April 29, 2024

 

Farmers in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, get more than US$200,000 worth of cattle

 

 

The province of Ilocos Norte, the Philippines, distributed ₱16 million (US$277,184) worth of cattle to 261 farmer-beneficiaries on April 23.

 

The recipients were chosen based on individual or group request submitted to a hotline of the provincial government.

 

The cattle distribution programme is funded by the province's share in tobacco excise tax.

 

Launched in 2022, Agri Ka Dito is Ilocos Norte's flagship programme aimed to help farmers and fisherfolk amidst the skyrocketing cost of agriculture inputs.

 

Prior to the distribution, the Provincial Veterinary Office conducted basic livestock raising skills training for the beneficiaries.

 

"This is a big help to our farmers to increase their income," provincial veterinarian Dr. Loida Valenzuela said, highlighting that cattle-raising serves as an alternative livelihood for livestock raisers previously affected by the African swine fever.

 

Once the cattle produces offsprings, the beneficiaries are required to return some to the province to be given to the next beneficiary.

 

Philippine Statistics Authority data show that Ilocos Norte posted a 6.21% annual increase in total cattle inventory from 71,947 heads to 76,413 heads in the first quarter of 2023.

 

The increase was reflected both in commercial farms and backyard cattle inventory.

 

- PNA