Business Proposition
Is there money in bangus farming?
By Roberto Garcia
YOU may wonder if fishpond operators in Dagupan still make money considering the low market price, the high cost of inputs, and the series of disasters. Is the continuous supply of bangus being unloaded and sold at the Magsaysay fish market an indication that business is good? So what is the story?
Many of the bangus growers (at least in my area of operation in Bonuan Boquig) maintain fishpond areas of two hectares or less and are managed by family members or a caretaker. The technology is basically the same in pond maintenance and feeding techniques which involve using lumut the first month and commercial feeds for the next 3-4 months until harvest.
Now take note. Apparently there is a delicate balance between the harvest, cost of inputs, and the prevailing market price that will determine if the operator will gain, break even, or lose in his/her venture. Natural or human-caused disasters such as flooding, typhoon, fishkill, or poaching often lead to a big loss in harvest. Even if one has a good harvest but the market price is low, the high cost, say, of commercial feeds will surely dig into whatever profit made. Many border on breaking even and making a minimal profit. While a few hit it big because a good harvest coincided with high market price. Nevertheless, this risky and unpredictable nature of the business could have caused the fast turnover of operators in the area. Others put on lease or sell their fishponds since they feel that operating them is a losing proposition.
Obviously the bangus farming industry in Dagupan needs help, particularly the small-scale or family-based operation which contributes a lot to the local fish supply. Perhaps there should be a shift in strategy in the farming technique to make it more technically efficient and economically viable. Fishpond operators and caretakers should be constantly upgraded on technical skills to increase survival rate and harvest. Perhaps a “technical assistance facility” can be established in a strategic area that will provide technical skills and emergency assistance in the field, especially in cases of natural disaster and impending fishkill.
Further, processing techniques should be enhanced to give added value to the fish during depressed market prices. Marketing strategies/incentives should be done or given to increase profit. Another strategy worth considering, as I have written last week, is growing bangus the traditional way — without commercial feeds — and package it as organic food which can fetch a higher price.
Yes, there is money in growing bangus because it is still one of the most sought- after fish nationwide. It just has to be done the right way and with the necessary support from all concerned. I believe the city owes these bangus growers for putting Dagupan on the world map.
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