Production economics and marketing of mud crabs in the Philippines

Abstract

The current price of mud crabs in the local market is relatively higher than fish and mollusks and is projected to increase in the world market. This increasing trend in domestic and export markets is expected to step-up the demand for crab seeds. In the Philippines, the technology of mud crab grow-out culture is already being transferred to resource-poor fisherfolks for adoption as an alternative livelihood. However, buying competition among big and small crab farmers is foreseen to be disadvantageous to small farmers. There is a need to hasten the development and transfer of technology on mud crab breeding and hatchery to stabilize the supply and price of crab seeds. This paper discusses the economic viability of four grow-out culture methods for mud crabs, namely: pond monoculture, polyculture with milkfish, culture in mangroves, and fattening in ponds. The marketing system of mud crabs covers product development, pricing, distribution channels, and promotion activities.