February 6, 2007

Shrimp production growing in Philippines' Ifugao province

Fishpond operators in upland Ifugao in northern Philippines found a new alternative for their growing tilapia farms, which could double their income through polyculture of tilapia and shrimps.

Ifugao Provincial Agriculturist Dario Blance said fishfarm co-operators have realised the availability of the shrimps--which is considered an expensive and exotic in the province--on their tables through polyculture with tilapia in fishponds.

He said the number of tilapia growers who are engaged in ulang or freshwater prawn is increasing after their first harvest was successful. The high value of ulang and its high demand in the province and as well as nearby provinces of Nueva Ecija and Isabela doubled profitability.

Blance said grower Timmy Guimbatan was able to harvest a total of 300 kilos of ulang with 12 pieces per kilo. He introduced 2,500 pieces of small shrimps in a 600-square meter pond with tilapia stocks.

As observed, mortality rate is high but this is one area, which the Provincial Agriculture Environment and Natural Resources Office (Paenro) and the co-operators are trying to improve. Harvest of both tilapia and shrimps takes five months with shrimps stocks to be introduced to ponds two weeks earlier to give them time to grow.