In preparation for the FY 2024 delivery of the poultry project, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Caraga collaborated with the Provincial Veterinary (PVet) Office and Municipal Agriculture Office of Surigao del Norte to train 25 members of the Caridad Vegetable Association (CAVEA) on effective layer production methods. 

The training took place in Barangay Caridad, Pilar, Surigao del Norte last March 18-19, 2024.

During her discussion, Resource Person Dr. Jessica N. Rosete, Agricultural Center Chief I (ACC I) of PVet Surigao del Norte, focused her presentation on the essentials of establishing a Chicken Machine Project for high-quality egg production. Dr. Rosete emphasized the significance of proper setup and location, ensuring a well-ventilated environment, and minimizing distractions and noise to promote the health and well-being of the chickens in layer production.

She also stressed the importance of having  an adequate clean water supply and adhering to timely feeding schedules to facilitate optimal growth and maturation of the chickens.

Dr. Rosete urged the farmers to maintain accurate records of their livestock, including details such as age, population, mortality rates, and feed consumption. This proper record-keeping would assist the farmers and the FA in strategically planning their budget for farm management and maintenance.

“Egg production in Siargao is a successful agricultural venture that helped a lot of people not only in the entrepreneurial aspect of it but also in the social relationships it developed among farmers and business owners. That’s why it is important to nurture this project and focus on its management,” said Dr. Rosete, explaining the prospect opportunities that could open for the FA once the chicken layer production project succeeds.

Looking Back in 2023

It can be remembered that CAVEA joined the SAAD Program back in FY 2023 and received a vegetable production project. Presently, the FA’s project is already productive, and they were already able to sell their vegetable produce in their community and earn from it. Moving forward, CAVEA aims to sustainably produce fresh and accessible vegetables and eggs in their barangay and municipality for the economic growth of its members.

For this year, CAVEA is yet to receive the layer production stocks from SAAD Caraga but until then, SAAD will continue to assist and guide the FA with their vegetable production concerns and empower them for the proper establishment of their chicken layer project. ###

Writer: Sean D. Belen, SAAD Caraga Regional Information Officer