Seaweed culture eyed for tobacco farmers

SANTIAGO, Ilocos Sur — Thousands of farmers in the North who are dependent on the dying tobacco industry may soon find themselves planting seaweed in coastal areas.

Seaweed culture, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), is the most promising alternative livelihood means for these farmers.

Nestor Domenden, BFAR’s Region 1 (Ilocos) director, said his agency is more than willing to extend assistance to the displaced farmers, particularly those planting tobacco in salty areas, on seaweed planting.

"This is most promising since there is no problem with the market," he said.

Even Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson was impressed by the livelihood projects which BFAR has suggested for tobacco farmers.

Singson urged Domenden to promote seaweed culture in Sinait town.

To date, seaweed (locally called lantay) projects have been launched in Butol, Santiago town and in the coastal barangay of Salapasap in Cabugao town.

Domenden said more seaweed farms will be put up elsewhere in the Ilocos region soon.

Thousands of tobacco farmers, particularly those planting in salty areas, are being displaced due to lack of good prices for their produce. The worldwide campaign against smoking has also affected demand for tobacco.

Dr. Enrie Mendoza, presidential assistant for North Luzon and a noted agriculturist with a doctorate in agricultural extension, however, insisted that the demand for tobacco products is even getting bigger due to the increasing number of smokers in China and other countries.

The government earns at least P20 billion to P22 billion a year from the tobacco industry.