Integrating Fish Farming and Irrigation Kits
Modern Integrated Fish Farming with Agriculture - Powered by Solar Irrigation
In my previous blog, I talked about the use of drip irrigation powered by solar energy as the way forward for Kenyan Farmers; in their goal to attain sustainable farming methods.
The American Government, through USAID has rolled out the "FEED THE FUTURE" program in several third world countries, in an effort to end hunger in the region. Likewise, many international and local NGOs in Kenya are working towards the same goal. Therefore, in this blog I would like to give my two cents on the subject by talking about fish farming. This is quickly gaining traction as a sustainable enterprise within Kenyan Farmers.
Fish Farming is the rearing of fish in a controlled environment for purposes of subsistence or commerce. The practice can be done in either earthen ponds/dams, lined ponds or in tanks. A number of factors can influence what kind of fish farming, one would opt to practice. However, I will not delve into each and every factor, rather I will generally mention to start a fish farm with very little capital. Ultimately, our goal is to come up with solutions which are self sustainable and pocket friendly for the local Kenyan farmer.
In order to start a fish farm, you simply need three things:
1. A suitable location ( Your Backyard or your farm)
2. Adequate supply of water (Powered by Solar Kits)
3. Supply of fingerlings
Once, you have identified your location and supply of water, all you need to do is to proceed to constructing the pond. When it comes to pond design, it might be advisable to seek guidance of an expert. If you prefer to do it yourself, you can refer to the vast resources available on the internet. Alternatively, you could drop me an email, and I would be more than happy to assist you in your new project.
On construction of the pond, you will have to fill the pond up with water and then introduce the fingerlings. Tilapia fingerlings are locally available at approximately KES 15/- each. The government had also given out free fingerlings in it's stimulus program so you could ask around your local fisheries office if they can obtain some for you.
Management of your fish farm is one of the most challenging tasks a farmer faces. Proper management and feeding practices will ensure that your fish are healthy and growing according to your plan. inadequate planning will deliver poor results just like any other enterprise. An expression commonly used in programming "Garbage in = Garbage Out" explains this in simple terms. If you input bad data into a system, the system will spit out bad results.
Next, using the appropriate feeds for your fish is crucial to your success in fish farming. However, since feeds are expensive this can be an added burden on a farmer. Not to worry, if you have agricultural waste lying around your farm, you can easily convert it into feeds.
Feeds from organic waste might not have the highest nutritional value for your fish but as they say "Cut your coat to suit your cloth". If you are looking for pocket friendly ways of running your new enterprise, then you will have to make do with what is available.
Two weeks into your fish farming enterprise, it is time to start gathering data from your pond. Sample some fish and measure the average length and weight of the fish.You may also make note of observations in appearance and color to determine how well your fish are faring. Using data collected over a period of one month, you could extrapolate over the next few months to estimate what your harvest would look like. Start marketing your fish within your local neighborhood. Once you have gone through this exercise a couple of times, you could now think about moving your venture onto a larger scale.
On my previous blog, I talked about how to integrate drip irrigation with solar irrigation kits. Now I will show you how you could further integrate your fish farm with your entire system. Integrated Fish Farming is an ancient Chinese practice. From my most recent travels to China I discovered that Chinese culture fish in Rice Paddies. It got me thinking, "What a brilliant Idea" Why can't Kenyan farmers do the same ? So basically, you now have meat to enjoy with your Rice :) sounds awesome right ? Well it doesn't end there, there are multiple ways a farmer can integrate fish farming with agriculture and livestock keeping. I will discuss a few of those practices here.
1. Aquatic plants can be grown in the pond which could be used to feed livestock and poultry.
2.The leaves, stocks and waste products from bananas, corn and sugar cane can be used as fertilizer for the ponds (To promote the growth of Algae). As I mentioned earlier, they can directly be used in making fish feeds.
3. Fish Pond silt is an excellent fertilizer for plants.
4. During inadequate rainfall, water from the pond (which is highly enriched with nutrients) could be used for irrigation.
(FAO)
"Profit from integrating fish farming with agriculture results in 30-40% increase. Using Silt from the ponds as fertilizer also reduces the dependence on chemical fertilizer."(FAO)
So to sum it up, what are you folks waiting for, please start planning your fish farming enterprise now. You can thank me later.
For more information on fish farming please contact me on 0725064745 or email me at sales@mft.co.ke
In my previous blog, I talked about the use of drip irrigation powered by solar energy as the way forward for Kenyan Farmers; in their goal to attain sustainable farming methods.
The American Government, through USAID has rolled out the "FEED THE FUTURE" program in several third world countries, in an effort to end hunger in the region. Likewise, many international and local NGOs in Kenya are working towards the same goal. Therefore, in this blog I would like to give my two cents on the subject by talking about fish farming. This is quickly gaining traction as a sustainable enterprise within Kenyan Farmers.
Fish Farming is the rearing of fish in a controlled environment for purposes of subsistence or commerce. The practice can be done in either earthen ponds/dams, lined ponds or in tanks. A number of factors can influence what kind of fish farming, one would opt to practice. However, I will not delve into each and every factor, rather I will generally mention to start a fish farm with very little capital. Ultimately, our goal is to come up with solutions which are self sustainable and pocket friendly for the local Kenyan farmer.
In order to start a fish farm, you simply need three things:
1. A suitable location ( Your Backyard or your farm)
2. Adequate supply of water (Powered by Solar Kits)
3. Supply of fingerlings
Once, you have identified your location and supply of water, all you need to do is to proceed to constructing the pond. When it comes to pond design, it might be advisable to seek guidance of an expert. If you prefer to do it yourself, you can refer to the vast resources available on the internet. Alternatively, you could drop me an email, and I would be more than happy to assist you in your new project.
On construction of the pond, you will have to fill the pond up with water and then introduce the fingerlings. Tilapia fingerlings are locally available at approximately KES 15/- each. The government had also given out free fingerlings in it's stimulus program so you could ask around your local fisheries office if they can obtain some for you.
Management of your fish farm is one of the most challenging tasks a farmer faces. Proper management and feeding practices will ensure that your fish are healthy and growing according to your plan. inadequate planning will deliver poor results just like any other enterprise. An expression commonly used in programming "Garbage in = Garbage Out" explains this in simple terms. If you input bad data into a system, the system will spit out bad results.
Next, using the appropriate feeds for your fish is crucial to your success in fish farming. However, since feeds are expensive this can be an added burden on a farmer. Not to worry, if you have agricultural waste lying around your farm, you can easily convert it into feeds. Feeds from organic waste might not have the highest nutritional value for your fish but as they say "Cut your coat to suit your cloth". If you are looking for pocket friendly ways of running your new enterprise, then you will have to make do with what is available.
Two weeks into your fish farming enterprise, it is time to start gathering data from your pond. Sample some fish and measure the average length and weight of the fish.You may also make note of observations in appearance and color to determine how well your fish are faring. Using data collected over a period of one month, you could extrapolate over the next few months to estimate what your harvest would look like. Start marketing your fish within your local neighborhood. Once you have gone through this exercise a couple of times, you could now think about moving your venture onto a larger scale.
On my previous blog, I talked about how to integrate drip irrigation with solar irrigation kits. Now I will show you how you could further integrate your fish farm with your entire system. Integrated Fish Farming is an ancient Chinese practice. From my most recent travels to China I discovered that Chinese culture fish in Rice Paddies. It got me thinking, "What a brilliant Idea" Why can't Kenyan farmers do the same ? So basically, you now have meat to enjoy with your Rice :) sounds awesome right ? Well it doesn't end there, there are multiple ways a farmer can integrate fish farming with agriculture and livestock keeping. I will discuss a few of those practices here.1. Aquatic plants can be grown in the pond which could be used to feed livestock and poultry.
2.The leaves, stocks and waste products from bananas, corn and sugar cane can be used as fertilizer for the ponds (To promote the growth of Algae). As I mentioned earlier, they can directly be used in making fish feeds.
3. Fish Pond silt is an excellent fertilizer for plants.
4. During inadequate rainfall, water from the pond (which is highly enriched with nutrients) could be used for irrigation.
(FAO)
"Profit from integrating fish farming with agriculture results in 30-40% increase. Using Silt from the ponds as fertilizer also reduces the dependence on chemical fertilizer."(FAO)
So to sum it up, what are you folks waiting for, please start planning your fish farming enterprise now. You can thank me later.
For more information on fish farming please contact me on 0725064745 or email me at sales@mft.co.ke
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