City agriculturist Leonardo Avila III said the fishponds in the area have an average yield of one ton per day, more than enough for domestic consumption and supply to other markets in Mindanao.
He projected a 360-ton yield in 2012, far more than the total yield in 2011 at only 250 tons.
We are happy to report that the local catfish industry in the city has finally revived, Mr Avila said.
Angelo Santander, chair of Barangay Los Amigos, said many catfish producers had the opportunity to enhance their know-how in catfish raising and production because of the programs of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
He said producers should adapt to the changing water levels of the Talomo River and the reappearance of fungi which has an impact on the growth of catfishes. The river supplies water to several catfish ponds in Los Amigos.
Fatima Idris, director of the BFAR in Davao Region, assured industry players of the continued support of their agency to the catfish industry not only in Davao City but also the whole of Region 11.
She said catfish production is easy to manage as long as the producer knows the proper technology.
Los Amigos culminated the two-day Pantatan Festival Thursday by selling a kilo of catfish at P100 only, cheaper by P45 compared to its regular price per kilo at P145.
Catfish Industry in Davao City Fully Recovers
PHILIPPINES - An officer of the City Agriculture Office welcomed the full recovery of the catfish industry in Barangay Los Amigos, Davao City a few years after several fishponds in the area were destroyed due to a flash flood in 2009.
by Lucy Towers
