July 9, 2014
 

Study: Philippines could achieve self-sufficiency in chicken supply

A study says that the Philippines can achieve autarky in chicken supply if it can reduce feed prices by planting more high-yielding Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn.

The study undertaken for the Southeast Asian Regional Center found that the country has been importing chicken minimally and may become self-sufficient in chicken if it can sustain the growth in corn production.

According to Edilberto de Luna, chief of National Corn Programme (NCP), the Philippines might be able to supply enough corn for the poultry industry with a huge stockpile and a bumper harvest expected for Q1 2014.

De Luna attributed the increase in production to cultivation of biologically engineered corn. He also mentioned that the country used to import about one million tonnes of corn to support the livestock industry.