In Nigeria, fish farming has been an important industry for many years. Its market share and popularity increased significantly due to the increased demand for its products. Fish farming is a type of aquaculture that involves the artificial production and rearing of fish for commercial use. The south-central and north-central regions of Nigeria are the main areas for the development of fish farming.
Fish farmers can practice monoculture, bicultural, or polyculture, which involves the cultivation of two or more species of fish. Monoculture is the practice of raising only one type of fish. There are many types of fish that can be raised, but in Nigeria catfish and tilapia are the most popular. Crab, shrimp, salmon, and other fish are also raised in aquaculture. Farmers use catfish and tilapia because they can thrive in the water of all qualities and tolerate some very harsh conditions.
The most common fish species cultivated in Nigeria are Catfish, Salmon, Carp, and Tilapia
1) Catfish farming in nigeria
Catfish farming is the most common form of aquaculture in Nigeria due to the popularity of the fish species, occurring in many homes, restaurants, parties, hotels and other places. Most aquaculturists focus on raising catfish rather than other fish species because they are easy to farm and in high demand. In general, it can be raised on a small or large scale. Pond construction, rearing and raising fingerlings or juveniles to maturity are all part of catfish farming. In conclusion, catfish are the most manageable species.
2) Tilapia Farming in Nigeria
One of the popular fish species farmed in Nigeria is tilapia, a freshwater fish that grows rapidly and is larger than other species. Tilapia come from lakes, ponds, rivers and shallow streams. This type of fish is a profitable species for fish farmers because they develop rapidly and can tolerate high stocking densities and poor water quality. Tilapia can only grow in freshwater habitats—rarely in saltwater. Tilapia is a very popular fish in the Nigerian market. It is simple to farm, reproduce quickly and grow quickly.
3) Salmon farming in Nigeria
Salmon is a freshwater fish that is raised on fish farms and also caught from the wild. Most of the fishery products consumed in Nigeria come from salmon. In Nigeria they are called “Titus” and millions of households buy them every day.
When deciding how to start a fish farm, you need to consider the advantages of farming. The main goal is interests, without which there is no point in starting.
1) Government support
As we all know, one of the biggest obstacles to starting a business is a lack of capital. Several government organisations have created attractive incentives to help potential farmers start farming businesses to make farming more attractive to young people. In addition, a number of policies have been implemented to develop the aquaculture industry.
2) Health benefits
Fish is an excellent source of protein, so fish farming provides the public with more protein options. Farmed fish are more nutritious than wild fish due to regulated habitats and rearing practices. In addition, they are healthier than wild fish that may be exposed to pollutants dumped in nearby waters.
3) Job creation
One threat to Nigeria’s economy is its high unemployment rate, and fish farming will help provide jobs for many, especially young people. Higher productivity will create more jobs, which will boost economic development and increase food production.
4) Economic growth
Nigeria’s population is growing rapidly, the fishing industry is booming, the income generated will add to the GDP, and the country’s economy will benefit from the overall expansion of the agricultural sector. Also, since wild catches are not enough to meet demand, fish farming enables businesses to do just that.
5) Preserve natural ecosystems
Natural ecosystems can be protected through fish aquaculture. When the fish are adults, the fish are raised on farms and sold in the market. The industry does not have to continuously collect wild fish.
6) Low operating costs
Fish farming is less harmful than other types of farming. Also, fish farms have smaller operating budgets than other farms. This is due to the low cost of equipment used in fish, fish food and other operations.