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It is amazing how great, happy and fulfilled we can be if we can just reduce our worries and trust in God...Some people are professional worrier...Just be happy.

Before I Write A Book (Part 2) - By Basketmouth

Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog: Before I Write A Book (Part 2) - By Basketmouth: As written by comedian Basketmouth... As I pay respect to those great men that changed my life, the seemingly little gestures that shap...

Who stands to gain more in Gareth Bale transfer deal

   

I wonder what I will be thinking if I’m in Bale’s shoe. Standing at the centre of what may become the craziest and highest football transfer is the Welsh man, Gareth Bale. Indeed money can change many things because previously the winger hinted he wants to commit another season to Tottenham but with the Madrid offer the commitment is changing.  

Bale aside, what is actually the real reason why Madrid wants to pay 83million for this man and why is Tottenham holding firm to this man. Quoting an online soccer analyst, Mayowa Oyinlola, he said Tottenham may not even earn as much as Real Madrid  is offering if they win a trophy next season.

Football has really gone out of hand and I wonder what I will do to my son if doesn’t plays professional football in Europe ….lol

FIVE THINGS TO NOTE BEFORE YOU START A FISH FARM

Farm security:

 Amidst several things to consider in fish farming, security is very crucial. The farm/pond needs to be secured from predation both from other animals and human. Basic farm practice most times is always enough to protect the farm from predating animals but definitely not enough to prevent human invasion.

  The key factors that guarantees security are the location of the farm, commitments of the investor or farmer, and loyalty of the employees.

For starters, being a part-time farmer is not enough. You must be present at regular interval to see things yourself. Advisably, live very close to your farm.

The location of the farm should not be out of sight to people who can always help you out in times of trouble. If the pond is not in your compound then it must be located close to other farmers. This will allow them keep an eye on your pond when you are not around.

 It is always a good idea to have a farm assistant.

Pond water quality:

A close friend of mine went into fish farming for the first time only to fall victim of pond water quality close to the time of harvest. He had taken all necessary measures to ensure good yield. And as a matter of fact, we were full of hope. Just some few days to the cropping date, he discovered that the fish were dying. Believe me, it wasn’t a good experience. After sorting out the dead fishes, he had to temporarily put the remaining surviving fishes in a plastic pond with water supplied from the well. He was shocked to discover that the fishes put in the plastic which were initially weak and changing colors are already getting back to normal. Later, another expert visited and proposed that water has been either infected or the pH level was high.

It is advisable to test your water before letting your fishes into water. Treat the water at regular interval and allow the in flow of fresh water.

Sorting:

Sorting is one practice that can enhance the profitability of fish farming especially here in Nigeria where fish farming is not regulated.

Definitely, all the fishes will not have the same growth rate. So it is observed that sorting out the bigger ones is important after the first 3/4 months of feeding. You can either sell them immediately or raise them for a longer time.

If you sort them and sell them immediately, you would most likely have realized your capital and the rest will be a plus for you. If you sort them and nurture separately, under a normal condition, you will still make a very good profit.

It’s not compulsory you have two ponds before you practice sorting, you can use plastic ponds too.

Motivation for investment:

It is possible to invest in the right business for the wrong reasons. These wrong reasons however create a very high and unrealistic expectation. Going into farming for the purpose of raising funds for other things is very wrong and it put one under unnecessary pressure. It must be noted that agriculture is a long term business; it only pays over time if you have genuine interest in it.

Marketing Options

It is very important to be very sure of where you intend to sell your product long before you start raising them. Though demand for fish is high and most times you are always a phone call away from sales. Options to consider include selling to middle men, being the middleman yourself and processing (drying) before final sales. It is also advisable for starters to mingle with trade associations around so as to enjoy little incentives that may be available from government and also to get a viable sales network.