Are you enthusiastic about starting a business in the agriculture sector? Do you
need a sample catfish farming business plan template? Then below is an indepth guide for starting a catfish farming business in Nigeria or anywhere else.
Catfish farming is a lucrative form of fish farming business. I have seen several
unemployed folks make it through this business; you too can also be successful if
you understand the real keys to success.
ii. The population of Nigeria is about 150million and this population is estimated
to overtake that of the United states by year 2050. Now what does this mean for
catfish farmers? The truth behind this statistics is that there is a ready market for
fish and the demand for fish cannot be met by local producers alone.
iii. There are a lot of recreation centers in Nigeria especially restaurants, fast
food outlets and bars; and fish (Point and Kill or Fish barbeque) is one of the
favorite food on the menus of these hangouts. You can even make money by
focusing on being a regular catfish supplier for these restaurants and bar.
iv. The operating cost for catfish farming (feed and maintenance) is very low
especially when compared to poultry farming.
vi. There is a massive support and established credit line put in place by the
federal and state governments for farmers (both crop and livestock farmers).
Also, there is a fund set aside every year by the Central Bank of Nigeria and
other commercial banks in Nigeria to encourage and support farmers.
Starting Small Scale Catfish Farming in Nigeria Sample Business Plan Template
What You Need to Get Started
The first and probably the most important key to starting a successful catfish
farm is the right mindset. Before embarking on this business venture, you must
bear in mind that success in the agricultural sector, especially livestock breed is
not instantaneous. So you must be prepared to endure the challenges of the
business and keep improving your farm equipment and breeding methodology
over time.
The need to have at least the basic knowledge of any business you want to
venture can never be over emphasized. Never invest a dime to setup a catfish
farm without first investing time to learn the fundamentals of catfish farming
(how the fishes feed and reproduce, their favorite habitat, common diseases that
affect them, etc).
A good way to get this knowledge firsthand is to visit a catfish fish farm and
make all the inquiry you need. It is even more better if you can serve as an
apprentice to a catfish farm owner for at least 60Days, this will equip you with
both knowledge and experience. You should also read book and attend seminars
relating to catfish farming and management.
If you are really serious about setting up a catfish farm, then you should invest in
writing a business plan. This is very important as it helps you prepare and
execute your growth strategies properly. Secondly, you need a business plan if
you intend to raise capital, or secure a loan from the bank for your fish farm.
Lastly, you will need a business plan to access the various funds and support line
established by the government and other institution. So start writing your
business plan today. You can seek the services of an agriculture business
consultant if you need help computing the financial estimates and projections.
Before going into the catfish farming business, you need to acquire or lease at
least a full or half plot of land in a good location. The land should also be
accessible by road. This is important as you would want your potential customers
to experience difficulty while trying to locate your farm to buy your produce. As
soon as the land is available, you can start allocating for each task. There should
also be a decent space for the farm house ponds, and a good location for
drainage facility.
To operate your fish farm efficiently, overhead tanks must be installed, and
borehole must also be considered; as its the best source of water for catfish
farming. You must ensure that there is a constant supply of water on a daily basis
as the fishes need it. The water system must not fail even if it means you
backing it up with a reliable water facility.
g. Pond Construction
Don try to fix the pond yourself. You need the service of a consultant. Without a
well constructed pond, your business wont be able to stand the test of time; and
you may end up spending more in the LONG RUN! You may choose to go for a
plastic pond tank to save cost, or you can opt for building the concrete ponds.
2. Start small
3. Seek advice from proven experts. Select those with proven track record in the
business and seek advice from them. This will help you avoid costly mistakes.
6. Dont be afraid to take business risks. You wont know it works unless you
make an attempt.
7. Be willing to change sick fishes for your customers at no charge. Without your
customers, you wont go far in the business. Honor promises to your customers
and change any fish they dont like. It is very important.
Before you venture into catfish farming, you need to get a hold of the fingerlings
and know the price. They can be obtained mainly through hormonal induction or
artificial production, but if you prefer producing your own fertilized eggs, you
may have to make use of the homoplastic gland suspension.
Clarias nigro-digitatus
Heteroclarias
Clarias gariepinus
Heterobranchus bidorsalis
You have to ensure your feeds contain essential nutrients like lhysine, arginine
and methionine. The best type of meal to go for is fishmeal; but due to its high
cost, it Is advisable not to go for it (that is if you are just starting out on a low
budget); instead, you can use other conventional means such as Soya bean
cake, groundnut cake or plant residue (these conventional foods also meet the
nutrient requirements of catfish).
fish are matured for sale. Now this poor orientation and lateness in scouting for
customers makes the marketing of fish too poor.
As the fishes keep on feeding, the pond gets to its maximum loading point and
the fish will stop growing. The more the fishes stays in the pond after they have
stopped growing, the lesser the profit margin. So it is advisable for fish farmers
to always begin scouting for customers as early as possible before the fishes
mature for sale, so that it will be easier for them to market the fishes without
incurring any extra cost or loss.
Now the challenges listed above are the common ones being faced by fish
farmers on a daily basis. So by providing with this information, we believe you
will be better equipped when you eventually venture into fish farming.