Feasiblity Report on catfish Production (part 3)

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 Messages Messages Help Reply | Forward | View Source | Unwrap Lines Message 5 of 22 | Previous | Next [ Up Thread ] Message Index Msg # From: "felixabayomi" Date: Tue Jan 18, 2005 1:19 am Subject: ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF CATFISH FARM SETUP Advertisement 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