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Friday, October 22, 2004
Seaweed players propose own plan
THE Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines (Siap) has proposed a roadmap that will be implemented beginning this year to increase seaweed production in the country by 2006.
This, after the National Integrated Seaweed and Seaweed Products Development and Promotion (NIS-SPDP) program, which President Arroyo herself initiated last year, failed to reach its projected increase of raw seaweed production this year by 31.57 percent.
Siap president Ben-son Dakay has said the program achieved only a 3.2 increase in seaweed production this year.
He said the seaweed processing industry is still suffering from the shortage of raw seaweed due to the minimal growth in production. This has prevented the seaweed processing industry from maximizing its growth potential.
According to Siap, the organization has proposed for the government and the organization to conduct information dissemination to farmers on updated farming management techniques, factors affecting seaweed growth and causes of stress on seaweed.
Siap said there is lack of information on updated technology for seaweed growth, farming system and post-harvest handling in seaweed farming areas.
There is also a need for immediate seedling dispersal to farmers affected by “ice-ice” during summer, wherein seaweed is attacked by epiphytes.
“Once affected, farmers need support in seedling supply and loans to purchase the seedling for immediate recovery,” Siap said.
Siap is also urging local government units to support seaweed production in their areas by zoning coastal areas for seaweed farming and enacting a seaweed culture ordinance that will regulate the culture of seaweed and protect seaweed farms from illegal fishing and other destructive activities.
Siap has submitted its proposal to President Arroyo for consideration and approval.
The group has also urged Arroyo to fully implement the NIS-SPDP to help the country’s seaweed processing industry grow at the same rate as the global market and boost the economy. (JBN)
(October 22, 2004 issue)
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