Gracilaria (Rhodophyta) farming in Panay, Western Visayas, Philippines

Abstract

Interviews were conducted among eight Gracilaria growers in Panay, Western Visayas, Philippines from March to July (1990) using a structured questionnaire. The "rice planting" method was employed by farmers growing seaweeds in natural drainage canals and ponds. Initial harvests are made 15–60 days after planting. Higher production [ 7–14 t (dry) ha⁻¹ year⁻¹] are obtained from cultures in canals than in ponds [3–4 t (dry) ha⁻¹ year⁻¹]. The net income derived from culture in ponds is estimated at P698/crop or P6313/year (US$234/year). A higher net income of P4936/crop or P41766/year (US$1547/year) was generated from Gracilaria farming in canals. Returns on investment (ROI) from farming in ponds and canals are 39% and 908%, respectively. Payback period is 2 months in canal farming and 1.8 years in pond farming.