DOST offers aquaculture industry with a technology-based business solution
By Ella Vanesa L. Lopez
“Nakakatakot, dahil para sa amin malaking pera ang ii-invest, pero sa negosyo kailangan ay matapang ka… ako ay interesado talaga [sa i-POND], gusto ko ng malaking kita,” Beatriz Masangcay, a traditional shrimp farmer in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on the DOST-MIRDC’s iPOND technology during her visit to the Aqua Tierra Farm where the first i-POND prototype was installed.
DOST-MIRDC conducted a technology demonstration of i-POND in Aqua Tierra Farm, Oriental Mindoro on April 19-20, 2024 for farm owners, operators, and academe.
Traditional shrimp farmers rely on manual monitoring methods, such as visual observation or tools like thermometers, to assess water quality parameters. However, these conventional techniques are susceptible to human error and inconsistency, posing significant challenges for farm owners and operators.
The future of shrimp farming in the Philippines takes a significant leap forward with the introduction of the i-POND monitoring system developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC). The i-POND utilizes a long-range wide area network (LoRaWAN) technology to provide real-time monitoring of critical water quality parameters essential for shrimp survival.
With the i-POND, farmers can remotely monitor the water quality of their ponds using their smartphones or laptops, as long as an internet connection is available. This empowers the farmers to make informed decisions swiftly, enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring optimal conditions for shrimp growth and development, and assuring financial gains.
(T) i-POND prototype installed at Aqua Tierra Farm and (B) sample historical data collected by i-POND
Engr. Renato Gaudencio T. Goco, owner of Aqua Tierra Farm, expressed his enthusiasm for this technology, stating, "Ang kagandahan niyan [i-POND]… nate-test namin on real time kung may mga significant changes sa quality ng water… hindi na namin kailangan hintayin na may lumutang na hipon, makakapagrespond agad kami with corrective action." He also emphasized the convenience this technology has provided them in their day-to-day activities in the farm.
As shrimp farming continues to play a vital role in the economic landscape of the country, more farmers are starting to recognize the need to adopt modern solutions to enhance farm efficiency and financial returns. The integration of advanced monitoring solutions like i-POND reflects DOST-MIRDC's commitment to empowering farmers with the tools and technologies they need to succeed and foster growth in the aquaculture industry.
For more information on how DOST-MIRDC may help your businesses, you may send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or message us on Facebook at dostmirdc.
