Pangasius production pushed in E. Visayas for local market

published January 06, 2010 in BusinessWorld

TACLOBAN CITY -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is pushing for the massive production of pangasius, a freshwater fish species belonging to the order of catfish, to meet the growing demand in both local and foreign markets.

Pangasius is a tasty freshwater fish that is a popular choice for fish fillet as recovery rate of its meat is about 70% compared to the tilapia’s recovery rate of 30% -- www.bar.gov.ph

BFAR Regional Director Juan D. Albaladejo said the Philippines has been importing 600,000 metric tons of this fish every year to supply the requirement of local restaurants.

"Our goal is to supply the local requirement. If production will go up, [then] we can go for exports," Mr. Albaladejo added.

Pangasius is a tasty freshwater fish with white flesh and very few bones. It is a popular choice for fish fillet as recovery rate of its meat is about 70% as against the tilapia’s recovery rate of 30%.

The bureau’s initial target is to distribute at least 100,000 locally produced pangasius fingerlings to growers in different parts of Eastern Visayas soon.

There are currently eight pangasius breeders in the region. A single breeder can produce up to 200,000 eggs in one setting. Hatchery facilities have been upgraded to meet the target.

"The plan is to grow this fish in freshwater ponds. We are reluctant to put it in rivers, cages and lakes because we have to evaluate the impact on the environment as this is quite a dominant species," Mr. Albaladejo told BusinessWorld.

The bureau is expecting the first pangasius harvest in Eastern Visayas this month. Some 10,000 fingerlings were distributed to 100 growers in October last year.

Mr. Albaladejo said pangasius would be an alternative for tilapia. Target production areas are in Samar.

"The region’s climate is ideal for this fish. We have a large body of freshwater here in the region, especially in Samar. We can tap tilapia raisers as potential growers of pangasius," he said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the region has forged a partnership with BFAR to develop pangasius production both as a viable livelihood and a lucrative business venture that can attract more investments and create more jobs in the countryside.

"We will provide assistance for technology trainings and seminars, as well as support for market development, research and trade negotiations. BFAR will oversee the implementation of programs and projects to help sustain them," said DTI Regional Director Cynthia R. Nierras in a separate interview.

Based on studies, the production cycle of the pangasius catfish takes six months, with the fish weighing one to one-and-a-half kilos per piece.

A hectare of freshwater pond could accommodate 100,000 fingerlings, which could net at least 85,000 kilos at 80% survival rate. (Sarwell Q. Meniano)
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