NEWS RELEASE | SMMN Reaps Bountiful Partial Harvest

NUEVA ECIJA, January 20, 2025 — The Samahan ng Mangingisda at Magsasaka ng Nampicuan (SMMN) achieved a notable milestone as they partially harvested 253 kilograms of tilapia and 15.216 kilograms of ulang (freshwater prawn) from the livelihood intervention awarded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program Region 3 (Central Luzon). The harvest occurred during the last week of December 2024 and the second week of January 2025.

Partially harvested from five (5) out of 14 fishponds, the tilapia, weighing between 2-4 pieces per kilogram, was sold at prices ranging from Php 100-130 per kilo, depending on size, while the ulang was sold at Php 500 per kilogram.

SMMN was selected as the pilot association for the polyculture of tilapia and ulang among the SAAD program beneficiaries. This farming approach aims to maximize resource utilization and increase profitability for fish farm operators.

The successful partial harvest not only underscores the association’s hard work and dedication but also highlights the potential of polyculture systems among the SAAD-covered areas.
The BFAR 3 SAAD program continues to extend its support to SMMN and other associations, ensuring the sustainability and growth of their livelihood projects.