The 1st government-run aquaculture feed mill in Central Luzon opened in the province of Aurora.
The P22-million facility, located in Barangay Calabuanan in Baler, was funded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute while the land was provided by the provincial government.
BFAR National Director Isidro Velayo Jr. said the new aqua feed mill marks a significant milestone for the local fisheries and aquaculture industry in Aurora.
“This facility would ensure a steady supply of high-quality aqua feeds, benefiting local aquaculture operations and enhancing the overall efficiency of the value chain,” he added.
It has a production capacity of 1.60 metric tons per day during an eight-hour shift.
Materials that can be processed at the feed mill include kangkong, malunggay, ipa (rice husk) and copra which are all locally available thereby reducing production cost.
With this, Aurora now has a complete chain namely a hatchery, larvae breeding tank, fish pen (fish hatchery), fish cages, and a feed mill.
Meanwhile, BFAR also provided three new livelihood interventions as part of a broader strategy to improve the fisheries value chain in the province.
These include the distribution of 62-foot handline fishing boats, installation of high-density polyethylene bangus cages, and establishment of a community-based larval rearing facility. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)