NWAI project director Julius Sarria has already been conducted a series of coordinations and planning sessions with BFAR, DA, DAR and LGU of Buguey for a modern prawn hatchery.
He said the lands along the coastlines of Cagayan are very much suited for aquaculture and are more suitable alternative for rice farming.
Research studies show that the salinity level of the farm lands in the area is very high which affects the level of rice production. Studies also show that the coastlines of Cagayan are still free of shrimp virus which is one of the vital requirements for aquaculture and prawn farming. These findings were the result of previous inspections, surveys and analyses conducted by NWAI.
The project aims to utilize unproductive lands along the Northern coast of Cagayan for aquaculture, apply modern aquafarming technology to enhance the value of land resources, generate employment and uplift socio-economic condition in the area.
Meantime, the group submitted a project proposal to Buguey town mayor Licerio Antiporda, Jr. for the construction of a modern prawn hatchery in barangay Paddaya. Said barangay was identified considering its vast farmlands with minimal agriculture production and the proximity of the area to the Cagayan Economic Zone Administration (CEZA). Antiporda is hopefull that the project will push through to uplift the economic status of the local residents in the area.
Initial consultations were likewise conducted with the local officials, farm owners and barangay residents who may be affected by the proposed prawn farming project. Survey on the willingness and acceptability of the project among the local folks is ongoing it was learned.
Sarria stressed that the prawn hatchery when operational will be the first in the country to apply the latest and most modern aquafarming technology.
The project initially needs some 450 has. for its prawn farm and project cost is estimated at 325M pesos.
NWAI visions to operate the prawn farm for 20 years in partnership with the local residents afterwhich the project will be turned over to the cooperative of the farmowners.
Source: Philippine Information Agency (PIA) - 27th March 2006
Modern prawn hatchery eyed in Cagayan
PHILIPPINES - Northwind Aquaculture, Inc., (NWAI), a pool of aquaculture experts based in Manila is planning to develop the northern coast of Cagayan for Aquaculture.
Modern prawn hatchery eyed in Cagayan - PHILIPPINES - Northwind Aquaculture, Inc., (NWAI), a pool of aquaculture experts based in Manila is planning to develop the northern coast of Cagayan for Aquaculture.