The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is planning to increase the milk output of Samar to help farmers boost their income.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala made this pronouncement in a recent consultation with Samar farmers and fishermen.
“We have to increase the number of milk-producing carabaos in the province with the help of the Philippine Carabao Center [PCC],” Alcala said.
“Artificial insemination will be provided in remote areas to prevent inconvenience of transporting the animal to far-flung communities,” he added. The availability of milk, he said, will allow farmers to go into other ventures.
“For example, they can try carabao-milk processing during government-imposed fishing bans,” Alcala said.
The PCC recently began the implementation of a P64-million program that aims to improve the milk production of water buffaloes.
The project, called “Enhancing Milk Production of Water Buffaloes through Science and Technology Interventions,” seeks to boost the local dairy industry through the development and application of practical technologies and innovations.
“This aims to increase the annual milk production of purebred dairy buffaloes in the PCC National Impact Zone, from 500,000 kilograms to 2 million kg, and of crossbred buffaloes in San Agustin, Isabela, from 17,000 kg to 190,000 kg in the duration of program implementation [of three years],” the PCC said in a statement.
The DA conducted consultation with farmers and fishermen to disseminate “smart” and adaptive strategies for the agriculture sector, especially during El Niño.
During the event, Alcala urged participants to take care of their province’s natural resources.