SURIGAO DEL SUR, November 7, 2022 – Aiding the farmers from the continuous price hike of farm inputs, the Department of Agriculture- Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) CARAGA introduced low-cost poultry feed formulation to 135 farmers utilizing local and raw materials in their community.
The week-long training ran from October 10 to 14, 2022 in four (4) SAAD-covered municipalities in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur, participated by members of six (6) SAAD farmers associations (FAs) who are mainly engaged in native chicken production.
Table 1. FAs, Projects, and Number of Participants
Aside from poultry projects, four (4) of the six (6) participating FAs are also currently engaged in the SAAD-funded abaca, banana, and cacao production projects. The communal poultry project serves as an additional income and immediate food source for the FA members.
Personnel from the DA-Caraga served as the resource person, led by Agricultural Center Chief Gemma Asufre, the Regional Focal Person for Animal Feeds and Plant Health Development Program.
They discussed using locally-sourced ingredients for feed formulation and elaborated on appropriate poultry nutrition, standard mixing ratio, proper handling, and storage. By making feeds, their production expenses are expected to decrease.
Among the locally-available materials, the FAs consider utilizing for feed production are water hyacinth, ramie, forage legume, soybean, fish meal, corn bran, and rice bran. Said materials however must be inspected and tested first by the Municipal Agriculturist.
According to SAAD-Caraga Deputy Focal Person Jekem D. Sanchez, FAs making feeds will help sustain their projects in the long run.
“Making feeds from materials in the locale will allow the FAs to save money intended for commercial feeds. The Program pays more or less Php 1,500/bag for feed. Imagine the amount this will cost them. So with it being free, they can sustain their production,” Sanchez expressed.
As the SAAD Phase 1 implementation nears conclusion, the Program ensures the sustainability and fostering independence of beneficiaries and their projects are the top concerns of the regional implementers. ###
Writer: Mark Angelo C. Pineda, DA-SAAD Caraga Information Officer
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