Feeding plays a pivotal role in the success of catfish farming, and the cost of feeding has significantly increased since 2025. For farmers planning to raise 1,000 catfish, understanding the financial implications of feeding is critical for effective budgeting and profitability.
To grow 1,000 catfish from the fingerling stage to table size, you’ll require approximately 67 bags of feed. Each bag weighs 15 kilograms. In 2025, the price of a 15kg bag of fish feed ranges between ₦31,500 and ₦25,000, depending on the brand, quality, and market conditions. This means the total feeding cost for 1,000 catfish will average over ₦2 million.
This cost is a significant jump compared to 2024, driven by factors such as inflation, increased transportation costs, and the rising prices of raw materials used in feed production. For farmers operating on a small scale, this could be daunting, but it underscores the importance of planning ahead and adopting strategies to maximize efficiency.
Tips to Manage Feeding Costs:
- Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality feed that ensures optimal growth. Poor-quality feed might save you money initially but will result in slower growth and higher long-term costs.
- Adopt Feeding Best Practices: Feed your fish at appropriate times and monitor their response to avoid wastage. Overfeeding not only increases costs but also pollutes the pond.
- Explore Alternative Feeds: Consider supplementing with locally available, cost-effective alternatives like maggots or vegetable scraps to reduce dependency on commercial feeds.
Starting a catfish farm in 2025 for 1,000 fish will require more than ₦2 million for feeding alone. With proper planning and smart management, you can ensure your investment pays off while maintaining healthy and profitable fish.