POND CONSTURCTION
n Pond construction is basically divided into:
1] Block Work
2] Plumbing Work and
3] Carpentry Work
n 6 units' concrete ponds of 6m by 2m by 1.2m each will be used as a
sample. Multiples of this can however be constructed.
1] BLOCK WORK
No.
Material
Quantity
Unit Cost (#)
Cost
1
9" Vibrated Block
500
80
40,000
or
6" Vibrated Block
700
70
49,000
2
Cement
20 bags
1,000
20,000
3
Gravel
1 Load
14,000
14,000
4
Sharp Sand
2 Load
7,500
15,000
5
Soft Sand
2, Load
7,500
15,000
6
Excavation Works
5,000
7
Brick Layer Fees
25,000
Total for 9" Block
134,000
Total for 6" block
143,000
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From: "felixabayomi"
Date: Tue Jan 18, 2005 1:19 am
Subject: ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF CATFISH FARM SETUP
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Note: The figures and the design of the farm here can however be
modified to meet your desire.
VISION STATEMENT
nTo give information to clients on the sustainability and viability
of catfish farming by providing farm site designs, cost estimates
and supervision of design installations.
TABLE OF CONTENT
nINTRODUCTION
nPRODUCT DESCRIPTION
nSUCCESS POTENTIAL
nFINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
nSKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS
nPRODUCTION FEASIBILITY
nLAND
nPOND CONSTRUCTION
nEQUIPMENTS
nPOWER SOURCES
nFISH STOCK
nFISH HATCHERY EQUIPMENT
nFEEDS
nFEED MILL EQUIPMENT
nFUEL AND CHEMICALS
nLABOUR AND MAINTENANCE
nHARVESTING AND MARKETING
nCONCLUSION AND SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
The culture of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is of interest
here. The production method to be employed is a flow through system
as opposed to re-circulatory system, which is very expensive to
install. The pond types to be employed are concrete tank ponds and
earthen pond, which will serve as the drainage facility, whilst
still using it to rear fishes.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The product is live and sold live. It will be marketed both on
wholesale basis and retail basis. The Catfish is desirable to
produce because of it hardy and high tolerant nature, ability to
adapt to culture conditions and high feed to flesh conversion rate,
which is about 70%. It is desirable too to market due to its general
acceptability as an alternative source of animal protein. Its
protein content is higher compared to meat and poultry.
SUCCESS POTENTIAL
The Catfish market in Nigeria is large, inexhaustible and
profitable. This can be attested to by feelers from existing
farmers, various conferences on fish farming and meetings of
association of Catfish farmers. The local market women who trade in
fish sale are the primary market targets in the industry.
Restaurants and individuals are secondary, while other fish farmers
are tertiary.
To be unique from existing or future competition we need to consider
the following some of which can serve as unique marketing strategy:
Sell good fish species
Guarantee supply
Have a corporate outlook
Provide standby transportation for buyers from the farm
Design promotions targeted at the market women
FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
The money expected, depends on the turnout of the farm. As a rule
however the profit rate is about 75 – 80%. Fishes are sold in
weights (KG) and not in numbers. Loss or non-loss or gains in weight
in turnouts will either extend or shorten the time to achieve
financial goals of profit making and for the business to sustain
itself.
Once the ponds are constructed, fish to be stocked are booked or
produced at least one month before stocking and other facilities put
in place, the venture can be become operational within 2 months from
the day of financial mobilization and cash backing. It is also
expected to become profitable not more than 1 year after the 1st
harvest, the 1st harvest is expected to be not more than 6 months
after the 1st stocking and continues every 2 weeks or monthly. In
other words if we stock a certain number every 2 weeks or monthly,
after the 1st 6 months we should begging harvesting a certain
kilogram every 2 weeks or monthly too.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS
Fish farming is a risky business that requires special knowledge and
skills. A good management practice is the key. Individuals with
little or no experience can also be successful. Enlisting the
assistance of someone in the know-how of the business either by
profession or/and by experience is essential. Supervision and
training would also be giving to persons of little or no experience.
Other factors to consider include:
Employment of adequate staff and paying competitive salary
Employing a marketing officer
Provision of official vehicle for farm operations
Offering placement for I.T students
Networking with other fish farmers and others in the industry.
PRODUCTION FEASIBILITY
In Nigeria, there is no special permit needed to establish a fish
farm. It is a completely deregulated sector of the economy, in fact
the whole of agricultural sector is. To however gain recognition by
the government and be a legal entity it is important to register the
business name with the corporate affairs commission, which cost a
total of #30,000. With time one can then register it as a private
liability company (LTD) which is #50,000 for a company with share
capital of about a million.
Fishes live, eat and perform all metabolic activities in water.
Water quality management is therefore very important. The factors to
consider and their corresponding control are:
Temperature – the acceptable level is 26 -28 OC. the control is by
building a shelter over the ponds and the supply of oxygen by the
use of aerators.
PH – acceptable level is 6.5 – 9.5. Control is by exchange of water
if too acidic or alkali.
Salinity/ conductivity – the acceptable level is not less than 0.2%.
Controlled by diluting with water if salt is high or exchange if
salt is low.
Mineral and Vitamins – this is supplied through the feed. Ensuring
sufficient quantity in feed is the control.
Dissolved gases - this build up as a result of metabolic activities
and nitrification and displace dissolved oxygen. Control is by
supply of air or exchange of water. This should be 70% - 120% but
100% is optimum
Since we are running a flow through system, these parameters will be
managed by change of water as frequent as necessary. Water quality
tests can also be carried out frequently and the cost of these will
be made from fuel and chemicals.
Complete Article About the Author
Robert Oni
African Imports - African-Exports.lyonscraft.com