In this article, as in previous articles, I offer other ideas for farmers to consider to ensure the initial and long-term success of their farming business.

Personally, I use the term "farm" to refer to the mixture of mostly fish farms collaborating with other businesses (such as pig, poultry, rabbit farms, etc.), etc.

Integrated fish farming helps protect you from risk and uncertainty

I have carefully studied the trends here (which remain VERY unregulated and disorganized) and have come to ONE conclusion: you need to be fairly independent in your farming needs - especially when it comes to securing critical inputs and timely assessments, variances in quality or availability can lead to a significant downturn in business operations.

The important inputs I mean include breeding populations, juveniles, feed, etc - supply/quality that may not be reliably guaranteed as unscrupulous suppliers can leave the entrepreneur at any time!

I believe this approach to managing a farm with a mix of high return/low investment and operating costs from farms and other farms ensures that ALL agricultural resources - including labour - available at all times are optimized year-round utilized.

This is in stark contrast to the situation of wheat-only farming business and other seasonal farms that must be programmed to adapt to different seasons.

So, if you're planning to start your own farming business and looking for real long-term financial returns, I recommend running your farm with a farming business - fish farming (especially catfish) is fairly reliable. / Offers a reasonable return with relatively lower capital requirements - integrated with other complementary companies.

Given our difficult, risky and dangerous socio-economic environment, microscale integrated fish farming is the easiest, cheapest and least risky to learn and get started. PLUS offers - with good management - the highest financial return, most profitable possible.

That's why I decided to focus on poultry, for example, which is relatively more capital-intensive and operationally demanding. Over time, of course, ANYONE (who has gradually succeeded in breeding micro/small fish) can "shift" to a more capital-intensive level.

Overview

In conclusion, I think EXCLUSIVE fish farming is a bit too risky and vulnerable to the negative effects of Nigeria's unpredictable economic climate for individuals and small groups operating on a micro-to-micro scale. Elsewhere, of course, that's okay (the decision is up to the newbie/farm owner).

For example, the price of gasoline is no longer 65 naira per liter. Instead, it rose from ten levels of "NAIRA" to N75 per litter - thanks to a government upgrade. This, like other unplanned and thus unexpected changes in government policy, WILL have a multiplier effect on so many agricultural variables/inputs used on many farms. With a complementary mix of companies, the fish farmer protects his farm from the direct effects that can literally be "KILL" in its worst form.

Final words: get expert advice

Everything I say here is of course my personal opinion. Please note that you are NOT obligated to accept my ideas - and I strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a competent professional when making a decision.

Note, however, that if you ask ANYONE for advice (including me), you should check and ensure that he or she fully understands the dynamics involved in running the contemplated farm and the environment YOU choose. What I am offering you here is the result of a thorough, experience-based assessment of the challenges faced by the aforementioned farm owners.

If you need help deciding which farming business to start in, I recommend reading my article titled “14 Important Questions - Questions to Consider When Choosing (and Starting))