Image Credits: Photography by Tinashe Mamombe

Article by Regina Pasipanodya

Home based fish farming could be the best business for start-ups since the fish could be easily be sold for profit in your area. Most people prefer locally raised fish to organic farms, and this could be to your advantage as well as it could also supply you and your family with delicious fresh seafood. So, why not invest in fish farming business even on a smaller scale?

What do I need to start?

There are many things that needs to be taken care of before you venture into a fish farming project. For instance, there is a need to gather the necessary funding and help from others to get started. Make a business plan and prepare a feasibility report that calculates all your expenses and profits. This would help you to get loans and to attract partners or investors.

As someone who has an interest in farming there is need to acquire enough knowledge about the business you are about to venture in. Just having the interest in business is not enough. Basic knowledge is. Additionally, to raise fish some space is need in your backyard for building a fishpond. It has been noted that fish can be raised in any kind of fish tanks such as containers, tubs, barrels and so forth but all these needs space for creation.

To start a simple home-based fish farming you will need to dig a fishpond or gather some fish tanks or containers for indoor fish farming. Choose water from a reliable source. Your municipal supply water would be fine. Once you have your pond or container setup, get your juvenile fish and some fish feed to start.

For large scale pond-based fish farms, you would need some additional equipment. A list of equipment is given below.

You will need the following for a commercial fish farm:

• Aquarium or fish tank
• Pumps
• Aeration Devices
• Net or Seine Reels
• Handling and Grading Equipment
• Water testing equipment