|
Friday, June 30, 2006
DA to revitalize shrimp industry
By James Earl Ortigas
THE Department of Agriculture Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban is optimistic that the shrimp industry in the country will be revitalized with a strong partnership with the local government and private sector.
He stated that "our destination is clear: to restore our industry to its former stature, to build firmly on our comparative advantages, and to compete on the quality of our products." This he said during the opening rites of the 5th National Shrimp Congress held at The Bacolod Pavillon Resort hotel with a theme "New Challenges and Frontiers for the Philippine Shrimp Industry".
The DA secretary pointed out that for eight years, production levels have remain stagnant, and infrastructure and post-harvest facilities are inadequate unlike in other countries. Many of the prawn growers have still no access to the latest technologies.
Among the remedies the DA has identified are the strengthening of the institutional support for prawn farmers through the creation of a Shrimp Task force and the implementation of a comprehensive action plan to control diseases like the White Spot Syndrome virus.
The agency has also intensified training and extension operations and now have established standards in bacteriology, fry quality assessment, and water and soil quality, he added.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)has adopted a five-year development plan for the Philippine Shrimp industry in consultation with the private sector - farmers, traders, exporters, processors and feed millers. This will be implemented from 2006 to 2010 in order to achieve higher production.
Panganiban challenged the private sector to work harder to attract investments where these are needed, such as in research efforts for the production of new species. He reminded them (prawn growers) not to wait for government to act on their problems. Instead, seek solutions, innovate and take initiative while assuring that the Department of Agriculture is committed to support the shrimp industry.
Bfar Director Malcolm Sarmiento, who also spoke at the program said that the shrimp development plan and the culture of L. vannamei (white shrimp) species are the two components that will bring profitability, sustainability and global competitiveness in the shrimp industry.
L. vannamei, which was previously banned in the Philippines, is perceived to hasten the enhancement of shrimp production, and augment the income of the industry stakeholders.
Roberto Gatuslao, president of the Philippine Shrimp Industry Inc., said that , as the survival of the industry is dependent on the ability of its different sectors to stay connected, PHILSHRIMP is dedicated to play an important supportive role and is determined to provide a venue to timely express and articulate industry concern in a unified stance.
(June 30, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
