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+--- Thread: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable (/thread-30985.html)
Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - Sendrix - 10-19-2023
Where the money is in the fish farming business is growing and raising your fish to 250-350g and then smoke them and sell
You will get a quick return on your investment. The profit won't be much but on turnover, you will smile
This will take you 8-10 weeks (all things being equal)
You can continue this cycle as long as possible
Instead of doing everything, narrow down your niche
Got this from a whatsup group and feel like sharing it.
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - Manihot - 09-04-2025
One advantage is less mortality risk since you’re harvesting earlier.
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - The Farmer - 09-04-2025
Interesting model. Instead of waiting 6 months, you’re making cash flow every 2 months.
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - Manihot - 09-04-2025
One advantage is less mortality risk since you’re harvesting earlier.
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - Henlus - 09-04-2025
Some farmers even package smoked fish in nylon and sell to supermarkets. That’s extra money.
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - FarmKing - 09-04-2025
Farmers should watch out for middlemen; they sometimes underprice bulk smoked fish.
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - Techie Farmer - 09-04-2025
This might just be the easiest way for beginners to enter fish farming without huge risk.
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - Farm-sultan - 09-05-2025
You can even sell smoked fish online. Who remembers Fish Magnet on facebook? RIP to him.
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - Hippo - 09-05-2025
Which wood do you recommend for smoking fish to avoid bitter taste?
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - Sendrix - 09-05-2025
(09-05-2025, 10:01 PM)Hippo Wrote: Which wood do you recommend for smoking fish to avoid bitter taste?
Best Woods for Smoking Fish (Non-bitter)
Mango wood: burns clean, gives a mild sweet flavor.
Guava wood: fruity aroma, excellent for fish.
Orange wood: sweet-smelling smoke, prevents bitterness.
Cashew wood: burns steady, pleasant smoke.
Avocado wood: mild, clean-burning hardwood.
Iroko wood: traditional choice, available in many areas, strong but not bitter.
Mahogany (African mahogany): burns slowly, good for long smoking.
Gmelina arborea (commonly planted for firewood): neutral smoke, cheap and widely used.
Neem (dogonyaro): usable when dry and seasoned (fresh neem can be harsh).
Coconut shells/husks: widely used in coastal areas; give a nice distinct taste.
Bamboo (well dried, not green): burns fast but good for clean smoke when mixed with hardwood.
African Locust Bean tree (iru/ogiri tree): hardwood, burns steady.
Woods to Avoid
Pine & other softwoods (imported construction wood): too resinous, bitter and unhealthy.
Rubber tree wood: harsh smoke, leaves a bitter taste.
Fresh/green wood of any type: produces sour, bitter smoke.
Painted, treated, or plywood offcuts: contain chemicals (toxic).
NOTE:
1. Mix charcoal + fruitwood for better heat control and less smoke bitterness. Mix wood with charcoal for steady heat and balanced smoke.
For commercial smoking, many farmers use a 50/50 mix of charcoal + fruitwood.
2. Keep wood well dried and seasoned (2–3 months after cutting).
3. Avoid flame directly touching fish → use controlled smoke.
4. Experiment with blends (e.g., mango + coconut husk) for a unique flavor that customers remember.
5. Don’t over-smoke; thin blue smoke is better than thick white smoke.
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - Techie Farmer - 09-05-2025
Farmers should not forget to factor in labour cost of smoking and firewood, charcoal or gas
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - MamaGreens - 09-05-2025
Some people use sawdust instead of firewood. It gives a nice flavor too.
You can even link up with supermarkets—they love well-packaged smoked fish.
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - Hippo - 09-06-2025
(09-05-2025, 10:44 PM)Sendrix Wrote: Best Woods for Smoking Fish (Non-bitter)
Mango wood: burns clean, gives a mild sweet flavor.
Guava wood: fruity aroma, excellent for fish.
Orange wood: sweet-smelling smoke, prevents bitterness.
Cashew wood: bur.....
Waw. Thanks
RE: Melange Farming of Catfish more profitable - Sendrix - 09-06-2025
(09-05-2025, 09:46 PM)Farm-sultan Wrote: You can even sell smoked fish online. Who remembers Fish Magnet on facebook? RIP to him.So sad