DA to launch cattle-breeding program to increase dairy output

With local production providing less than one percent of the country's dairy requirement, the Department of Agriculture will launch a herd build-up and breeding program to increase local dairy output, the National Dairy Authority (NDA) said. Under the program, multiplier farms for breeding, milk production and processing will be set up by the government and imported dairy animals will augment local stock. Dairy farmers will also receive assistance in importing embryos and breeding equipment. Local milk production has been growing by an average of seven percent in the last five years and increased by 12 percent year-on-year from 16.45 million liters to 18.45 million liters in 2012, said NDA administrator Grace Cenas. However, the bulk of milk products in the country is imported from New Zealand, USA, Australia and France. The DA is in the process of finalizing a dairy development agreement with New Zealand, from whom the Philippines imports dairy cows and milk products. The department has been urging local farmers to move from livestock fattening to dairy processing to increase their incomes and help fill the national demand for dairy products. — BM, GMA News