Camiguin to pilot dairy farming

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin -- Camiguin is set to receive some 25 heads of dairy herds from the National Dairy Administration (NDA) in March.

Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo said this will provide for the establishment of the Camiguin Pilot Dairy Production Farm.

The dispersal of the dairy cow to the province is under the animal distribution program of NDA dubbed Dairy Multiplier Farm (DMF), a standard payment-in kind scheme where NDA lends imported mature, female dairy animals payable within an eight-year period.

Through this, the government targets to meet both livelihood and nutritional needs of the people.

The farm will serve as the area for propagation of dairy animals through crossbreeding and upgrading, as well as promotes dairy animal trading among stakeholders of the local dairy industry.

Romualdo said elementary students are the first beneficiaries of dairy farm produce that will be utilized for the school feeding program.

For now, he said the Provincial Government is undertaking the necessary preparations for the access road, farm infrastructure, land/pasture development and fencing.

Meanwhile, the province has long been operating its own artificial breeding center for livestock animals in Mahinog town.

Provincial Veterinary Office report shows more than 600 farmers served under its artificial insemination program and the provision of livestock animals to some 115 farmer-beneficiaries through the dispersal and re-dispersal scheme, wherein recipients are required to give the first offspring for re-dispersal. (Jorie C. Valcorza/PIA)