Fish Farming

• Fish is quite Popular and widely embraced in Nigeria. You will agree with me that Fishery products is by far the most popular animal products in the market.

• Fish is a Source of Protein, in fact, one of the highest source of protein, filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins like D and B2 (riboflavin).

• Fish Sells faster than any other animal products in the Nigerian market and is relatively cheaper than meats.

• Fish grows pretty fast. With 'modern knowledge' in fish farming, it is possible to increase their growth pace by giving them certain feeds.

• Fish Farming is very Profitable, as there are a lot of people who have earned a lot of money from it (and are still earning)


Risks and Challenges in Fish Farming

Although Fish farming business in Nigeria is pretty profitable, there are still some risks attached to it. Some of them are:

• Capital Intensive

First things first. This is one business that needs a lot of money to run. To set up something small, get ready to splash up to N500,000. Yes, the cost of fish farming business in Nigeria is pretty high.

• You can lose it all in the twinkling of an eye

You must be very careful while managing fishes, if not, you can lose everything from a small and slight mistake. Either you are running your fish farming business in Lagos, or you are running your fish farming business in Abuja, or any other State in Nigeria, this is something you must keep at heart.

• Difficulties In Selling Your Fishes Due To High Price

Since you will spend a lot of money rearing your fish, then you have no choice but to sell at a high price so as to make a reasonable amount of profit. However, if some fishermen caught theirs from the rivers and ponds, you may find it difficult to sell as buyers would embrace the cheaper ones. So, one of the facts about fish business in Nigeria is that you must be aware that there are risks involved in it too.

Types Of Fish You Can Farm

There are various species of fish you can decide to work with. Here are two fish species that keeps fetching money to fish farmers in Nigeria.

1. Tilapia

This is a fish species that lives in fresh shallow water and is quite easy to cultivate. Nigerians loves it, so, there is a market for it. In fact, in different places in the world, it is being used to make excellent meals.

2. Cat Fish

It is very easy to cultivate catfish, which explains why it is the most cultivated type of fish in Nigeria. Even though it is not the most popular fish in the Nigerian market, a lot of fish farmers in Nigeria are going for it due to the ease attached to catfish.

What Is Needed To Get Started In Fish Farming

1. Get a Land

Of course, to start fish farming business in Nigeria, the first thing is to get a reasonable location. Half plot of land is okay for average fish farm.

2. Construct Ponds

This can be done yourself if you learn how to get it done. However, to make things easy for you, make use of the services of an expert pond construction engineer.

3. Dig a Borehole

Fish is synonymous with water. So, water must keep flowing, and lack of it will become dangerous (as it must be changed on regular interval). Take note that natural sources of water (like borehole and river) is what you should prioritise.

4. Install Overhead Tank

This is just the water reservoir from which water is supplied to the ponds. It should be connected to your ponds through plumbing system to make it easy for water to flow in when needed.

5. Buy Juvenile Fish

Buy the high yield specie of fish from any healthy farm available.

So, here we are. It is impossible to exhaust all about fish farming business in Nigeria with this small space. You must just be ready to continue learning and unlearning.

Fish farming is one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria. Don't forget to have a plan for your fish farming business and stick to it when necessary.

It is a nice idea if you can do a sort of internship at an already-established fishing farm to get practical knowledge of these things.

If you have any question, take to our comment section to make it known.