BACOLOD City – The Philippine Carabao Center – La Carlota Stock Farm (PCC-LSF) is urging farmers and cooperatives in Negros Occidental to go into carabao dairy as an alternative and lucrative source of livelihood.
PCC Knowledge Management Division chief Eric Palacpac said the milk supply in the province could not meet demands.
He noted that a cross-breed carabao can produce from four to six liters of milk while a purebred can give a generous seven to eight liters.
A liter of the milk would sell from P70 to P100 per liter.
The carabao milk has high solid contents suitable for processing into various products like ice cream, cheese, pastillas, dulce de gatas and others.
Carabaos are also raised for their meat with practically all parts of it having good commercial value.
Palacpac said a ready market for milk is available for school and daycare children across the country under the Republic Act No. 11037 mandating the National Feeding Program for undernourished children with corresponding budget appropriation.
“All the Carapreneurs have to do is supply the milk,” he said.
The PCC official, during a recent press conference, said that Sen. Cynthia Villar’s Carabao-Based Business Improvement Project allows breeders to avail of a P10 million grant as starting capital for the building, pasteurizing machine, refrigerators and other expenses for operation.
With only about four cooperatives engaging in this venture, PCC-LSF Director Eva Rom said there is not enough supply of carabao milk in the Negros Island including the province of Siquijor which is under her office’s jurisdiction.
She said they are hoping for more farmers to become carapreneurs in the island because it offers potentially huge profits.
A 100-lactating carabao giving at least five liters a day would be enough for the needs of the Negros Island and Siquijor.
Interested individuals and cooperatives may get in touch with the Philippine Carabao Center at La Carlota Stock Farm. (PIA-Negros Occidental/PN)
