Economic analysis of bottom line and raft monoline culture of Kappaphycus alvarezii var. tambalang in Western Visayas, Philippines

Abstract

A survey was conducted among 72 seaweed (Kappaphycus sp.) farmers in the Western Visayas region, Philippines, from March to July 1990 to assess their culture practices in terms of production and economic efficiency. Yields of 5.8 tons/ha per crop (dry weight) and 7.6 tons/ha per crop (dry weight) were obtained from bottom line and raft monoline methods, respectively. Investment requirement was P27361/ha for bottom line culture, and P56757/ha for raft monoline culture (P25=US$1). The bottom line method was more profitable with net farm income of P33286/ha per crop compared with P26365/ha per crop for the raft monoline method. The bottom line method of culturing seaweed is more cost-efficient compared with the raft monoline method. Production cost averaged P3.32/kg for the former method, and P5.55/kg for the latter method. Return on investment was also higher at 243% for the bottom line method and 93% for raft monoline.