THE Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) said it is set to help backyard hog raisers whose livelihood was affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF).
BFAR said it is set to help small-scale hog farmers convert unutilized and empty concrete pigpens into productive fish tanks through the support of the National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center (NFFTC), which will provide an alternative venture for affected hog farmers and to mitigate the negative effects of ASF on food security.
As the swine industry continues to implement strict importation and biosecurity protocols aimed at managing, containing and controlling the spread of ASF, the DA-BFAR continues to provide hog raisers viable alternative livelihood opportunities through innovative and accessible aquaculture technology.
Last year, ASF-affected hog raisers from Barangay Payatas and Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City received 60 units of urban aquaculture support system. This wass part of the urban aquaculture program jointly implemented by the DA-BFAR’s National Capital Region and the local government of Quezon City.