How to start fish farming in Nigeria with small capital and make high profits : Your best guide on fish farming business in Nigeria

Welcome to topschools.com.ng, the topic is "How to start fish farming in Nigeria with small capital and make high profits : Your best guide on fish farming business in Nigeria "

Agriculture has provided many avenues that any determined entrepreneur can take advantage of and make huge gains in a short period of time, even with small capital. One of these areas where you can look into is fish farming business.

Fish farming or pisciculture has proven to be one of the most profitable agribusinesses to venture into. Many people prefer taking fish to red meat due to it's low cholesterol protein and high nutritional value. 

This post will provide the complete details you need on how to start a successful fish farming business in Nigeria and make gains from it.  It will answer questions such as : how can I start fish farming with small capital ? Or what are the equipment I need to start a fish farm? These areas shall be covered in this post. So let's get started. 

Types of fish to consider

1) Catfish: In Nigeria, catfish has taken the number one spot as the most cultivated fish because it has proven to be the easiest to farm on. The fish is not so popular in the Nigerian market but since it is easier to cultivate, a greater percentage of people are drawn to it. 

2) Tilapia: These are fresh water fish inhabiting shallow streams, ponds, rivers and lakes. It is the second most cultivated species in Nigeria. It is easier to cultivate and it has a faster rate of growth and reproduction. It is also popular in the Nigerian markets. 

 3) Mackerel: Over the years , mackerel has been the most popular fish specie in the Nigerian market. Unfortunately, mackerel is not raised at home. They are caught in deep blue seas. It is uncertain whether this fish can survive outside their usual habitat, as a result some farmers have considered creating an artificial salt water to test if they can successfully raise mackerels. 

How to start fish farming in Nigeria 

Having seen the different species and their ratings in the Nigerian market, let's see what you need to set up your fish farm.

 1) Get your farm

If your compound is not big enough to construct your fish pond, then you have to consider securing a land at your choice location. Environmental disturbance is not associated with fish, so any location can be just fine so far the safety of your fish is guaranteed. 

Depending on how you want to start, half plot of land can do for a start but you can as well consider something bigger if you want it on a more larger scale. 

2) Construct your fish ponds 

After securing your land, you need to construct ponds for the fish. To ensure that it is properly done, employ the services of qualified pond construction engineers. Specifications can be gotten from other fish farms around. 

3) Get a good source of water

A good source of water is very essential because fish cannot survive without water. Some water might not be good for your fish depending on the type of fish you are cultivating. 

However, you have to be careful on the water you supply to your fish because water that are inappropriate will retard the growth and affect the health of your fish. 

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4) Install overhead tanks

This is where you store the water (reservoir) for steady supply to your fish ponds through a plumbing system connected to the ponds. 

5) Decide on the species to cultivate

We have earlier on stated the species of fish that are popular in the Nigerian market. Having kept everything in place, you have to decide on the species of fish and it is dvisable you go for tilapia or catfish. 

6) Get healthy fingerlings/juveniles

Now is time to source for your fingerlings. There are other farms who deal mainly on the supplies of fingerlings. Get your high yield tilapia or catfish fingerlings from them and ensure that they are healthy. 

7) Feeding your fish

Just like any other living things, fishes require good quality feed to grow fast and healthy. To be successful in fish farming in Nigeria, you need to get a good quality feed made by experts for your fish if you want them to grow faster. 

The fish may survive on supplementary feed such as kitchen waste, agricultural by-products, or terrestrial plants. This is not entirely recommended if you are cultivating your fish for commercial purposes, unless it is combined with other feeds. You want your fish farm in Nigeria to be lucrative, so the type of feed you use will go a long way to determine the market value of your fish. 

8) Market your fish

Fish farming in Nigeria is no doubt lucrative, but you have to do your part to make it work for you. You don't have to wait for your fish to fully mature before you start marketing them. Create the awareness and ensure that people know of your business so that you don't find it challenging selling them out when they mature. 

9) Get practical training

Fish farming in Nigeria, just like any other business , is only lucrative when you know what you are doing. Before starting your own farm, it will be to your advantage to get training from an already existing farm, so as to get yourself acquainted with the growth phases, the type of feed and other things to watch out for while raising your fish.

Why you need to go into fish farming in Nigeria

 There are many health benefits derived from fish which has made fish one of the most sought after meat in Nigeria. Many households who cannot afford meats do go for fishes, hence making it a sure source of income to those who are into fish farming. 

The reasons fish farming in Nigeria is lucrative and why you should consider starting your own are:

• Fish matures quickly 
• Fish contains omega-3
• Fish sells quickly 
• Fish is a source of protein
• There is no environmental disturbances
• Fish farming is highly profitable.  

However, commercial fish farming is capital intensive, depending on the scale you want to start your own. 

Also, fish requires intensive care as a slight mistake might cause retardation of their growth and a big loss. 

You have to be business minded when it comes to fish farming. Don't just see it as feeding and selling them off, you have to be determined to take your business to greater heights.

Good luck.