Raising broiler chickens in rural communities of Samar is a steady way for farmers to make money. Since households often eat chicken as a staple protein source, there’s always a need for it, giving poultry raisers a dependable market in the area. 

Recognizing the steady demand for chicken meat and its favorable returns on investment, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 1 in Eastern Visayas granted Php 200,000 worth of chicken plucker machines to four farmers’ associations (FAs) with 134 members in Samar.  

The plucker machines valued at Php 50,000 per unit automate feather removal processes, facilitating the clean and neat preparation of chicken meat and significantly reducing the time and labor. These units are part of the FY 2022 Broiler Chicken Production Project worth Php 1,806,060 given to the Nagkaurusa nga Kababayen-an san Danao I (NAKADA) in Calbayog City, Candumacol Farmers’ Association in Motiong, Balud Farmers Producers’ Association in Sta. Margarita, and Jia-an Rice Farmers’ Association in Jiabong. 

Table 1. SAAD Interventions of Samar FAs

During the turnover of the plucking machine, the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) along with SAAD regional and provincial staff performed inspection as well as onsite training for proper handling of the equipment.

According to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, many producers have realized the higher potential of native chickens, especially the dressed chickens or its processed products as opposed to live stocks sold in the market.

With the provision of the new machine, FA member Henelyn Oben, attested that they have eased their workload associated with manual feather plucking, allowing for increased productivity. Automated plucking reduces the amount of time and labor needed to properly clean chickens before they are ready for consumption or processing.

“Dako an mabubulig hini nga plucker machine ha amon pag-atiman han mga broiler chicken. Mapaspas na ngan masayon an trabaho pagkuha han mga barahibo han mga manok. Sakto la yana nga pasko ngan new year kay ma-harvest na hin broiler chicken. Magagamitan na an mga plucker machine.”

(The plucker machine helped us in preparing the broiler chickens. Removing plumes from the chickens is faster and easier. We used it during Christmas and New Year because broiler chickens were harvested for holiday, and we are selling dressed chickens.)

Candumacol Farmers’ Association Chairwoman Analyn Mabanan, for her part, also recognized the importance of the plucker machine for broiler chicken production, especially since they are preparing to engage in a chicken processing enterprise.

In 2023, Candumacol farmers sold 190 heads of broiler chicken reared on their farm and generated a total sale of Php 30,600. Aside from trading live stocks, she said that they are currently venturing into trading of dressed chicken. 

The provision of plucking machines presents a range of benefits for poultry farmers in Samar. From increased efficiency and productivity to improved product quality and cost savings, these machines can enhance the profitability and sustainability of the FAs’ potential community-based enterprises. ###

Source: Jeric M. Afable, APO II

Writer: Lester Mark A. Lora, DA-SAAD 9 Information Officer