Profitable guide on native pig production
TEOFELY NATURE FARMS in Silang, Cavite has been conducting a series of seminars and lectures on “Profitable Guide to Basic Native Swine Production” in its effort to provide a different perspective on the potentials of the Philippine native pigs for business and economic resource. Maximillan B. Cabriga of Teofely Nature Farms says the seminar is intended to give the natural farmers, farm owners, native pig raisers, enthusiasts, and stakeholders a better perspective on the prospects of the native pig industry in the country.
Cabriga, also the president of the Philippine Native Pig Owners Network Association, Inc. (PNPONAI), believes that the native pig industry has tremendous potentials which needed to be tapped in order to generate business prospects, at the same time generate employment opportunities for the small players.
The swine industry is recognized as the single largest contributor to the local livestock sector in the country, and Cabriga is optimistic that the native pig industry will be able contribute at least R2 billion to the total Philippine livestock industry through proper guidance and support of the government.
The demand for native pig meat has been rising, and yet the supply of native pigs remained small; thus, there is the need to address the deficiency in order to provide a bright prospect for the local agripreneurs.
So far, Teofely Nature Farms has already conducted at least six batches of the Profitable Guide to Basic Native Swine Production (PGTBNSP) which were initially sponsored by the Region 4-A office of the Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture (DA-ATI-4A).
The seminars included lectures, guides, and valuable tips on Basic Native Swine Production, How to Make a Perfect Lechon, Cooking and Preparation of the “Umami Dinuguan” and liver sauce, including Basic Native Pork Meat Processing with cost analysis. The seminars also include, among others, manuals and seminar kits, farm accommodations, meals, snacks, and a certificate of completion.
Incidentally, Teofely Nature Farms is already accredited by the Region4A office of the Department of Tourism (DOT-4A) as a farm tourism destination, and is currently offering Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Scholarship on Organic Agriculture Production NC2.
After the ATI-4A sponsored seminars, the Teofely Nature Farms will continue to conduct seminars and lectures on PGTBNSP at very nominal prices. After all, a modest investment of a participant could result in a profitable venture in the native pig industry.
Cabriga believes that without proper training, planning, and guidance, one is bound to fail. He says many are getting involved in farming in their hope
of duplicating the same success attained by the other successful farmers; however, many failed to consider the “planning” stage because many people just jump into the business without evaluating their resources and capabilities.
“With the seminars being conducted at the Teofely Nature Farms, we wanted to give an insight or an overview of the things that one must consider before engaging [in the] serious business of native pig production. We are here to give the participants a better grasp of what to remember before starting their ventures, and guide them to reflect on their purpose,” Cabriga says.
He added that before engaging in the business, one must reflect on what they want to be – a breeder, meat processor, lechunero, plain hobbyist, or just to be a native pork meat dealer or seller. “Better be clear [about] your purpose, your target market, your customer base, or your clients,” he says.
In native swine production, a stakeholder must understand that people or customers have to learn about the product well before he or she can sell any product to them. Cabriga explained that native pork meat may be new to the customers, thus, selling it might turn the consumers away, especially if the meat products are costlier than ordinary commercial pork. “This is the stage wherein you should draft your goals. Conduct research and study the industry well, and invest in your goals,” he advises.
“This is where learning the trade becomes important – attend seminars, do some research about the industry, including the market trends and demands, and make sure that your facilities are sturdy and are animal-friendly. In our field of work, it is best to have the best allies and friends in the industry. They will be the ones who can support you. Join cooperatives, clubs, associations, and participate in each activities,” Cabriga says.
Under the seminars, a participant will also learn the basics of getting the best available stocks. “Since one will be engaging in the production of the native swine, it is important to always get the best stock there is. Usually, the best stocks are the ones that cost more but in the long run they are good investments,” he added.