There is nothing you can do effectively without knowledge, says Vicent Sebutemba, chief executive officer of Marine Heights, as he facilitated at the Harvest Money Expo’s training on fish farming management. He advised listeners to research about fish before they venture into the business.
“As you start your fish farm, try as much as possible to seek knowledge,” Sebutemba urged prospective farmers. He urged them to visit some fish sites.
“Even though some fishermen might not have practical experience, they can connect you to those who have. Since no man is an island, it is not good to work alone,” Sebutemba said. Fish farmers were also advised to network with people in their sector so that they can benefit from the trade.
Focus on the feeds
It is disheartening to set up your fish pond or an aquarium or cage, and you do not know where the feeds are going to come from.
“Feeds can either make or break your fish farming business. If the location of the feeds is far, it means that much of your capital will be spent on its cost of production,” he said.
Sebutemba also encouraged people to have an aquarium operator or fish farmer near them, who deals in feeds. One can also set up a nursery for feeds for the fish.
The location
Your fish farm should not be located anywhere you feel like putting it. If you want to benefit from it, make sure it is located in an area that you can easily supervise.
“If you place it in Arua and you are located in Kampala, you can easily lose your harvest,” he says. However, if you are interested in creating a fish farm as an investment, you can hire someone to best manage it for you. “These do the supervision and day-to-day activities of running the farm. Without them, you might never see the harvest of your fish,” he said.
This year’s Harvest Money expo was sponsored by ENGSOL, ABI, Bella Wine, Uganda Development Cooperation, Tunga Nutrition, and Pepsi in partnership with the Kingdom of Netherlands.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Vincent Sebutemba during a training session at the Harvest Money Expo. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
