A Comparative Analysis of the Production and Marketing Aspects in 2002 and 2017 of Tilapia Grow-Out Operations in Sampaloc Lake, San Pablo City, Laguna

Date

5-2017

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Maria Noriza Q. Herrera

Committee Member

Nanette A. Aquino, Mar B. Cruz, Agnes T. Banzon, Dinah Pura T. Depositario

Abstract

This study described the differences in the tilapia production and marketing practices in 2002 and 2017. It also showed how such changes together with the prevailing problems in the industry affected the amount of produce and marketability of tilapia. The main objective was to analyze the production and marketing aspect of grow-out tilapia in fish cages in Sampaloc Lake. The specific objectives were to: (1) present the socio- demographic profile of the fish cage operators and describe the characteristics of the cages used; (2) discuss the current practices used in production and marketing of tilapia; (3) compare the production and marketing systems in 2002 and 2017; (4) analyze the problems in the current production and marketing system; (5) formulate strategies to help address these problems.

The primary data were derived through personal interviews among 30 fish cage operators while secondary data were sourced out from existing studies and municipal records. Data gathered from these sources were compiled and analysed using descriptive and quantitative analysis including averages, frequency counts, and percentages. The analysed data was used to picture out the current condition of the industry including the issues it currently face.

For the socio-demographic profile, results showed that majority of the fish cage operators were middle-aged and married. Most of them considered raising tilapia in fish cages as their primary source of income but also looked for additional sources like personal businesses to augment their profit from tilapia production. They had been involved in the culturing tilapia for more or less 30 years and were mostly members of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC). Currently, only 84,621 m2 or 8.14% of the lake was utilized for the fish cage operations. Operators used floating net cages made up of bamboo, net, ropes, and stabilizing instruments. These cages were primarily used for grow-out production of tilapia with common sizes varying from (1) 5m x 10m, (2) 10m x 10m, and (3) 10m x 20m.

As for the production aspect, activities were divided into stocking, feeding, and harvesting. Fish cage operators were observed to be stocking only 3,200 fingerlings in 2017. This is below the ideal stocking density of 5,000-7000 fingerlings set by FARMC. The fingerlings took an average of five months for it to reach marketable size which was longer compared to the three months culture period in 2002. In terms of feeding, a decline in the use of commercial feeds was also observed as current fish cage operators only used 975 kg of feeds compared to the 1,250 kg applied in 2002. At harvesting, it was observed that the kilogram of harvest was also lower. From 850 kg in 2002, only an average of only 444 kg of tilapia was harvested per cage in 2017 due to lower stocking density and inconsistent feeding.

For the marketing aspect, tilapia produced by the operators was currently sold to either traders, retailers, or directly to final consumers. This was in contrast to 2002 wherein the only identified marketing channel of tilapia was traders. As of 2017, harvested tilapia was priced at ₱35-₱85 while in 2002, farmgate prices were ₱40-₱55. The produce from the lake were pooled in the San Pablo Public Market and later distributed by retailers. Tilapias in 2017 were sold live as preferred by consumers at ₱50-₱100.

After analyzing the past and present status of the industry, new and existing problems were identified to be affecting the tilapia fish cage operations. First was the high cost of feeds that made up about 89.95% of the total production cost. Second, operators lacked enough capital to secure inputs and continue operations. Typhoons that caused destruction of the floating net cages and presence of predators were also included on the problems identified. In the case of marketing, there was a negative perception on the tilapia produced in Sampaloc Lake that affected the marketability of the product. Finally, the abundant supply of the more preferred Tilapia Talisay also affected the sales of local tilapia negatively.

To address these problems, separate recommendations were provided for the producers, BFAR, FARMC, and investors. It was suggested that the producers look for alternative sources of feeds to lower feed costs, cover their cages with net to protect the stocks from bird predators, apply for crop insurance, and acquire capital through credit from microfinance institutions. On the other hand, supporting actions were expected from LGUs to complement the recommendations for the producers. These include researches about cheap alternative feed and seminars about microfinance. They should also promote improvements in water quality of the lake to help change the negative perception about the product. Finally, potential investors in tilapia production were advised to invest in tilapia business only if they had sufficient funds to finance the entire operations.

Language

English

LC Subject

Tilapia, Fishery management--Philippines, Production control, Marketing

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2017 M17 M374

Notes

Viewing access to electronic resources is restricted solely to UP Gmail accounts. Any access and share requests from external organizations and personal email accounts will be promptly declined.

Document Type

Thesis

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS