A JAPANESE partner is seeking to expand its dairy projects in Negros Occidental, particularly for more animal importation, Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said.
Decena said that Tenshinzan Farm has partnered with the province for more than a year already, specifically in conducting the experimental stage of dairy production at the Negros First Ranch in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia.
Currently, the group has 20 heads of dairy cattle in the farm that produce milk for commercial quantity thus, they are planning to expand to commercial dairy projects, he said.
“Our Japanese partners are looking at importing 2,000 heads of dairy cattle from Paraguay to the province,” Decena said, adding that “it will surely boost the local dairy industry as well as help local farmer-raisers.”
He added that the Department of Agriculture (DA) through Assistant Secretary Enrico Garzon Jr. is currently evaluating the viability of importing animals from Paraguay.
Garzon along with Decena and some representatives of Tenshinzan Farm visited the two provincial government-run farms in La Carlota City and Murcia town over the weekend. The DA official also met with Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.
Decena said that animals from Paraguay are foot and mouth disease (FMD)-free and with vaccination, while those in the Philippines are FMD-free but without vaccination thus, disease risk assessment has yet to be conducted.
Moreover, the Japanese firm is also planning to put up a commercial feed mill using soybeans from Paraguay.
This is another area for investment, Decena said, adding that the country needs additional feeds but are currently expensive under Chinese and other foreign players.
“Our Japanese partners still have more expansion projects that will surely bring additional investment opportunities to the province thus, strong collaboration from the national and provincial government is a must,” he added.