WESTERN VISAYAS, January 23, 2024 – To optimize egg hatching rates and maximize the productivity of the beneficiaries for a guaranteed income boost,  the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 delivered 7 units of incubator to identified farmers’ associations (FAs) in the province of Iloilo, Aklan, and Negros Occidental.

On May 26, 2023, one unit of incubator worth Php 74,500 was delivered to the Kaunlaran sa Sitio Can-awi FA in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental as part of the target under the FY 2023 Duck Raising Production Project which was later converted to native chicken production due to the banning of dispersal of ducks in the region.

Under the savings fund, however, one unit each worth Php 58,000 was turned-over on November 9, 2023 to Hacienda Agho Camandag Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Mandayao Gomez FA in La Castellana, who both received FY 2023 Native Chicken Production Projects, and to Kaunlaran sa Sitio Can-awi FA in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental. The Tapian FA (TAFA) in Batad and Tubod FA in Bingawan, Iloilo received one unit each on November 14, whereas the Bagong Bayan Vegetable and Livestock Association in Buruanga, Aklan received one unit on November 15. 

Each unit can accommodate 240 eggs in one incubation period of 19-20 days, as it has a 240 egg setter and 230 egg hatcher minimum capacity. It also provides precise control over humidity, temperature, and ventilation, thereby creating an ideal environment for eggs. These factors are relatively crucial in determining and influencing the success of each hatch as the unit will serve as a surrogate parent replicating the temperature and humidity, though artificial, given off by a broody hen.

Aside from the aforementioned features, the incubator also includes an automatic egg turner, with digital temperature and humidity monitor, large viewing window, waterproof cover for easy sanitation, and incubator door security lock.

The provision of incubators will provide a support environment for startup groups venturing in native chicken production and enterprise. As such, Ms. Julie Villaflores, President of TAFA, has expressed gratitude for the said intervention as they expect an increase of their stocks up to 75% percent given that they have prior experience and knowledge how to maneuver the said equipment.

Negros Occidental Area Coordinator Mr. Jezer John Chispa, for his part, is confident that the groups, whether they are seasoned breeders or just starting in the poultry industry, can utilize the unit to its utmost potential and could expand operations until they reach the enterprise phase. 

For the next year, the program targets to provide the groups with generator sets as back-up power source to counter the risk of unreliable power supply in the grid which can constrain their venture. Further, a specialized training on proper handling and calibration of incubator units is targeted for next year to  equip the beneficiaries with sufficient skills in mechanical operation. ### 

Writer: Cedie C. Bataga, DA-SAAD Western Visayas Information Officer