Ulang has good business potentials — BFAR study

There’s a big money in the production of ulang (freshwater prawn).

In a hectare during one cropping season (six months), one can earn a net income of P592,850, according to the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Initial investment reaches P488,000. However, payback period is only 1.09 years, as per BFAR computation.

The initial expenses go to land and construction costs, water inlet and outlet, water pump, seine net, hapa (inverted net), and tubs.

Gross sale is as high as P800,000 while a season’s production cost is as much as P207,1147. Production cost goes to ulang post-larvae, fertilizer, chicken manure, bags, fabricated shelters, gas, labor, and depreciation.

Freshwater prawn production was also among the technologies presented at the Technology Forum organized by BAR last May 118. The report was prepared by Evelyn Ame, Regional Integrated Fisheries Center (RIFC)-Region 2 manager.

In the Philippines, there are 15 species of freshwater prawn, an indigenous aquatic species. The most popular for culture is the Macrobrachium rosenbergii because of its impressive growth performance and ability to survive in turbid water conditions.

"Ulang is an alternative high-value species with wide market acceptability, both local and foreign," BFAR averred. – RAF