BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (January 2)—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) is pushing the use of a solar-powered device to increase yields in fishponds initially in Cagayan province.
The Solar Venturi System Project (SVSP) of BFAR Region 2 demonstrates that a solar-powered aeration device is effective in increasing the dissolved oxygen level in fishponds, making it possible to increase stocking density, according to Jennifer Tattao, BFAR Region 2 Aquaculture Section head.
The project is part of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) in Region 2. BFAR is an agency under the DA.
“From the previous five 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,” Tattao said.
She said the investment cost for the device at P267,000 can be recouped within two years as long as it is used in a fishpond measuring at least 1,000 square meters.
The SVSP device has six units of solar power panels at 200 watts each, six 12-volt batteries with a capacity of 60 watts each, solar charge controller, inverter, two circuit breakers, two 100-watts submersible pumps, and lightning arrester.
Tattao said the device can be turned on intermittently during the first month of fish culture but must work 24/7 during the rapid growth rate period or from the second to the fourth month or harvest time.
“Other than the installation of said aeration system, there are no other changes needed as to the technical management of the fishpond,” she said.
BFAR Region 2 is set to launch a similar projects in Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela.