Tumaas ng halos 135% ang produksyon ng samaral aquaculture, mula 153.89 metric tons noong 2021 hanggang 361.57 metric tons noong 2025, ayon sa Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR).
Dahil dito, isinusulong ng ahensya ang mas malawak na pag-aalaga ng samaral bilang dagdag na pagkakakitaan ng mga mangingisda at fish farmer.
“By giving fisherfolk direct access to technology and strong market support, we can boost the production of samaral nationwide,” pahayag ni DA-BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig.
Ayon sa DA-BFAR, mayroon nang teknolohiya para sa controlled breeding, hatchery seed production, nursery at grow-out ng samaral. Naipakita na rin ng mga researcher ang year-round seed production para sa Siganus guttatus.
Maaaring alagaan ang samaral sa brackishwater ponds at iba pang angkop na aquaculture systems. Maaari itong pakainin ng natural algae, piling seaweed at formulated feeds.
Kilala rin ang samaral bilang danggit, kitong, malaga at padas, depende sa species at lugar. Bukod sa sariwang isda, maaari itong gawing dried, smoked, marinated, deboned at ready-to-cook products.
“As we aim to improve the wellbeing of our fisherfolk, we see samaral as a strong opportunity to boost their livelihoods. Developing this species goes beyond simply producing more fish. We want to strengthen the entire value chain so its growth creates sustainable income for our fisherfolk and fish farmers,” dagdag ni Salilig.
Sinabi ng DA-BFAR na kailangan ang suporta sa produksyon, pagproseso at marketing upang mapalawak ang industriya ng samaral at madagdagan ang kita ng mga fish farmer.
