This blog follows the journey of a local farmer resuscitating a fish rearing segment on his farm.
As a Project Manager, I have the privilege of working with Keelo Farms on one of their projects starting April, 2024. Keelo Farms envisions making agriculture a pillar of the Nigerian economy again using new technology and innovative thinking to feed the world at large. They strive to be the best farming, processing and distribution organization within and outside Nigeria. Keelo Farms is a mixed agricultural organization involved in diverse agricultural pursuits, ranging from oil palm production, processing and packaging to farming of diverse crops such as cassava, banana, plantain, maize and potatoes. The animal husbandry arm of Keelo Farms boasts of a piggery, poultry, dog rearing section and pet pigeon section.
As an aquaculture expert on the other hand, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable journey of Keelo Farms as they venture into the realm of fish production. It is this recent foray into aquaculture that our gist today is about. For it is one that truly embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation.
I still remember the initial conversations with Mr. Oluwatobiloba Ogunnubi, the Managing Director of Keelo Farms, where he shared his aspirations of establishing a thriving fishery sector. Despite a previous unsuccessful attempt, they were undeterred in their determination to succeed this time around. Little did he know that his project manager is an aquaculturist. We got talking and armed with a vision and a newfound sense of purpose, we embarked on a journey together, brimming with optimism and determination.
The first step was to assess the farm's existing infrastructure and resources. While Keelo Farms boast of ample land and water resources, the available facilities for fish farming were insufficient for the big vision we had and this posed a significant challenge. Over the years of disuse since the initial attempt, the aquaculture facilities had dilapidated and were in desperate need of maintenance. Undeterred, we devised a renovation plan starting small with the resources at hand and laying the groundwork for future expansion with a phased approach.
With a clear goal in mind – to establish a 10,000-capacity fish farm with state of the art hatchery facilities within the next two years – we set out to chart a course of action. The key, we realized, lay in leveraging the farm's existing expertise in animal husbandry and crop cultivation to inform our approach to aquaculture. By adopting a holistic and integrated farming model, we aim to maximize synergies between different farming practices while minimizing resource wastage.
The initial phase has us retrofitting existing structures to serve as fish ponds, utilizing innovative techniques to ensure optimal water quality and circulation. Also, analyzing the water quality of the available water resource to ensure the water quality parameters are within optimum range for fish production and avoidance of the major factor causing the initial failure of the venture. We also tapped into the farm's network of suppliers to source high-quality fingerlings and feed, laying the foundation for a successful production cycle. Plans were set in motion to invest in state-of-the-art processing facilities, ensuring that our products meet the highest quality standards and command a premium in the market.
Looking ahead, the road may be fraught with challenges, but I have no doubt that Keelo Farms is well-equipped to overcome them. With a dedicated team, a clear vision, and a relentless drive for excellence, they are poised to make a lasting impact in the aquaculture sector and set new benchmarks for innovation and sustainability.
As I reflect on our journey thus far, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the future. We are not there yet but the vision is materializing and coming together beautifully. Together, we are not just building a fish farm – we are laying the foundation for a legacy of resilience, innovation, and success that will endure for generations to come.
