Economic assessment of commercial hatchery production of milkfish (Chanos chanos Forsskal) fry

The economic viabilities of two types of commercial hatchery milkfish (Chan os chanos Forsskal) fry operations were assessed and compared. Based on the actual cost of input, the physical facilities? and the potential productio n yields, four commercial hatcheries previously used for shrimp (Penaeus mo nodon Fabricius) fry production were classified as either large- or small-s cale operations. Cost-return analysis revealed high profits for both types of operation. The return on investment (54-61%) and the payback period (app roximate to 1.5 years) were comparable between the two types, although a la rge-scale operation (476%) had double the working capital return of a small -scale hatchery (221%). Benefit-cost analysis over a 5-year period also rev ealed positive and above-baseline discounted economic indicators [net curre nt value = 0.2-2.2 million Philippine Pesos (1 US Dollar = 25 Philippine Pe sos); internal rate of return = 88-107%]. The net benefit-cost ratio of a l arge-scale operation (2.0) was higher than that of a small-scale hatchery ( 1.4), suggesting a slight edge in the investment viability of a large-scale hatchery. Compared with a large-scale operation, a small-scale hatchery wa s more sensitive to changes in the acquisition price of eggs or newly-hatch ed larvae and in the price of selling hatchery fry. Both types of operation are viable nonetheless when the acquisition cost is P6000 per million eggs or larvae and hatchery fry are sold at P0.50 each. Together, profit and in vestment in milkfish hatchery fry production appear viable, making milkfish an alternative commodity for production in many abandoned shrimp hatcherie s. The limited availability of spawned eggs and larvae for rearing and the quality of hatchery fry are issues requiring urgent attention.