₦airaland Forum

atanda2001uk:
To all Nairalanders.
Pls permit to bear my mind, at this point, on the topical issue on ground. i.e. the formation of an Association-AFFON.

Firstly, I want to commend Robonski and others for their useful contributions on this thread. There is no doubt that you are making positive impact on the lives of fellow fish farmers and that you are going to continue to impact positively in the future.

Secondly, let me highlight some issues that have led to a kind of altercations in the formation of the Association, as observed by me in various discussions and contributions by members:
1. Who owns or will own the feedmill you are proposing?
2. Who are the beneficiaries of the output of the feedmill?
3. Who are going to take responsibilities for any liabilities that might occur?
4. Who will contribute to the assets of the feedmill?
5. What are the conditions and/or qualifications for membership of the Association?
6. How is the organogram of the Association going to look like? Who is responsible for what?
7. Who are going to be officers/leaders of the Association and what are their responsibilities, tenure, qualifications, etc?
8. Of recent, how are the members going to meet and at what interval?

Thirdly, I want to say the more you continue to think about forming the Association, the more the questions that will be arising. This is because forming of a trade Association should be well planned and processes documented for future reference. For sustainability therefore, we need to ruminate well about most of these questions to enable us have a formidable and sustainable Association. We should NOT base the formation of the Association ONLY on our cordiality (engendered by friendship and benefits we are deriving or that will be derived in future from this thread) today; there are some guidelines and procedures to follow. And, we must not jettison these for sustainability. We cannot afford to miss the opportunity of doing things in proper manner, not because of today but for the future. I know many of us are active members of many other clubs, society, associations or movements and in their formations. We need people to serve this Association in "embryo" to be nurtured to growth.

I wish we have a Constitution for the Association before nomination of officers started but since it has started, I have no objection. But the most important thing is to ensure due process is followed so as forestall any disagreement or growse that might occur as a result of the way we form the Association.

Finally, I want to suggest to the principal actors to help us write a Constitution for the Association, display the Constitution for everybody to read and make contributions. In fact, the constitution is very important for registration.We will also need a bank account for the Association, etc,

I made this contribution with the assumption that the Association is going to be owned by members of this forum. Thank you.

Dear Admin,
I agree with this input. It will be worthwhile if we can get a constitution to guide our activities.

Long live AFFON.
Long live Nigeria.

osamovic:
Pls everyone like after how many months is good to reuse a female fish after hatchery because after 2month+ two out of every four females give eggs

You can reuse your females after 3 months but I keep mine till 4months. Egg ripening is quite stressful for the female. And do let it recuperate before reintroducting to the brood stock pond.

All the best.

robonski15:
I also support the nomination of NUVEMBARZINTL AS the leader of AFFON.

Gentlemen I believe that if two of our most eminent and selfless minds can nominate Mr Nuvembarz farms as our potential leader. it is a rare display of selflessness not usually witnessed in our country and I would like to say there likely is more to this amiable gentleman than we know " we are all together learners ". Let us achieve greatness together
Nuvembarz has my vote,

robonski15:
Here’s to hoping the Christmas season fills your home with the warmth and joyfulness that you and your family deserve.

[color=#000000]Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.[/color]

Robonski.

Amen Bro, wishing you same

Unionised:
Lofty idea!
Great in theory.
But you guys need to do your homework.
Are you the government that you want to form an umbrella body?
What are your antecedents? You track record?
How many years experience?
What is the size and impact of your personal farms to the Nigerian local economy?
You want an umbrella body, great and fine, but who knows you in the society?
No insult intended. Just an eye-opener and reality check on what this entails.

Sorry, who is or will be the chairman of the association?
Does Nigeria know him or her?
What is his clout in the general scheme of things?

Oh! Lest I forget the most important question of all!
IS THERE NO UMBRELLA ASSOCIATION ALREADY??
The state Agric bodies nko?
Or the Federal?
What are they? PARACHUTE? abi dem be CANOPY?

Now let's come back to the GRASSROOTS...
So you expect the other 'private' associations to just fall in line and join this new "MESSIAHish" association?
Because you have all the solutions?

Let's wake up please and stop all these Merry go round that leads us no where.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK WELL.

Your idea is not new, just ask other associations. ITS IN THEIR CONSTITUTIONS too!!!

Let me advise you guys, Go for a 6-month internship at the STATE AND FEDERAL ASSOCIATIONS. Then come back and tell us the way forward.

For now, THERE ARE TOO MANY HOLES IN YOUR "IDEA".

Unless if, of course, your true purpose of forming the association is hidden from we the minions.

There's always a conspiracy theory somewhere.

I'm out.

dear Unionised thanks for your "contribution" but it is obvious from the tone that there is much venom in your statement. Let me help clarify some issues to you, i hope you will be so kind as to spare a minute or two to read through

1. ideas might appear lofty but from my experience and reasoning they are achieveable.
2. it is not a theory, this concept is in practice the world over especially in the new economies ( the Asian tigers)
3. You DON'T need to wait for the Government to form an umbrella body ( Ask Rockefeller and the likes).
4. The antecedents as you have asked are obvious for all to see ( a thread that has run for 2 yrs with forum member/farmers now recording higher and better yields due to quality information)
5. NO single farm ( even Obasanjo farms) has created a substantial support to the Nigerian economy, so i will refrain from saying " childish thought"
6. No one needs to know anybody to become a force in modern day Nigeria especially in the private sector. the Quality of your goods and the packaging and marketing will sell themselves ( Ask Indomie, Dangote cement or sugar or pasta).
7. An association will have a constitution so the position of chairman will be constitutional obviously. BUT people will ONLY vote in those with proven track records of success in maintaining and nurturing ( groups, business and the likes).
8. The government CANNOT teach the private sector about making profit EVER (Chrysler,Toyota, Mercedes, Dangote, MTN e.t.c.) internship so not needed.
9. Associations are not imposed so membership or alliances will obviously be strategic especially if it satisfies mutual interests.
10. Most of us will prefer to build the ship as we sail cause no plan is foolproof, it is the endeavour that will count. Please let the holes remain they will be patched.
11. This merry go round as you call it, is the zone where ideas are fashioned and refashioned as new information is supplied. ( brainstorming)
12. As a personal advice to ALL .ALWAYS THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. That is the realm of true genius.The information available on this thread has helped many to open their own successful farms and God is still in the business of blessing our hustle.

Thank you Sir

soft777:
Hmmmm The tread is so hot , but i believe we are all one family , at the same time, we all have right to our different opinions, choices and views .
I personally believe that associations and groups have been existing in different sectors like industry agriculture mining health etc in nigeria and its no one mans idea .
No one person is an island of knowledge , we sometimes need to come together discuss and exchange ideas, on how to improve on our present existing practices for better yield .
The elimination of monopoly is the success of the developed world ,so i believe more association means more diversification
Kudos to all already existing association but i believe nigeria is big enough to accommodate all good associations . No association should feel treatend by this new association .Just call us your sister association and we are ready to work hand in hand with all other association, because at the end of the day we are all working towards the same goals and aim .There is no big deal about it. So lets not make it an issue rather an opportunity to shear or exchange reliable and productive information among ourselves to better our business and livelihood.
The success of our business is of optimal importance and this is were we should focus on .
you see my dear colleagues , its just like a football match , a coach may decide to play 4.4.1 formation and win a competition and another may decide to play 4.3.3 formation and win same competition, its called different style or techniques of playing .what i mean is that we may have one goal same ambition with no bad motives but different ways , systems , approach of getting our targeted goal.
When some of us sat down together months back , study the situation, troubleshoot, analyse it carefully and came to our remedy .
We had the full fish farmers at heart most especially members of this great tread . To no disrespect to existing association , we decided to do something different . We want to do something that will impact us as farmers positively and fastly because the alarming rate at which farmers here are counting looses and leaving the business is not encouraging at all - look at the poultry farmers they were able to lobby govt to barn poultry into the country.
The bill to ban imported fish to nigeria has been own for years , because to be truthful , we still can not meet the fish supply to even a state , talk more of a country . So i dont expect government to ban fish importation ...We are still very far from it but the only thing that can change that is when me and you can successful increase production both in quality and quantity before we can be granted this request and to achieve these we need diversity ,let every association work harder than hard , better than best ,twice as much to meet these goals .
We have decided to take the bull by the horn and decided to help ourselves by doing these things on our own together without waiting for government .................

SOME HIGHLIGHTED AIMS AND BENEFITS OF OUR NEW ASSOCIATION ........

1,We have decided to make our own quality floating feed, sourced from some of our research work on aquatic nutrition both locally and internationally ,the result is this 60 percent crude protein pure catfish feed with animal protein as its base and super growth enzyms inclusive to sell at almost, half the amount of all other feed out there for everybody to benefit , but we further will reduce the price to our own members.
2,We have started with the sales of quality and very cheap fingerlings made from alpha male brood stock which were carefully selected and crossed from the northern geographical location to the one in the south using pituitary alpha male gland to ensure its our own country local brood that can give alpha fingerlings that can withstand diseases and grow faster for better profits .Which by GODs grace its been successful , we decide also to sell at the cheapest amount 8 naira standard shooters fingerling for every body to benefit but will further reduce the price for our association members ...
3 we also decide to have a technical committee that will give free consultation to everybody at no cost ,but also go extra mile with our members by personally visiting any of our members farm that have problems for effective and prompt solutions .
4 we will encourage members with high capacity farms to allow farmers in there locality access to there facilities systems and training for every body at a good rate but almost zero rate to our members starting from next year .
5, We are going to help certified members with loans to increase there businesses without asking collateral or interest .
6,We have got the capacity to do, seminar workshop and influence to attend or sponsor some members to represent us in international conferences.
7,Help members to register there farms at affordable rates
8, cooperate and design a way to Cub the excesses of the fish buyers cartel and get a platform to sell at good rate and value add or processed fish for exportation.
Lots and lots more that i can not mention right now . .... so its a win win thing as we speak now 2 complete floating feed lines with horizontal mixers have been bought ready to be shipped to nigeria , the association office and vehicle is already on the ground ... .
Most of us take passion in helping to transfer positive information and the birth of the association will in no way derail or stop us in our quest to help growing farmers here or anywere .
The association is a choice thing and not a must thing GODBLESS

Very well spoken brother, am well convinced this is to our benefit so I say Aye! Am in support.

NUVEMBARZINTL:
Call 08053289487. Her name is Gift. U dnt need to mention my name. Just tell her dt U got her contact from one of her clients that have made Tarpaulin pond from her.

Wishing you all the very best!!!

Thanks Sir

NUVEMBARZINTL:
I can help you with a contact of sumone in PH. She's highly experienced. No matter the quatity.

Wishing you all the very best!!!

Thanks Sir , I would be very glad if you can give me the contact to the lady.

robonski15:

Hello sir Melange currently has the most buyers.. To make a reasonable profit out of melange farming you should have a dedicated hatchery for producing your own fingerlings.. Spawning is a total ball game all together you have to be trained properly before embarking on the business.. you will need hatchery house, pumping machine,spawning vats with all the necessary plumbing work done like shower rose, aerators, parent stock, spawning net, etc.. Land close to the stream will be very useful for earthen ponds construction..

dear Abidemi, Sir Robonski has said it all, melange might be the most lucrative currently, but your investment needs are quite a lot, but if you do ike tthe hunt i suggest you try it . i believe you will find this thread very helpful and welcome to the family..

abidecz:
My ogas how can I work out my small outlet to big one

dear Abidecz please where is your location and please how much is a tarpaulin pond over there, if you can give a number will be glad, am looking for a good one am in Akwa ibom.
thanks

[quote author=chilanfarms post=41090175][/quote]Wow!! Thanks Sir soft777, you and Robonski never cease to amaze me with your depth of knowledge in all things fish.. God bless you both and all other nairalanders plenty.

komakan:
Why not try just a female to test run? My suggestion!

hi komakan, thanks for the suggestion i appreciate it, i might still decide to use one of the two, but well like you said test run( of the facilities

robonski15:
That's good sir, you can read our topic on agricnetwork.com titled catfish spawning technique part 1 to 3 it will guide you... How many brood stock do you want to use?

Thanks Sir, will GI there in a minute. I intend to use 3, male 2.3kg, females 2.5 and 3kg.

robonski15:
You are the real super man .. you have done a great job so far.. load the vats with water for.some days to neutralize the cement.. P.H is good.. with time you can get a bio filter for uptimum out put.. Have you constructed the spawning net??

Hi thanks Rob, am currently constructing that want to use the black aluminum net, what do you think? I will load the vats with water as you have advused, patience is my watch word now...Superman without a cape lolz

superman007:
that was what it looked like after the clearing and the first stage. i noticed that due to the gradient of the land water wasnt flowing in well so i decided to break it down and try something a bit more conventional

this is the final appearance i have a total of 12 vats available, should be treating them by tomorrow and spawning later in the week. in noticed the pH of the water is low so have put agric lime in one of the tanks and have been able to raise it to 7.4. any words will be appreciated. cheers.

superman007:
hi Robonski sorry been quite busy with my day job .. i finally am making some headway with the hatchery pics loading

that was what it looked like after the clearing and the first stage. i noticed that due to the gradient of the land water wasnt flowing in well so i decided to break it down and try something a bit more conventional

superman007:
OK Rob will do, I will take pix from the initial look till the final result, the site of the hatchery was formerly a pig slaughter that hasn't been used in over 8yrs so am clearing it up and disinfecting, the advantage to me here was the raised slabs so siphoning Fry's will be easy.

hi Robonski sorry been quite busy with my day job .. i finally am making some headway with the hatchery pics loading

OK Rob will do, I will take pix from the initial look till the final result, the site of the hatchery was formerly a pig slaughter that hasn't been used in over 8yrs so am clearing it up and disinfecting, the advantage to me here was the raised slabs so siphoning Fry's will be easy.

robonski15:
Hello sir we would love to see some pictures of the hatchery.. God bless

Good morning gentlemen I recently went into catfish farming, and I have been following your write-ups having read from page 1 till219, I must say this blog has been highly educational. I have 1 tarpaulin ponds 15x15 and 4 12x12 ponds which I have just stocked 4000 post fingerlings into. I am currently constructing a mini hatchery based on designs from Robonskis' and fleur and noorjen design. I am hoping to get all the support from fellow farmers in the house. A special thanks to Robonski, Abx1, soft777, Aquatic 1 and a host of guys on this forum...you guys rock. God bless you all PLENTY, PLENTY.

soft777:
MR Puffynana i will give u a write up tomorrow on the best business report ,in a way that you can start making profit in your first 3 to 4 months and how u can shear your ponds to get monthly sales .your profit will be like your salary . It pains me when i see people leave fish farming cause of looses and it gladens my heart to see new people come in. we shall help by GOD grace , guide you, so that u will not regret starting this business . PROF ROBONSKI PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW COLLEAGUE TO THE BUSINESS