Fish farming accounts for over 50% of the world market for fish products. Thousands of Africans venture into it yearly. Fish farming is one of the numerous ways to create self-employment in Nigeria but of course, it is one of the neglected aspects of agriculture in Nigeria.

Thousands of Africans venture into fish farming every year as it is one of the numerous ways to create self-employment in Nigeria but of course, it is also one of the neglected aspects of agriculture in Nigeria.

It’s a fact that there is lots of potential money generating avenues in the agricultural sector that are yet abandoned and neglected by Nigerians. This not only grows the country but also contributes to the efforts of eradicating unemployment and promoting economic growth.

Fish farming is a profitable business that is widespread across Nigeria and many other countries in the world.

• Fishery products are one of the most sought after and consumed, in Nigeria, it is cheaper than meat, which makes it an affordable meal.
• The cost of starting up and running a fish farm is low, compared to many other agricultural business ideas. The digging of the fish pond and all other necessary steps can by carried out by you and your friends, no need to pay for manual labor.
• It has lower operational budget because of it cheaper feed and it running’s coin. The construction of a fish pond requires an area of land in your back yard, say, (7m by 10m rectangular area).
• In addition to this, it provides a source of income and employment. Also, fish farming helps to save certain fish species such as cod, sea bass, and red snapper, by reviving their populations with aquaculture.

Other Fish Farming Requirements

1. Water supply (you can fetch from a nearby stream).
2. Pond plant (Pond plant helps in regulating the temperature of the pond and it makes the pond look similar to their natural habitat), if you don’t know how to identify this pond plant, you can pick from a nearby fish pond.
3. Cement (for the construction of the pond)

However, while other agricultural businesses run into losses when not handled properly, fish farming products have lesser threatening vices.

Making a Fish Pond

You dip up a 7 by 10m hole on the designated area, about 2 to 5 ft. deep and cover up with a mixture of cement, sand, and gravel (this is done to prevent water from leaking away to the surrounding soil.

Then fill up with water (it is very necessary to fill up and drain the pond for about two to four times to remove chemicals accompanying the cement). Introduce the pond plants; allow the pond for a period of a week or more before introducing the fingerlings.

NB: The surface and the surrounding of the pond can be decorated to your taste.

Asides from the financial benefits of fish farming, fishery products are a source of protein which contributes to our physical well-being.

There are various types of fish farming depending on the one you want to venture into;

Catfish Farming

This is most popular fish farming business in Nigeria, because of the popularity of the breed. Also, catfishes are the most common fishery products used in African meals at various households, restaurants, events, hotels and lot more. Their demand and ease of cultivation make most fish farmers  focus on growing catfishes instead of other breeds.

Tilapia Farming

These are the second most popular fishes used in Nigeria meals. They are of increasing importance in fish farming all over the world because of the fact that these fishes grow rapidly and tolerate high stocking densities and poor water quality, and these make them a lucrative breed for fish farmers to grow.

Salmon (Mackerel Farming)

Salmons account for high percentage of fishery products consumed in Nigeria. They are mostly known as “Titus” in Nigeria and are purchased by millions of households on a daily basis.

They are also grown in fish farms.