Fishpond operators now have a means to drastically increase their yield following the launching of Solar Venturi System Project in Tuao, Cagayan last Friday.
A techno-demo and livelihood project under the Department of Agriculture’s Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra sa COVID – 19 ( ALPAS COVID 19) program, the Solar Venturi System is an aeration device intended to increase the dissolved oxygen level in fishponds, making it possible to increase stocking density.
“From the previous 5 pieces fingerlings per square meter under semi-intensive fishpond culture particularly for tilapia, fish farmers can now increase this up to 15 pieces using the Venturi system,” Jennifer Tattao, head of the Aquaculture Section of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 2, said.
While investment cost for the device at Php 267,000.00 is quite high, Tattao said that this can be recouped within 2 years, when used in a minimum of 1,000 square meter fishpond.
Main parts of the system consists of 6 units solar power panels at 200 watts each, 6 units 12 volts battery with capacity of 60 watts each, solar charge controller, inverter, 2 pieces circuit breaker, 2 units 100 watts submersible pump, lightning arrester, pipings and casing.
The device can be turned-on intermittently during the first month, however, it is necessary to put it on 24/7 during the rapid growth rate period from second to the fourth month or harvest time.
Aside from the installation of said aeration system, there are no other changes as to the technical management of the fishpond, Tattao further explained.
The project was awarded to Agkaykaisa SWISA based in Brgy. Mambacag, Tuao.
Aside from Tuao, the BFAR RO2 will also launch similar projects in Gattaran, Cagayan, two in Quirino province, and one each in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya and Ramon, Isabela. # # # (Max Prudencio / DA- BFAR RO2 FIS)
