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Farmers

Cage Culture of Freshwater Prawns Yields Bountiful Results in Ilocos Norte

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Ilocos Norte has seen a successful outcome of a project that released 45,000 post-larvae prawns into five small water-impounding dams in the province. The freshwater prawns, which are high-valued species commanding a competitive price in the market, have given farmers an alternative source of income in communal bodies of water. The prawns are expected to be harvested by the end of the month, with a potential income of PHP450 to PHP600 per kilo.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BFAR released 45,000 post-larvae prawns in five small water-impounding dams in the villages of Mabaleng, Pimentel, Batac East, Magnuang, and Dariwdiw in January this year.
  • The prawns, which are common in Ilocos Cagayan and other parts of Northern Luzon, are expected to be harvested by the end of the month.
  • The Southern Pimentel Farmers Association has seen an alternative source of income in communal bodies of water through prawn farming.
  • Freshwater prawns command a competitive price in the market, ranging from PHP450 to PHP600 per kilo.
  • The facility of the first ulang hatchery funded under the provincial government's Sustainable Agroforestry Farm Enterprise-Bamboo Business Model (SAFE-BBM) program is now fully operational in Barangay Nangguyudan in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
  • The facility will provide a nearby source of post-larvae for fisherfolk who wish to venture into ulang culture.
  • The BFAR will be distributing more aquaculture inputs and ulang dispersal to interested farmers associations to promote inclusive and sustainable aquaculture development in the province.

Statistics:

  • 45,000 post-larvae prawns were released into five small water-impounding dams in January this year.
  • The prawns are expected to be harvested by the end of the month.
  • PHP450 to PHP600 per kilo is the competitive price range for freshwater prawns in the market.
  • The SAFE-BBM program has funded the establishment of the first ulang hatchery in Barangay Nangguyudan in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

Sources:

  • PNA (Philippine News Agency) [article date: August 15, 2025]
  • BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) - Ilocos Norte
  • Contify.com - distributed by Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd.

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