By Abdullahi Lukman
Catfish farmers and sellers in Nasarawa State are celebrating increased patronage and profits as demand for the product continues to surge across local and international markets.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Karu Local Government Area, several farmers and sellers shared their satisfaction over recent business growth, attributing it to festive season demand, reduced feed costs, and catfish’s popularity as a protein-rich, affordable food source.
Mr. Uduak Solomon, a farmer from Angwan Tiv in New Nyanya, said his business had exceeded expectations since he began farming in 2016 after retiring as a security officer.
He noted significant profit margins in the past three months, partly due to the drop in feed costs—from ₦29,500 to ₦26,200 per bag—and a steady market price of ₦2,800 to ₦3,500 per kilogram of catfish.
Solomon urged other farmers to align prices with current market trends, warning against holding stock in hopes of higher returns.
Fish seller Mrs. Margret Audu also reported increased sales, driven by demand from eateries and restaurants.
While fresh catfish remains highly sought after, Audu highlighted a steady market for smoked varieties, though she identified transportation costs as a major challenge.
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She appealed to the government and NGOs for financial and logistical support.
Mr. Bala Suleiman, a farmer with over 12 years in the business, shared his journey through early struggles—such as poor funding, high fish mortality, and theft—but emphasized that perseverance, cooperative loans, and proper farm management helped him succeed.
Ms. Elizabeth Aonodongu, another seller, described catfish trading as a profitable venture that had enabled her to support her household.
She said her farm sold over six million catfish in the past three months, including exports.
However, she expressed concern over delayed payments from credit-based customers.
Despite facing challenges like high hatching costs and inconsistent buyer payments, the farmers and sellers remained optimistic.
Many encouraged new entrants to stay consistent and embrace challenges as part of the business journey.
Research shows that catfish farming in Nigeria continues to thrive due to its affordability and the country’s fish demand outpacing domestic supply, estimated at 3.6 million metric tonnes annually.
NAN
