Lessons from Dickem Fish Farms’ Success Story

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

The recurring question that those interested in fish farming always ask include its profitability against all the stress involved in getting the fingerlings, buying and applying the feeds, and of course the rigour of doing away with the contaminated water.

As for the answer to the important question, experts in fish farming claim that with proper farming method and good management practice, a 1 million naira investment in fish farming could easily result in 3 million naira of profit within the first year of farming. That was calculated as at February, 2021. With the current market price for 1kg of fish is N1,300 one can generate sales of N617, 500 (475 X N1,300). Precisely, with an invested capital of N460, 000 and sales of N617, 500, your gross profit margin is 34.23%.

Globally, tilapia farming is of increasing importance in fish farming because of the fact that they grow rapidly and tolerate high stocking densities and poor water quality. Eventually, these make them a lucrative breed for fish farmers to grow. But when it comes to the Nigerian situation there are great lessons to learn from Dickems Fish Farm.

Considered as the largest fish farm in Lagos state, Nigeria, Dickems Farm produces and supplies catfish feed, fish farm equipment, mobile fish ponds and fish farm training. Such a holistic approach to farming, as well as the fact that it has over 20 years of experience, especially in the catfish farm business has attracted it and its products to millions of catfish consumers and others who are interested in learning from their wealth of experience.

Good enough, it provides floating fish feeds, collapsible mobile fish ponds, fish feed machines, such as; the Extruder, the mixer, Hammermill, fish oil coater, and water purifiers that give you purity of 99.5% for up to 4000 litres of water per hour. The company also produces and sells fish meal, herbal fish supplements, and water purifiers. Indeed, Dickem Farms has most of what a potential fish farmer needs to get started in the business.

Over the years, it has trained millions of Nigerians in the business of catfish farming and supplied quality products to customers across Nigeria and the African continent. These include Small and Medium-scale catfish farmers who need quality fish feeds, mobile fish ponds and support to grow their businesses. Also, aspiring catfish farmers who need education to start and grow their business as well as large-scale catfish farmers who need equipment and technical support to streamline their fish feed production process stand to gain from its top-notch products and services.

With regards to fish farm equipment the company sells quality machines and mobile fish ponds that produce floating fish feeds for your catfish farm. When it comes to catfish feed, to avoid getting tired of fake ones that do not float there are high-quality fish feeds available with the company as some customers have confessed. In fact, Dickem Cat fish floating feed has the ability to float on water for over 12 hours. It includes a unique combination of African herbs that produces enzymes that help to detoxify the fish. It also aids in proper digestion and conversion to flesh. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) = 1.1 – 1.2. Crude Protein (CP) = 43. And it is available in 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 6mm and 9mm sizes.

Its effects on the fish include the fact that it aids the production of high-quality cat fish. Similarly, it helps the farmer to assess the consumption of the feed by the catfish to prevent over feeding or under feeding. Besides these qualities, it has been proven over and over again that it reduces pond water contamination by excess left over feed. That takes place as the consumption of catfish feed by the catfish can easily be checked by the farmer. Let us take a look at the other features of fish farming.

Fingerling Production: This is the raising of catfish nursery from fries to fingerlings (usually 6 weeks). Melange Production: This is the raising of catfish from fingerlings to three months in which the fish will be at an average weight size of 300-400g. At this stage, it is called mélange.

For those who want to become a successful catfish farmer in the country there are training programs to learn on how to start, produce and sell your catfish for profits . This is a one-day practical workshop that usually comes up sometimes late in September. Other trainings are focused on how to start, produce and sell fish for profit.

Another important issue is that of accessing fish farming equipment. Those on sale include Dickem floating fish feed production equipment. Notable amongst these are the Dickem hammer mill, mixer, extruder, dryer, oil coater and feed sorter.

Other sought after equipment include the default sorting, collapsible frameless mobile fishpond, fish farming equipment, and the Dickem aerator big size. Not left out are the electric water purifier(domestic use), foot pump, manual bio-filter and water treatment plant.

With all the above mentioned immense benefits made possible by fish farming, based primarily on requisite training, those interested should check its website and perhaps pay a visit to the company at No 19, Dickem Farm Close, Dickem B/Stop, along Waterworks Road, Isashi, Lagos.

It has been observed that as people, including Nigerians get more aware of the nutritional benefits of consuming fish instead of red meat or the fried, fatty but injurious ‘suya’ meat more gains will be made from catfish farming. The good news about the whole process is that Diickem Farm has offered the opportunities in the value-chain. What si left is for us to key intom it.