08/04/2021
Continuation: Starting catfish Farming in Nigeria
In between the nursery and grow out operation is what we referred to as the primary operation. It involves the nurturing of the three or four weeks within which they could grow into post fingerlings, mini juveniles and juveniles respectively. These can then be nurtured for between four to five month into grow out or table size fish suitable for sale and consumption. Going into catfish farming involves the following
Step 1: Land For Catfish Farming
This is very important. One has to acquire at least half plot of land in a suitable location. This means, you must consider good access road, closeness to market and labor. If the land is already available, it is good. Then we apportion it as follows:
1. Location of ponds
2. Location of farm house
3. Location of water supply and lastly, location of drainage facility. The last point is very important, as you don’t drain your water to constitute public nuisance.
Step 2: Pond Planning
You need to determine whether you want to go into big or small-scale commercial catfish farming. Secondly, the pond system to adopt, Re-circulatory system, earthen pond or concrete/plastic pond or both.
Once the pond was dug and the area has been developed, there is nothing you can do to undo the work and recover the cost. So, extensive evaluation must be done by someone planning to start a catfish farming before he finally decides whether it is wise for him to pursue the particular type of pond construction project.
