Fish farming is steadily gaining popularity in Uganda, and Mr. Masum Abdalla's farm in Bombo, Luwero District, is a testament to this thriving industry. Established in 1977-78, the farm was initially more of a youthful adventure than a commercial enterprise. Mr. Abdalla, driven by a simple idea of spending evenings with friends by the pond, started the farm without much thought to the logistics of sourcing or feeding fish. Today, however, it has evolved into a well-thought-out operation that reflects years of learning and dedication. Starting Out: Water and Pond Essentials The journey into fish farming begins with one crucial element: water. Mr. Abdalla emphasizes that water is the lifeblood of fish farming. While fish farming can be done almost anywhere, the quality of the water is critical. It must be clean and oxygenated, especially for delicate species like tilapia. Tap water, which contains chlorine, is not suitable unless treated beforehand. For those interested in commercial fish farming, the size of the pond is determined by financial capacity. Mr. Abdalla's pond, which measures 20 meters by 36 meters, can accommodate around 6,000 tilapia. The pond was dug manually, a reminder of the resourcefulness required in the early days of the farm. Fish Species and Their Requirements The farm primarily focuses on tilapia, a popular species known for its delicate nature. Tilapia requires clean, oxygen-rich water and is usually grown as a single-sex stock to ensure faster growth and larger sizes. This approach prevents the fish from breeding in the pond, which could result in overcrowding and stunted growth. Catfish, on the other hand, are also present on the farm but are known for their intelligence and ability to hide, making them harder to catch. Mr. Abdalla has taken measures to remove catfish from the tilapia pond, as they pose a threat by feeding on the smaller tilapia. Feeding and Maintenance Feeding is a critical aspect of fish farming. Young fish are fed three times a day, while mature fish are fed twice. The diet includes starter feed mixed with broken maize, and as the fish grow, they are gradually introduced to pellets. Mr. Abdalla has found that maintaining the pond's water quality is crucial. Before introducing fish, the pond is fertilized using cow dung, poultry manure, or commercial fertilizers to promote the growth of algae, which young fish feed on. Maintaining the pond's cleanliness is also vital. A clean environment deters predators like snakes and certain birds. The farm has implemented measures like netting to protect the fish from external threats, particularly from the remaining catfish. Sourcing and Market Considerations Fingerlings, the young fish stocked in the pond, are sourced from hatcheries around the country. Mr. Abdalla purchases fingerlings from Kajjansi, a government project known for its quality stock. These fingerlings are transported in oxygenated bags, ensuring they survive the journey to Bombo. The market for fish is promising, with tilapia maturing in about 8-9 months to reach a marketable size of 1 kilogram. Prices vary between 10,000 to 12,000 UGX per kilogram, making fish farming a potentially lucrative venture. Conclusion: The Taste Debate Despite the farm's success, Mr. Abdalla is still confronted with a common misconception: that farmed fish lack the taste of wild-caught fish. This debate often boils down to personal preference and possibly the cooking method. Mr. Abdalla himself has not noticed a significant difference, suggesting that much of this belief might be psychological. Fish farming in Bombo, Luwero District, under Mr. Masum Abdalla's stewardship, is more than just an agricultural activity; it's a story of perseverance, learning, and adapting to modern farming techniques. His journey reflects the broader trend of small-scale farmers in Uganda who are turning to aquaculture as a viable source of income and a way to contribute to the nation's food security.
Fish farming is steadily gaining popularity in Uganda, and Mr. Masum Abdalla's farm in Bombo, Luwero District, is a testament to this thriving industry. Established in 1977-78, the farm was initially more of a youthful adventure than a commercial enterprise. Mr. Abdalla, driven by a simple idea of spending evenings with friends by the pond, started the farm without much thought to the logistics of sourcing or feeding fish. Today, however, it has evolved into a well-thought-out operation that reflects years of learning and dedication.
Starting Out: Water and Pond Essentials
The journey into fish farming begins with one crucial element: water. Mr. Abdalla emphasizes that water is the lifeblood of fish farming. While fish farming can be done almost anywhere, the quality of the water is critical. It must be clean and oxygenated, especially for delicate species like tilapia. Tap water, which contains chlorine, is not suitable unless treated beforehand.
For those interested in commercial fish farming, the size of the pond is determined by financial capacity. Mr. Abdalla's pond, which measures 20 meters by 36 meters, can accommodate around 6,000 tilapia. The pond was dug manually, a reminder of the resourcefulness required in the early days of the farm.
Fish Species and Their Requirements
The farm primarily focuses on tilapia, a popular species known for its delicate nature. Tilapia requires clean, oxygen-rich water and is usually grown as a single-sex stock to ensure faster growth and larger sizes. This approach prevents the fish from breeding in the pond, which could result in overcrowding and stunted growth.
Catfish, on the other hand, are also present on the farm but are known for their intelligence and ability to hide, making them harder to catch. Mr. Abdalla has taken measures to remove catfish from the tilapia pond, as they pose a threat by feeding on the smaller tilapia.
Feeding and Maintenance
Feeding is a critical aspect of fish farming. Young fish are fed three times a day, while mature fish are fed twice. The diet includes starter feed mixed with broken maize, and as the fish grow, they are gradually introduced to pellets. Mr. Abdalla has found that maintaining the pond's water quality is crucial. Before introducing fish, the pond is fertilized using cow dung, poultry manure, or commercial fertilizers to promote the growth of algae, which young fish feed on.
Maintaining the pond's cleanliness is also vital. A clean environment deters predators like snakes and certain birds. The farm has implemented measures like netting to protect the fish from external threats, particularly from the remaining catfish.
Sourcing and Market Considerations
Fingerlings, the young fish stocked in the pond, are sourced from hatcheries around the country. Mr. Abdalla purchases fingerlings from Kajjansi, a government project known for its quality stock. These fingerlings are transported in oxygenated bags, ensuring they survive the journey to Bombo.
The market for fish is promising, with tilapia maturing in about 8-9 months to reach a marketable size of 1 kilogram. Prices vary between 10,000 to 12,000 UGX per kilogram, making fish farming a potentially lucrative venture.
Conclusion: The Taste Debate
Despite the farm's success, Mr. Abdalla is still confronted with a common misconception: that farmed fish lack the taste of wild-caught fish. This debate often boils down to personal preference and possibly the cooking method. Mr. Abdalla himself has not noticed a significant difference, suggesting that much of this belief might be psychological.
Fish farming in Bombo, Luwero District, under Mr. Masum Abdalla's stewardship, is more than just an agricultural activity; it's a story of perseverance, learning, and adapting to modern farming techniques. His journey reflects the broader trend of small-scale farmers in Uganda who are turning to aquaculture as a viable source of income and a way to contribute to the nation's food security.
Masha Allah brother Abdalla hope you share with us your expertise
This is awesome
Thank you 😊 😊😊
Wow❤the video is lit, the message is 🔥
Thank you dear 🫠
Some great info .Thanks dear
You're welcome
MashAllah not only is this beneficial its also looks beautiful n relaxing great work
It’s the most relaxing profitable-leisure activity I’d do over and over again
Wow this amazing idea
Oh yeah
Woooow this is such an amazing business
Thanks for sharing dear
It is indeed💯
Firdaus if you wanna start i think you have to make the space first n then catch rainwater
Definitely, source of right water is the first requirement
hi
👋