BFAR pushes catfish farming as alternative to hograising in Bicol

By Ernesto Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is promoting hito (catfish) farming as an alternative livelihood for hograisers in the Bicol region, who lost their livestock to African swine fever (ASF). 

The potential for hito farming was discussed in a recent forum attended by catfish producers from Bicol, which is composed of the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, and Masbate, said BFAR Regional Director Ariel Pioquinto.

“We have identified potential areas for hito farming, particularly in municipalities affected by ASF. The pigpens that can no longer be used for raising pigs can be converted into hito ponds,” Pioquinto told the PIA “Ugnayan sa Bikol” radio program. 

Records from the Department of Agriculture show that 3,530 hograisers in Bicol have been affected by the ASF outbreak that began in 2020.

Pioquinto said that several piggery owners whose pigs have died from ASF have contacted the BFAR for assistance in converting their piggeries into hito ponds.

He said that the BFAR offers training and supplies hito fingerlings to those in need.

 The BFAR freshwater fishery center produces hito fingerlings, which are available to farmers who request them, he said.

“BFAR is validating the requests to see what training needs to be provided to ensure that catfish raisers will have an income and our funds and time will not be wasted,” Pioquinto said.

He added that hito has the potential to enter in the halal market, saying that the training provided by BFAR aligns with Islamic standards.

He added that, aside from supplying fingerling stocks and giving training, BFAR also commits to offering post-harvest services, such as assisting hito producers in finding markets for their products. 

“When your production reaches five tons or 10 tons, grilling alone won’t suffice. We need to consider other aspects regarding the hito consumption,” he said.

While specific data on hito farmers in Bicol is limited, the region is active in catfish aquaculture, including hatchery and grow-out management.

In fact, the region’s hito farmers have formed themselves into Bicol Catfish Producers Fisherfolk Association.

Pioquinto said that raising hito is not very difficult, and it is one of the fish species that can adapt to climate change.

“Catfish even prefer being crowded,” Pioquinto said. (PIA Bicol)