BACOLOD City – Prices of live hog and beef in Negros Occidental have spiked up this month due to higher demand for the commodities.
Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) chief Dr. Renante Decena on Wednesday said fear on the African swine fever (ASF) has waned but Negrenses in the north would generally consume ruminant meat such as beef and chevon (goat meat).
“High demand for these commodities was noted last week,” he added.
There has been an increase of P0.56 per kilogram in the price of beef and P0.33 per kilogram for goat meat.
On the average, the prevailing price of beef is P261.49 while P312.86 for goat meat.
In the north, which includes the first district, beef costs P268 per kilo while goat meat at P341, and in the third district, beef is P272 per kilogram with goat meat at P347.50.
Decena said they have also noted the rise in the average live weight price of hogs this month.
Monitoring of PVO showed that from P200.64 per kilogram last month, the prevailing live weight price of pigs this March is P201.40, with an increase of P0.76 per kilogram.
The increase is mainly due to the growing demand for hogs, not only from Negros Occidental but also from neighboring provinces, Decena said.
“Nearby areas source their stocks from Negros Occidental noted to have strict implementation of the ordinance on ASF,” he added.
The PVO chief also said low supply is also a factor in the increase of the live weight price of hogs in auction markets.
“Backyard raisers especially those in far-flung areas opt to sell their stocks directly to traders at a lower price as they fear the possible low market demand on hogs amid the ASF threat,” Decena said.
He said, however, that the movement in the live weight price has not significantly affected consumers as retail prices of pork have remained stable. (PNA)
