Shrimp growers and stakeholders from Sarangani and other nearby provinces convened to share knowledge and experiences on various challenges in the industry during the 2nd Mindanao Shrimp Summit on October 18-19, 2018 at the SM Trade Hall in General Santos City.
In his message, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Manny F. Piñol expressed full support for the shrimp industry and committed to provide needed assistance to farmers’ the best way it can.
“I am delighted that even with little support and assistance from the government, the shrimp industry is progressing,” Piñol said.
He said the stakeholders must continue to work hard to increase their production in able to supply the local demand for shrimp.
He also addressed some of the issues and challenges the industry is currently facing including the streamlining of farm production area to shrimp production area, and various protocols in aquaculture.
“I don’t see any logic on that, it’s not like we are converting agricultural area to an area not intended for agriculture,” Piñol said.
“The farmers must be given a choice in farming system they want. The government should not be restrictive,” he added.
The province of General Santos and Sarangani are among the top producers of Vannamei shrimp or white shrimp sharing 60% to the total national production.
“The road ahead is rough. Let’s not be discouraged from the stones throwing to us,” Piñol said.
During the event, Piñol presented the different programs farmers’ can avail from the department such as Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) and Farm Mechanization credit programs, and Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems. In his presentation, the Secretary likewise mentioned the benefits of the government-developed National Color-Coded Guide Map and the Juan Magsasaka and Mangingisda Information Database system. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)
