February 12, 2013

As Philippines's local dairy production is providing less than 1% of the country's requirement, the government intends to build up its dairy herd and instill breeding programme to increase local dairy output.

The National Dairy Authority (NDA) said that under the programme, multiplier farms for breeding, milk production and processing will be set up by the government and imported dairy animals will augment local stock. Dairy farmers will also receive assistance in importing embryos and breeding equipment.

Local milk production has been growing by an average of 7% in the last five years and increased by 12% on-year from 16.45 million litres to 18.45 million litres in 2012, said NDA administrator Grace Cenas. However, the bulk of milk products in the country is imported from New Zealand, USA, Australia and France.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is in the process of finalising a dairy development agreement with New Zealand, from whom the Philippines imports dairy cows and milk products.

The department has been urging local farmers to move from livestock fattening to dairy processing to increase their incomes and help fill the national demand for dairy products.