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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Catfish industry crucial to PH food security, economic growth—DA chief

Catfish industry crucial to PH food security, economic growth—DA chief

Published Nov 12, 2024 10:25 am

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Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the vital role of the catfish industry in bolstering food security and driving economic growth, as he addressed the 1st National Catfish Dialogue held by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) from Nov. 4 to 6, 2024.

Speaking to key industry stakeholders, the DA chief emphasized that catfish farming is a crucial component of the Philippines’ food production efforts.

“Catfish farming holds a significant place in our national food production plan,” Laurel said, stressing the sector’s potential to meet the country’s increasing demand for sustainable, accessible food sources.

The DA chief pointed out that addressing the needs of the catfish industry requires a united effort.

“With rising demand for sustainable and accessible food sources, it is essential that we, from the government sector, producers, processors, the scientific community, and policymakers, come together to identify challenges and collaborate on solutions,” he stated.

According to BFAR, the country counted 2,792 catfish farms spanning 670 hectares as of December 2023, with fingerling production reaching over 87 million—a growth of 8 percent since 2020.

BFAR Officer-in-Charge Isidro M. Velayo Jr. noted that the catfish industry, initially a small venture in the early 2000s, has expanded considerably and is now poised to drive socio-economic development among fish farmers nationwide.

He acknowledged, however, that the sector still faces hurdles, including breeder shortages, technology gaps, and price volatility.

The three-day event, organized by BFAR’s National Inland Fisheries and Technology Center, National Freshwater Technology Center, and Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, gathered experts, fish farmers, researchers, and members of the academe to assess the industry’s current state and chart a path forward.

High-ranking officials, including DA Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate, joined Laurel in supporting the catfish sector’s development.

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