A MUST READ FOR EVERY INTENDING FISH FARMER

Fish farming like other business has its pros and cons.. And truthfully its a very lucrative and yet a money draining business..

I have read articles about how lucrative the business is and how to invest and reap millions.. All I do is just to laugh on reading such article.. All they want is just for u to buy their manual and make money.. Surprisingly most of them don’t have a farm of their own, they are computer farmers who don’t have any experience whatsoever in the business..

I know of farms within my area who have shut down their farms due to frequent loss over the years.. I was also considering shutting down myself after I lost close to 2 million naira, yeah u heard me TWO MILLION NAIRA, but after diligent study which took about a year I decided to give it my last shot..

I had to seek help from other farmers, but every farm I went to I noticed they where all also running at loss.. That was when I decided heading to songhai farms at benin republic.. At songhai I learnt all what I was suppose to know concerning fish farming, from how to hatch( spawning) to management, feed formulation and what have u..

I came back full of wisdom and found out what I did and did not do for for the failure of my farm.. First, if you have never started hatching on your own,my brother u have not started yet..so I carefully built my own hatching ponds and with what I learnt I gave it a shot and it was successful, I nurtured them to fingerlings stage and I got over THIRTEEN THOUSAND FINGERLING at my first try..


I selected the best 4000 fingerlings for stocking for the next 5 months and sold the rest.. This is one aspect for the failure of fish farmers.. Most hatchery selects the best (shooters) for themselves and sell runts to farmers, And we constantly feed these runts without attaining a reasonable wieght thereby loosing our hard earned money and waste our precious time..


IDENTIFYING RUNTS AS FINGERLINGS

If u still buy fingerlings from other farms please my brother follow the guidelines below so your investment does not go down the drain..

1. Only buy fingerlings from recommended farms, especially those who specialise in the production of fingerlings and juvenile..

2. Runts head seems to be whitish in colour, their body is thinner and is not proportionate in size to the head, they are like unfed children..

3. Buy fingerlings or juveniles only from farms who use male and female fishes (brood stock) equal to or above 1.5kg..

Like I said earlier on I sold the remaining 9000 fingerlings which I sold for 7 naira each and made 63000 naira hereby stocked the best 4000 (shooters) and I started raising them for the next 5 months..

Before I stocked the pond I disinfected it with “BLAGDON ANTI FUNGAI AND BACTERIA” by doing this u have cleared the pond against any fungai or bacteria present in the pond.. Sometimes u may stock and after a while they start dieing due to an outburst of disease present in the pond, so I advice all farmers to disinfect there pond using the afore-mentioned drugs..

After two weeks of stocking I started to sort them into sizes Big, medium and small.. My brother sorting is one essential activity u MUST do to save ur investment.. If u don’t sort only less than half of your fish will grow well and be ready for sale when most should be ready..

This is because its only the big and aggresive ones that will be eating most of the time and they are usually less than half of the entire stock you have in the pond.. But when u sort regularly most of the fishes will be of regular size and they can compete with themselves for food.. So they can all grow at the same pace..

 
PLEASE DONT TAKE SORTING LIKELY..

Sequel to these I stocked my pond with a thousand fish into four ponds ie I had four pond and stocked them with a thousand fish in one pond to make up for the four pond (4000)..

One other thing that makes us loose money is overstocking of your pond.. Your fishes will not grow.. Because the water gets polluted easily and this will cause the dissolved oxygen to be depleted in the water.. And when this takes place the fishes wount eat well their appetite for food will be lost.. So I guess a farmer should measure his pond well before stocking..


FEEDING YOUR FISH

You know feeding takes 70% of the total cost and there are no cut corners in feeding your fish..I tell farmers that “What you give to them that’s what they will become” and that’s a fact.. I have seen farmers that give their fishes Eba and the likes for them to gain weight, and its no surprise to me when they sell at a loss..

As long as you have right fish (like shooters) and u sort and don’t over stock my brother you can go ahead and feed them very well.. Let me tell u one deep truth when u stock the right fish(shooters) they can even eat less and yet grow bigger.. 

Now there are all sort of feeds available in the market from coppens,durante,multifeed,zeigler,aqua feed, ranan,vital feed etc..

When I started back then I was using coppens and there was a time I even bought a fake of it (coppens) but for some time now I have been using zeigler and I must say that I prefer zeigler to coppens.. I know most farmers will be raising eyebrow now but that’s a pure fact..

Infact I had a client that sells vale viva feed back then the company did an experiment of coppens, zeigler,multi feed and durante, she told me that ziegler came out top,but I wasn’t suprised because I had done my own finding too.. I find zeigler to be the best feed after using it.

Now if you don’t feed your fish regularly they will not grow .. And u should know the size of feed you give to them at the right time.. Feeding should be three times a day but at the third month feed them twice a day while ate the last month u full feed once a day..

At the third month farmers tend to switch to local feed and they sort for a good local feed… Back then I used local feed, I had a good combination but I found out that most of the ingredient are adultarated, especially the fish meal.. And fish meal is the main ingredient to produce a good feed and for rapid growth..

Some farmers include blood meal but I bet that majority of the so called blood meal are not they are sometimes burnt tyre.. I know right now u may be wandering but yes that’s the truth. Pardon me to use broken english abeg “dis my leg don waka because of this feed formulation wetin I see na only God know” Am not saying there aint no good ingredient out there but most of them are fake, and u feed your fish and realise that they don’t grow as expected..

So I stopped using local feed and I deviced a method that after three month I switch to VITAL feed.. If u compare the cost of vital feed and the local feed we spend time and energy on its not that big.. And truthfully vital feed is not an imported feed it is made here in nigeria so to me vital feed is also a local feed..

Some farmers may say we do local feed to reduce cost and I laugh at their ignorance.. It is better to go straight to the point than cutting corners and whereby you may still be cheated on the local feed.. When u have a good fish its better you feed them with quality to harvest quality..


CHANGE YOUR WATER

I have been to farms where the water is so polluted and stinks.. I wonder how such farmers reason.. Its just like putting 20 people in a single room and u shut the door and window what do u think will happen over time..

If u don’t change the water as at when due the environment of the fishes will be too polluted to encourage good feeding.. The fishes’ urine, faeces and dissolve excess feed pollute the water and they won’t eat well or digest the food because of polluted environment..


MARKETING YOUR CATFISH

At the fourth month my fish had attained an average of 1kg and 0.9 kg.. I was so fufilled because of the size and weight of the fishes.. I started contacting buyers and eateries and joints.  Some people advised me to sell at that time but I had a time of 5month..

Now, some farmers wait till harvest before they contact buyers and this is wrong because when the time of harvest has elapsed they keep feeding the fish and some may have depleted their money to feed the fished thereby allowing the fish to loose weight..

Some fish buyers ” iya eleja” are gold diggers.. They are very smart people that what to reap where they did not sow.. Most fish farmers have fallen prey to there heinous act..

I have had some bad experience with these exploiters.. Years back when they come to buy some of them bring charms (JUJU) along with them.. It sounds ridiculous but that’s some hidden truth..

There was this particular time I wanted to harvest some fish.  Buyers came to my farm (iya eleja) and one of them told me she wanted to pee so I instructed my worker to take her to d toilet but unknowingly she went to do some ritual right there in the toilet when she came out she said she wanted to look at the fish so I took her to the pond.. After I completely drained all the water.

They said that they can’t buy at the stipulated price again, I had to send them away but to my surprise when I wanted to pump water back to the pond guess what the pumping machine did not pump.. U may think its a coincidence but its not it was perfectly planned by them.. I began sourcing for water and I finally had to call them back.. Guess what as I was selling to them and needed water to add to there big bowls the pumping machine picked up..

I have heard so many stories by fish farmers about this women.. If u want to harvest look out for buyers before that time and check out the buyers in terms of character and composure.. Don’t allow any dick and harry into your farm all in the name of sale..

Before the buyers come u would have catch a fish as sample to show them and negotiate the price before anytin else… All what am saying may sound strange to some but its one of the hidden truth in catfish business.. Its better to get one good customer than a thousand..

At the fifth month with hard work keeping to details I attained 1kg and above.. The fishes where healthy and strong but it was not easy my brother..

I spent roughly 650,000 on feeding alone.. And I sold all for about 1,800,000.. BOY!!! I was fulfilled and very happy that yes I made it this time around.. So my net profit was roughly 1,000,000 if u subtract salary, fuel, drugs etc..

My fellow farmers and aspiring farmers fish business is no joke.. Its not what u toil with, its serious business.. Before u venture into it go and learn it practically.. Go to a good farm to see for yourself.. Majority of the people that claim to be in the business are thieves.. They have sugar coated mouth to lure people into it and take their money…

I had to squeeze out time to write this little piece for aspiring and practising farmers..

I am not here to sell any manual/books fingerlings or juvenile please.. Am here to answer any sort of question you need to know about catfish farming.. Feel free to ask me because I want the best for everybody, let’s share ideas and make money together rather than exploiting people… So am all ears to your questions.. GOD BLESS YOU ALL..

Sourced from: Nairaland 

Agro Export Basics For Beginners

With dwindling oil revenue in Nigeria, instability of crude oil prices, scarcity of FX and import irregularities and instability, price instability etc, there is a massive shift by investors into the non-oil sector investments and exports.

The Nigerian export business and investment is driven primarily by the Agricultural commodities and the mining sector.

This article intends to provide a basic export education for the Agricultural export for intending and prospective exporters.

First of all, do your homework and know yourself. Realize that it is a commitment for a long, long term. Know your strengths and go for it. Outlined below is a guide to export trade:

An overview of Export Trade

Categories of Exporter

 
You can export Products/Services from Nigeria under the following categories:

– Merchant

– Agent

– Producer/Manufacturer

Challenges

 
As a beginner in the trade, you may experience some challenges. Some of which are:

(i) Lack of product and Market information

(ii) Logistics Management of export trade

(iii) Non conversant with export procedures and documentation

(iv) Lack of access to fund to start export business

(v) Lack of export culture

How to develop an export culture

(i) Start attending workshops/seminars/conferences to acquire export knowledge and

(ii) Focus on one or two commodities.

(iii) Get extensive education and training and investment information on commodities of interest.

(iv) Pick up trial contract and begin to export.

To start exporting, individuals, companies/cooperatives should seek further understanding on the following subjects:-

• Registration with NEPC as an exporter

• The Export Quotation

• Product sourcing

• Market knowledge

• Funds Sourcing

• Making An Export Offer

• Payment methods

• Export Documentations

Other information required are:

• PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION OF EXPORTS (NESS)

• INCOTERMS 2010

• ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme

Illustration

 
For instance, Mr. X, a successful manufacturer has been in business for about fifteen years. He is turning out a good product; it is selling well in Nigeria; and he would like to extend his plant and increase his production. But to do this, he needs more customers. He has an idea.

Why not look for those new customers in foreign markets as well as at home. This will not only help him, but will bring into his country more of the foreign exchange that it needs.

At this point, he is taking the first step towards becoming an effective exporter – because exporting begins with a state of mind. It is not, or should not be a casual business. A businessman should enter upon an export campaign with energy and determination and with the intention of persevering in it. If he views foreign markets merely as a place to get rid of occasional surpluses, he is an in-and-outer, who makes no enduring impression. Worse, he can damage his country’s reputation as a reliable international trader.

A businessman usually cannot or will not turn into a successful exporter within weeks or even months. It will probably take much longer. But the time and care taken to select the right product and the right place or places for an initial export venture can minimize the risk and make ultimate success quicker and more certain.

Exporting does begin with a state of mind – a state of mind that a firm’s management must share. The management must believe in this importance of exporting, and must realize that it is wise and will be profitable to diversify it markets. 

To start with, it must ensure that export orders always receive the same attention as domestic orders; that money is set aside for research into markets, travel, and promotion; that knowledge about foreign markets is systematically acquired and kept up-to-date. At some stage, it may even consider allocating a certain amount of production to export, and then prepare to go out and sell.

AGRICULTURAL EXPORT COMMODITIES SOURCED FROM NIGERIA.
– Cocoa

– Local Food Stuffs ( Note that restrictions exist for some countries)

– Cassava Starch

– Gum Arabic

– Raw Cashew Nuts

– Ginger

– Dried Hibiscus leaves

– Kola nut

– Bitter kola

– Garlic

– Sesame Seed

– Rubber

– Cotton

– Hides and Skin

– Fresh Vegetables

– Charcoal (Recently banned)

– Wood & Timber

There are so much more. You need to do a thorough research on a particular commodity of interest. Ensure you get proper investment education and a well researched business and investment fact file on each sector of interest.

In conclusion, like earlier stated, you won’t become an exporter just by reading this article or by attending a one or two day workshop. It is a journey that starts with getting the required education first and information. Develop a clear business and funding plan and above all find those who have been into the export business to mentor you.

Article written with references and inputs from the NEPC Export for beginners’ fact sheet.

Investment Opportunities in Gum Arabic

Gum Arabic is a perennial tree found growing wild in large commercial quantity in the northern parts of Nigeria. However, when cultivated it takes about 5years to mature. At maturity, the tree when struck or pierced with sharp metal object like knife, oozes out whitish sticky sparkling substances.

The raw gum command high commercial value both local and international.

Nigeria produces less than 30 per cent as Sudan produces about 70 per cent, leaving about 30 per cent for Nigeria and other gum Arabic producing countries of Mali, Senegal, Chad and Niger Republic.

It is generally believed that Nigeria’s actual production of gum Arabic does not reflect her potentiality.

SOURCING

 
Some of the Gum Arabic producing states in Nigeria includes; Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Gombe, Taraba, Plateau, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Nasarawa ,Niger and Zamfara. Though Borno and Yobe states are the major producers in Nigeria.

PRODUCTION STATISTICS

 
Nigeria is the leading producer of Gum Arabic in West Africa. Nigeria currently produces about 20,000 MT of gum Arabic annually ranking second in the world.

PLANTING SEASON

 
Sowing is done early in May in order to ensure adequate development of the seedling before transplanting in July.

USES

 
Gum Arabic is used as thickener, suspender, emulsifier, stabilizer, flavour carrier, binder and encapsulating material.

In addition, it is used in confectionaries, food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and chemical industries.

The gum has binding or adhesive properties and as such is used as a good emulsifying agent. It is therefore most useful to pharmaceutical, food, and beverages flavourings, dairy and ice cream, cosmetics and the confectionary industry.

LOCAL PRICE

 
The local price of gum Arabic grade I ranges from about N170,000 to 200,000 /MT.

EXPORT MARKET

 
The major markets for the product are: Belgium, China, USA, U.K and Japan.

PROCESSING

 
The processing technology is relatively simple and involves the following: sorting, crushing, dispersion in water, purification or straining, precipitation, separation or centrifuging with alcohol. Drying, milling or spray granulation.

The application of the right machinery in this process will yield a high grade of the refined gum Arabic powder or granules capable of meeting the international trade grading standard.

HARVEST

 
Gum Arabic is harvested during the dry season because during the rainy season, no gum is formed since the trees are in full bloom. The dry season lasts from October to June and the gum is collected every 10 days during this period. After collection, the gum is brought from the farms and stands to villages from there it’s transported to market.

STORAGE

Gum Arabic should be in clean, cool dry place. It does not deteriorate due to long storage under such favorable condition. However, if stored where rain can affect it, the gum becomes hardened and darkened in colour, and this can affect its quality.

PACKAGING

 
All gum for export must be packed in double Bagco type bags. The outer bag should be new and sound. Used bag may serve as inner bag, but it must be clean, dry and strong.

GUM ARABIC INVESTMENT SUMMARY

In conclusion, investment opportunities exist for Gum Arabic in Nigeria under the following value chain;

– Production (Gum Arabic Farming)

– Gum Arabic Processing

– Storage

– Gum Arabic Export

– Gum Arabic Packaging

Note: You can always approach the Agricultural Developement Bank for funding.

We have an article about them on our blog 

Nigeria: Made Holds Workshop On Cassava Livestock Feeds

The Department for International Development’s programme, Market Development for Niger Delta (MADE) has held a two-day workshop to build the capacity of livestock feed manufactures in Ondo State to enable them produce quality feeds from cassava grits.

While addressing the press in Akure, MADE’s Team Leader, Mr. Tunde Oderinde, said the workshop which was organised in conjunction with HarvestPlus and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) was expected to build capacity of processors to produce quality cassava grits which meet the requirement of feeds manufacturers.

Oderinde said the use of Cassava grits by livestock feeds manufacturers in the Niger Delta region would cut the cost of production of the feeds.

He said Cassava was known to produce 250,000 calories/hectare/day compared to 200,000 for maize, 176,600 for rice, 114,000 for sorghum and 110,000 for wheat hence the choice of the crop.

Calling on processors to embrace Cassava based feeds; Oderinde said cassava-based feeds were currently cheaper than the maize-based feeds especially in the face of escalating price of Maize in Nigeria.

“Amazingly, 1 metric ton of maize sold for N35,000-N40,000 last year now sells for N140,000 (About 250 per cent increase),” Oderinde explained.

He however said that the 2million Metric Tonnes (MT) of annual maize requirement by the poultry subsector of the economy could be substituted up to about 50 per cent by suitable cassava derivatives.

According to MADE’s Cassava Intervention Manager, Mr. Chyka Okarter , the preference for cassava grits by the poultry sub sector presents a potential opportunity for 1million Metric Tonnes (MT) cassava grits supply into the poultry feeds sector.

Okarter said the opportunity offers market linkage to cassava farmers and processors in a sustainable manner.

He explained that the use of cassava peels and the under sized roots for livestock grit will present an additional income to the processors and thus offset the effect of high cost of cassava roots.

Okarter lamented that about 14 million tonnes of Cassava by-products, including peels and under-sized tubers are thrown away as waste annually because of the dearth of information and knowledge of the proper technology to produce cassava products of guaranteed quality that will meet the procurement requirements of the mills.

“It is therefore imperative, based on the current demand from the poultry subsector for investors to explore and achieve the right product for the industry and also sustain their commercial interests as well,” Okarter said.

Jigawa Govt partners AFDB to develop irrigation scheme

The Jigawa Government says it will partner with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to upgrade the Hadejia Valley project, to encourage irrigation activities.

Gov. Badaru Abubakar said this on Tuesday in Hadejia at a civic reception organised by a youth group, Badaru Youth Progressive Association.

Abubakar said that the state government and the bank would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the project.

He said that under the agreement, additional hectares of farmlands, channels and tube wells would be provided to expand the scope of the project.

“We have reached progressing stage in talks with AfDB. We will clear blocked channels, construct new ones and open up more lands to farmers.

“This is to provide lands for cultivation and enhance effective utilisation of water and agricultural resources,” he said.

Abubakar added that his administration had adopted proactive measures to enhance farmer-support services, to encourage agricultural processing, add value to the produce and farmer enterprising skills.
The governor commended the community leaders for sensitising and mobilising their people toward their participating in agriculture, adding that the trend would encourage food production and enhance wealth creation in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Hadejia valley project was initiated by the Shehu Shagari’s administration to encourage irrigation activities, enhance fishery and water supply to communities.
However, only 5, 000 out of the projected 25, 000 hectares of farmlands were developed under the project in the last 30 years and 3, 000 hectares of lands cultivated by farmers.