DA EARMARKS P 400M FOR ASF-HIT HOG FARMS

The Department of Agriculture is allotting P400 million to cluster hog farms that were affected by the African swine fever (ASF) to boost pork production and strengthen the industry’s awareness of biosecurity protocols.

The move was prompted by the spread of ASF in the country, coupled with the emergence of a new hog disease in China that researchers said might spur a new pandemic.

Since ASF devastated several local hog farms in August last year, the Bureau of Animal Industry reported last week that the number of culled pigs had already exceeded 300,000 even when the coronavirus pandemic helped in slowing its spread.

In a statement, the DA said the funding would be used to establish swine multiplier farms composed of 20 hog raisers each. Every member would be given five piglets, 20 bags of animal feed and biologics, bringing the number of piglets for every clustered farm to 100.

Doing so is expected to trim the producers’ expenses, and would allow them to expand their customer base and seek new markets.

“We have earmarked P400 million to jumpstart the economic and income-generating activities in the livestock sector, particularly in some parts of Central Luzon and Calabarzon, where ASF was prevalent last year,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.

“We must always calibrate our moves and not to lose sight of our commitment to see an empowered livestock and poultry sector, teeming with prosperous farmers. Thus, we in government will continuously provide smallholder farmers with opportunities to produce and earn more,” he added.

Further, the program would also assist backyard raisers in observing biosecurity measures to ensure the protection of their swineherd from diseases. Veterinary extension services would also be given to them.