Introducing 34 years old Ismail Abiodun Rasheed, he is an expert in aquaculture (Fish farming to you and I) with a particular bias for Catfish and Tilapia.
Abiodun is from Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun state but has lived all his life in Lagos state. He has over 10years experience in Fish farming. He runs his own fish farm where he rears fingerlings and juveniles for other fish farmers. He also sells of re-circulatory equipment’s.
In addition to owning his own Fish farm, he also works as a Farm a manager. He has worked for various organisations as farm supervisor and farm manager and at one point was overseeing the production of over 300,000 juveniles. A member of the Fishery association of Nigeria and Tilapia association. Abiodun understands the dynamics of the Fish farming industry from the beginning to the end of the value chain.
When asked about the nature of fish farming in Nigeria, he said it is very lucrative and profitable but requires expertise otherwise you will lose your capital. He said one of the challenges fish farmers face is untrustworthy staff and their nonchalant attitude to work. In response to the question ‘what would help to make the industry better? He said that we need more investors in the production of Feed which is quite expensive and unlike crop production where government provides subsidy for inputs such as fertilizer, there is no such in Aquaculture.
His advice to intending fish farmers is that, they should read to expand their knowledge, visit farms, ask questions and make sure they have the time because fish farming is like nurturing a baby.