Rabbit Farming Lucrative, Urine, Faeces Sold To Vegetable Farmers, Fur To Bag, Shoe Manufacturers
Felicia Okotie, the Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of Felishitas Farm, she holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration as well as a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) from Lagos State University (LASU), is the most credible recipient of Creekvibes AgricBusiness Most Shining Star of The Year 2024.
Hailing from Ethiope East in Delta State, she embarked on her journey in the agricultural sector in 2015, beginning with an internship at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Remarkably, she spent four years at the institute, during these periods she gained invaluable experience that ultimately contributed to the founding of Felishitas Farm, which was officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2019.
Although she is relatively new to the industry, Felicia has successfully carved out a distinct position for herself, within this competitive market. She operates as an integrated processor, focusing on large-scale processing and preservation of fish and meat.
Although she does not engage in fish rearing in significant volumes. She recently participated in an interview with CREEKVIBES OLUWADAMILARE DANIELS, from which the following excerpts are taken. Enjoy;
What is your current area of specialisation?
I engage in the processing and preservation of materials on a large scale.
How do you source your materials before commencing the actual processing?
I have contacts with numerous farmers, and when I find myself in need of processing materials, I will contact them for a prompt supply. On some occasions, it may be necessary for me to travel down to collect the materials directly.
What do they provide you with; some readers may be unfamiliar with what you refer to as materials.
I procure life catfish in substantial quantities as raw materials. Once these fish are in my possession, I will prepare them for processing, utilising my 250kg capacity oven for steaming. Aside from catfish, I also process Tilapia, Panla, Sole fish and Rabbit.
Regarding bush meat, which has been scientifically recognised for its medicinal properties, I also operate a rabbit farm. Therefore, if any of my clients specifically request bush meat, I can provide processed rabbit meat, not live animals.
Occasionally, some of my customers have visited my farm and expressed interest in acquiring one or two baby rabbits as pets for their children; however, I prefer not to sell them for that purpose.
Would you prefer to recommend a grey horn to take after your processing pattern, or would you rather encourage him to start a fish nursery business within a pool?
It appears you mentioned a pool. (chuckles); it could be a fish pond, a rubber tank, a collapsible tank, or a concrete pond—whichever is more suitable.
In my view, for those interested in the fish farming industry, it is advisable to begin with processing. Processing involves purchasing fully grown fish and enhancing their value, thereby extending their shelf life.
There is greater profitability in processing compared to production, although this aspect requires significant capital investment.
If acquiring an oven is not feasible, one could seek out individuals who own one or two and arrange to rent one for processing. Once the fish are properly processed, you can enter the market with confidence, (snap of fingers).
Regarding the production of fingerlings, it is not profitable to rent a fish pond.
How lucrative is the Rabbit farming?
I sold approximately 25 units of processed Rabbit last Christmas. Many individuals are unaware of the advantages associated with portions of Coney.
Could you provide information regarding some of the advantages of consuming rabbit meat?
Rabbit meat is rich in protein, iron, Vitamin B12, and Niacin while being low in cholesterol and high in linolenic acid. Additionally, it is noteworthy that every part of the rabbit is utilised; the urine and faeces are sold to vegetable farmers, and the fur is marketed to manufacturers of bags and shoes. If one successfully raises a rabbit for six months, it can be ready for harvest, potentially yielding a profit of N25,000.
Do your patrons perceive it as ‘Eran Igbe?’
They recognise it as a type of white meat, which is beneficial to the young ones and the elderly. Occasionally, some may perceive it as a rat, but I typically take the opportunity to educate them with vital information on it.
Do you also have patrons abroad for the Cat and Tilapia fish?
I have clients located in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, while the client from Germany typically visits to collect his orders.
We are presently preparing to participate in an exhibition in France, where we will be showcasing processed meat. It is essential to present a well-packaged product that features standardised branding.
What information would you like to convey to Nigerians regarding your brand?
I would like to inform Nigerians that an average Nigerian woman has the potential to engage in agriculture, thereby contributing to the availability of healthy and well-packaged fresh food.
We are preparing to relocate to our permanent site; however, we must uphold a clean environment in the meantime. We are committed to safeguarding public health by minimising preservatives, opting instead to incorporate a small amount of ginger during the processing stages.
