Over the years, Duketrah has emerged as a beacon of innovation, quality, and global ambition. Our story transcends mere fish production—it represents a transformation of traditional practices, a visionary approach to sustainability, and the remarkable power of responsible aquaculture to bridge cultures and create meaningful economic opportunities.
Duketrah began as (Duketrah Fisheries), a modest local operation, deeply rooted in the rich aquacultural traditions of Nigeria. Unlike wild-caught fishing, we recognized early on that carefully managed fish farms could provide a more sustainable, consistent, and high-quality source of catfish. Our founders understood that the future of fishing lay not in depleting natural resources, but in creating controlled, efficient, and environmentally responsible farming systems.
Nigeria’s Aquaculture Landscape
Nigeria’s aquaculture sector has long been characterized by small-scale, traditional farming methods. Many farmers relied on earthen ponds, limited technology, and inconsistent production techniques. We saw an opportunity to revolutionize this approach by introducing:
- Advanced Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): Optimizing growing conditions while reducing environmental impact
- Precision nutrition and feeding protocols: Scientifically formulated approaches to fish health and development
- Rigorous quality control measures: Ensuring consistent excellence throughout the production cycle
- Sustainable farming practices: Methods that support long-term environmental health
Building a World-Class Operation
Our journey from local farms to global plates has been marked by continuous innovation and unwavering commitment to quality. Key milestones include:
Technological Transformation
We invested heavily in state-of-the-art farming technologies that set us apart from traditional fish farming:
- Water Management: Our RAS technology reduces water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional pond systems
- Nutrition: Customized feed formulations that optimize fish health and growth
- Monitoring: Advanced systems that track every aspect of fish development from fingerling to market-ready product
Quality as Our Cornerstone
Understanding that quality is our passport to global markets, we implemented:
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certification: Ensuring food safety throughout our process
- Regular third-party quality audits: Independent verification of our standards
- Comprehensive traceability systems: Tracking our products throughout the supply chain
- Strict biosecurity protocols: Protecting the health of our fish and consumers
Strategic Expansion into International Markets
The pivot to global markets was not an overnight decision but a carefully planned strategy. We recognized that Nigerian catfish and stockfish offered something unique to the global market. This does not mean that we have stopped offering our products to the Nigerian market. If anything, we still have a strong commitment in eradicating hunger and malnutrition and offering our products back home just enables us to honor this commitment. The export market helps us to serve Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora who long for the taste of home.
What Sets Our Catfish Apart
Our catfish has gained recognition for its exceptional characteristics:
- Distinctive flavor profile: A depth of taste that distinguishes it from other farmed fish
- Higher advantageous fatty acid content: Providing nutritional benefits
- Superior firm texture: Maintaining quality during shipping and preparation
- Raised in controlled, sustainable environments: Ensuring consistency and safety
- Rich nutritional value: Delivering essential proteins and nutrients
Strategic Export Development
Our initial export strategy focused on markets with significant Nigerian diaspora populations:
- United Kingdom: Our most successful initial market
- United States: Growing market with diverse culinary interests
- Canada: Emerging market for African food products
Navigating Export Challenges
The journey into the export market hasn’t been without obstacles. We had to:
- Navigate complex international food safety regulations
- Develop specialized packaging for international shipping
- Create reliable logistics solutions
- Build trust in a relatively unknown product category
Certifications and Compliance
We understand that compliance is crucial for international markets. We obtained:
- Global G.A.P. Certification: Demonstrating good agricultural practices
We are also working on additional certifications to enable access to the Canadian/American markets.
Community Impact and Social Responsibility
Our global expansion wasn’t just about business—it was about creating opportunities:
- Providing stable employment in rural areas: Contributing to local economic development
- Training local farmers: Sharing advanced aquaculture techniques and business skills
- Creating a sustainable economic ecosystem: Supporting associated industries and services
Measurable Community Impact
Our growth has generated substantial positive outcomes:
- Created over 120 farmers on our offtake scheme
- Trained 150+ local farmers in advanced aquaculture techniques
Educational Partnerships
We’ve established valuable training collaborations with:
- Jos Women’s group
- NYSC corp members
- Directorate for Entrepreneurship, Federal University Lokoja
- The WAYFARC conference organized by The Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG)
Cultural Bridge: Connecting Communities
Perhaps our most significant achievement is how we’ve used catfish to:
- Bring a taste of Nigerian dishes to global tables
- Showcase Nigerian agricultural innovation
- Create connections between diaspora communities and their culinary roots
- Help young, naive and seemingly confused graduates to find their footing in the Aquaculture value chain through our various support services
Strategic Vision: The Road Ahead
Our vision extends beyond current operations. We are looking to:
- Accessing new markets to further reduce hunger and malnutrition
- Investing in research and development particularly in the area of fish feeds
- Continuous innovation in sustainable aquaculture
- Empowering more local farmers
- Diversification into other sectors within the Agribusiness space
Our Promise to Customers
Every piece of Duketrah catfish carries a story—a story of Nigerian innovation, sustainable farming, and global ambition. When you choose our catfish, you’re not just selecting a protein source. You’re supporting a vision of agricultural excellence, community development, and cultural connection.
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