So many people involved in catfish farming because of the many nutritional benefits that catfish is offering in our diets.

Catfish being one of the protein sources has actually earned wide consumption in almost every ethnic group and every religion.

Catfish, as we all know, are, for the most part, an alternative to meat. And accordingly, quite a number of individuals have rather opted for a healthier alternative to pork meat, and beef, and turkey as well as, chicken, and this is considered as being a result of the increasing concern for nutritious food in most of our kitchen.

Read Also: 6 Steps to Produce Fish Feed in Nigeria

Nigeria, for instance, has gotten extensive marine fisheries that are being exploited by commercial fleets. The catches have actually played some role in ensuring that they meet the country’s food needs, apart from fish exportation.

Why Is Catfish Farming Necessary?

I think there is an increasing demand for catfish here in our country, although catfish supply is not able to really keep pace with catfish demand in the country, even as they continued in attracting higher prices in many of our market places.

In other words, catfish farmers are actually unable to meet the demand of the fast-growing fish market in the country.

However, the truth remained that, the aquaculture, as well as, small-scale fisheries has indeed offered clear cut opportunities for the purpose of growing Nigeria’s rural economy, as well as, helped in the reduction of hunger and also in the reduction of poverty.

And with the look of the thing, there are possibilities that the bulk of catfishes in this country’s markets will actually be coming right from the small-scale catfish farmers.

I perceive this to be true, especially for the poor to be able to afford the price of fish in the country. So I see fish farming as a possible means of fight against malnutrition in Nigeria.

Read Also: Types of Fish Feed In Nigeria

Catfish farming and you can also call it pisciculture, as well, is simply the primary aspect of aquaculture, which has to do with the raising of fishes in some, tanks, and other in ponds, and others still, in cages, as well as in irrigation ditches for domestic use and for commercial purposes.

Having said that, let us now look at the possible 10 tips to make money from catfish farming in Nigeria.

10 Tips To Make Money From catfish Farming:

1. Raise Catfish

To raise catfish can earn you a very huge income, as catfish farming is a highly profitable business. Now, if your desire is to raise catfish, then you have to make sure that the area in which you want to raise catfish has a water temperature that is, at least 20C which is about 68F.

And supposed the temperature of your area is lower than 20C, then you have to make sure that you heat the water.

Please note that if you allow your catfish to grow within the temperature that is cooler than the prescribed temperature, though your catfish will survive, their growth rate is likely to be slower.

Read Also: Price of Fish Feed In Nigeria

2. Know Your Catfish Market / Buyers

You should never wait for your catfishes to grow and mature before you begin to search for the market and the buyers if you actually want to make money from your catfish farming.

I have discovered one biggest mistake that catfish farmers make, they will only begin to look for buyers immediately their products are ready to be sold.

3. Go Into Private Fishing Lakes

Supposed, in your area, you have lakes or even when you do not have lakes, you can even dig them. Developing public fishing lakes is quite a lucrative business in this part of the world. You should know tha they are about two types of fishing lakes:

The first type is called catch and release, and this is basically for fish enjoyment. In this case, your customer will have to pay and then enter even if they want to stay all day.

While the other type is called, fish and pay. Once the catfish is caught, it is then weighed before payment.

4. Endeavour To Keep Record Of Production

As a catfish farmer, you want to make money from your catfish farming, then you have to make sure that, you keep a record of your catfish production, and as well, analyze all the written records of your production, and the costs, as well as, the returns.

As we know, that information from the farm’s records is what forms the basis for making good management decisions in your farm. These farm’s records are the major element to managing your farm to profit.

5. Know Your Catfish Market / Buyers

You should never wait for your catfishes to grow and mature before you begin to search for the market and the buyers if you actually want to make money from your catfish farming.

I have discovered one biggest mistake that catfish farmers make, they will only begin to look for buyers immediately their products are ready to be sold.

Read Also: Cost of Feeding 1000 Catfish In Nigeria

6. Feed Your Catfishes Adequately

You must properly feed your catfish if you actually want to make money from it. Note, the longer your catfishes remained in the pond once they have stopped growing, the smaller your profit margin will be. So spend more money to feed your catfish in order for them not to lose weight otherwise, it will affect the sale price.

7. Know That Market Is Your Profit Determinant

Know that the market usually remained the driving force when it comes to commercial catfish farming.  Make sure you identify your potential market and be sure you can sell there profitably.

For instance, know that the price of catfish you produced, and the quantity of catfish you produced each time, as well as, how frequently you can sell your product, are all determined by the market.

8. Sell Your Catfish At Competitive Price

One of your major goals should be as a catfish farmer, to sell your catfish in the market at competitive prices. This will help you to make a good and reasonable profit.

And note that, the only good way to succeed, as well as, double your profit potential is to directly sell your catfish to your consumers.

9. Make Good Decision For Your Catfish Farm

You should make some decisions as a catfish farmer basically on the physical and the financial resources that are available to you.

For instance, you have to consider the number of ponds you are to have so as to meet the market target. And you must take into account the size of your ponds, and the design of the pond, etc.

10. Adopt Good Management For Timely Harvest

You have to adopt good management for a timely harvest of your farm produce. Know your production cycle, know the size of your production each time, make sure you meet your customers’ needs, and never forget to partner other farmers for the purpose of meeting market demand.

Read Also: 9 Steps to Start Fish Farming In Nigeria

Conclusion

Catfish, as we all know, are, for the most part, an alternative to meat. And accordingly, quite a number of individuals have rather opted for a healthier alternative to pork meat, and beef, and turkey as well as, chicken, and this is considered as being a result of the increasing concern for nutritious food in most of our kitchen.

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