In my many travels to different countries, I have learned so many simple things which if implemented by Filipino farmers could result in greater productivity.
During my visits to Coachella Valley in Southern California, Tilapia farmer Rocky French emphasized to me the importance of aeration in fishponds to increase stocking density.
He explained that overpopulation in fishponds could result in very low dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water and the first indication is when the fish pops his head out of the water to get oxygen.
Rocky explained that this results in poor growth because instead of eating, the fish spends more time gasping for air.
He has installed two aeration systems in his fish farm in the desert of Coachella Valley – the paddle wheel and the Venturi System.
Rocky said that the aerators should only.be turned on when the day is cloudy or there is a drizzle and only between 4 to 6 a.m. every day when the DO in the water is low.
Three weeks ago, I installed six paddle wheels in my small Tilapia fishponds in my farm in Paco, Kidapawan City where I grow Red Tilapia which my farm helpers sell for P130 per kilo.
In two months, I would be able to harvest the Tilapia just in time for the Holidays when the prices are good.
I really hope to see our fishpond operators in Pangasinan adopt this technology so they could increase their stocking density and produce more of my favorite milkfish, Bangus Bonuan which inarguably is the best tasting milkfish.
These are not very expensive equipment and the price ranges from P12,000 to P15,000 for the brand new.
I am sure our local technicians could design our own paddle wheels and I am encouraging them to submit to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources the working models.
The BFAR will be instructed to buy locally-made paddle wheels which we will distribute to Bangus and Tilapia Fishpond Operators all over the country.
Technology will improve productivity and liberate our farmers and fishermen from the bondage of poverty.
(This is the video I took of the paddle wheels recently installed in my farm.)
https://fb.watch/aJNmBs-meN/
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