January 22, 2015
Crayfish, a crustacean of higher order found in fresh water is a very popular spice in the tropics where they are used in the preparation of food. It is estimated that about 12,000 MT of crayfish is produced annually in Nigeria. Though the artificial rearing and production of shrimps{ crayfish} in Nigeria is not common is compared to the production of fish, processing and packaging of shrimps { crayfish} is gaining ground because of the advantage it presents to most house wives in Nigeria.
In this era of growing middle class in the country, processed crayfish comes in handy to very busy housewives who combines their roles as mothers and workers and who scarcely have enough time to engage in daily grinding of the crayfish they need. Single parents especially those in the working class also fall into the category.
The major raw material is required for production is crayfish and this can be sourced in abundance from Akwa – Ibom and Cross rivers states respectively. Nylon wrapping, cardboard cartons and the grinding machine, cutting and sealing machine, stapling machine and weighing scale are the other materials required for production.
Crayfish enjoys wide patronage locally from operators of bukateria, hotel and restaurants. The growing population of over 140,000,000 people also deepens the market for processed crayfish in Nigeria.
Processed crayfish also has market export market especially in markets with high concentration of people from the tropics.
The processing technology is relatively simple and involves the following: sorting, crushing and grinding, weighing and packing. Due to the scale of the business about four persons would be required in the business with the following function purchase, sorting & grinding, weighing & packaging and marketing. Other agricultural produce that can be processed and packaged just like crayfish are onion, pepper, tomato, ogbono etc.
The return on this project is quite attractive and impressive that it would be difficult for any financial institution especially micro- finance banks with discerning credit officers to turn down any loan request for funding this project. Promoters of this venture will also feel comfortable to release their hard earned money to finance this project.
The successful implementation of this project begins with the preparation of detailed and bankable feasibility study report to ascertain the actual cost/benefit status of the project. Company registration with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Standard Organization of Nigeria/National Food, Drug Administration and Control is also required.
Source: Farri Consulting NG
