BAR highlights potential of aquaponics technology

MANILA, Philippines - Pursuant to its task to conduct activities that will help disseminate information and knowledge generated from R&D project results and are relevant to the agricultural and fisheries sectors, the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) recently held a seminar on aquaponics technology. 

Lois June B. Fermin, manager of the Regional Fisheries Research and Development Center (RFRDC), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Cordillera Administrative Region (BFAR-CAR), served as the resource speaker. 

While aquaculture is simply defined as the farming of aquatic animals, hydroponics means soil-less crop farming. A combination of these two into one system operating in a symbiotic environment is called “aquaponics”. In this technology, fish wastes acquired from the aquaculture are used as nutrients for growing crops under the hydroponics component. Consequently, the water from the fish tank is cleansed through the plants.

 Among the crops that can be grown through this technology are strawberries, lettuce, pechay, and other leafy vegetables which are fast-growing. Meanwhile, tilapia and freshwater prawns can be grown under the aquaculture component. Though catfish and carps may also be included, they are slow-growing.

It is the choice of the raiser as to what kinds of plant and types of fishes to grow. However, producing such resources may vary depending on the environmental conditions of a place. For example, Japanese eels which can thrive under CAR, may not be suitable with Manila’s temperature. 

Joining Fermin was Danilo Agliam of DA-CAR, who is also an aquaponics practioner. He proudly shared his experiences in implementing aquaponics in the premises of his own home. Without machines and using only styrofoams with equally-spaced holes, he was able to successfully plant crops and grow fishes.

According to Aglian, what’s important is that this technology provides food for families and urban dwellers while protecting and preserving the environment. 

“Increasing population, food shortages especially in the urban areas, and global warming are among the many challenges we face nowadays. Aquaponics may just be the weapon we need to combat these crises,” emphasized Fermin. She added, “it requires no pesticides, thereby ensuring food safety. Aside from being highly nutritious, fruits and vegetables produced under the technology taste sweet, that my kids, who normally do not eat vegetables sold from the market, now eat these kinds of vegetables.” 

She added that aquaponics is also very easy to operate and requires low maintenance, since there is no need to weed, water and cultivate soil. It also addresses the issue on climate change through water conservation and the promise of having no leaching of nutrients or waste into the environment.

However, Fermin reminded those interested adoptors that “before trying this technology, one still has to be equipped with the right knowledge and skills to be able to effectively manage the farming of crops and fishes.” 

This technology is still at its infancy stage. Further studies and support from various institutions are still needed to realize its full potential.