It does not matter what the size of the farm is, the criteria for success are the same and are as follow:
(1) Availability of good quality water-Water which is the home of the fish is a limiting factor for commercial production of fish. Inadequate water spells failure or little hope of success. Large quantity and good quality of water is needed to succeed.
(2) Planning - Inadequate or lack of planning can also spell doom for fish farming venture. The time and work spent on planning is profitable. Information, capitalization, operating costs (working capital), personnel equipment, marketing, production complex, source of input etc are major requirements in planning.
(3) Correct pond preparation and stocking – correct pond preparation, spacing and stocking are essential to fish survival. Over stocking will lead to stunted growth, infighting, cannibalism, heavy pollution etc.
(4) Checking of water parameters – It is very important to check the parameters of your water from time to time. That is, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, Temperature etc.
(5) Feed and Feeding – About 50% of feed is converted into fish flesh. Therefore, endeavour to have good feed and adhere to feeding program. Have specific time to feed your fishes and not haphazardly.
(6) Market – This is a very important ingredient for success. Do not enter the business without identifying the markets for your products. Both the present and future markets should be identified.
(7) Security – There are three aspects to security. Safety to fish from predators such as birds (Kingfishers), Frogs, animals and man, safety of workers on the farm from accidents, that is snake bite or other forms of accidents and insurance cover against natural disasters like flood and theft.
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Grading or sorting regularly – You must ensure that you sort your fishes regularly say once weekly or every fortnight. This reduces the chances of fish cannibalizing one another in the pond. It also allows all fish equal opportunity to have their fair share of the feed.
(9) Right Equipment – Having the right equipment will help reduce labour and production costs and also improves efficiency, outputs and profits. Equipment such as aerators, pH meters, thermometers, feed dryers, ammonia meters, Dissolved Oxygen tester, automatic feeders are a must for success.
(10) Commitment – There are two aspects to this. Commitment of capital (money) and that of time. Enough money must be committed to the project to see it through to the profit yielding stage. And also you must commit sufficient time and be devoted to the project. Because what you put in is what you will get.
(11) Hardwork – A man that is diligent in his business will seat and eat with kings and not mean men according to the Holy Bible
(Proverbs 22:29). Success comes only as a result of hardwork and good planning. Success does not come by chance, you must work hard for it.
(12) Patience/Determination – Do not be too much in a hurry. Rome was not built in a day. You must first learn how to walk before trying to run or else you will fall flat on your face. Learn to be patient and yet steady in your operation. Do not be discouraged when you face certain difficulties. Be determined to succeed, never give in to failure.
(13) Alternative source of power – We all know that electricity supply from the GRID (PHCH) is very erratic and some times non-existent. Therefore, make sure you have other source of electricity such as stand-by generator to avoid disappointment. As you follow the above success tips religiously, I believe that the Almighty God will crown all your efforts with success at the