SAN JOSE, Antique – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) allocated P32.5-million fund in a bid to boost the livestock production of the province.
Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) chief Dr. Romeo Magdatu said DA-BAI veterinarians and officials already convened with Gov. Rhodora Cadiao about the multi-million assistance.
“The veterinarians and officials of the DA-BAI have conducted an ocular inspection last June 7 on the proposed multiplier farm for the livestock production that would be implemented this year,” he said.
Magdatu noted the DA-BAI will assist the provincial government in raising native cattle. It will be given to farmers for backyard raising, he added.
“Antique is one of the sources of the native cattle being sold in Batangas City and in other Luzon areas as beef, so the DA-BAI will be helping the farmers raise more native cattle for their livelihood,” he said.
The PVO chief added they are proposing the conversion of about 15 to 17-hectare land in Barangay Tubudan, San Remigio to a pasture area.
“We intend to buy an initial 30 female cattle and some male cattle to be raised in Barangay Tubudan,” Magdatu noted.
He said the purchase of the cattle and development of the pasture area will be part of the utilization of the DA-BAI fund.
“We still have to decide whether we are going to disperse the native cattle for free to the farmers to raise and multiply,” he said.
Magdatu said they are planning a scheme on how the project could benefit Antique farmers. (With a report from PNA/PN)