Local milk output surged to a record 25.38 million liters in the first half as price increases encouraged farmers to expand their production capacity, according to the National Dairy Authority (NDA).
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that local milk production jumped by 21.2 percent to 25.38 million liters in January to June, from 20.94 million liters in the same period last year.
Historical data showed that this was the highest level recorded in the period since the time series started in 1981.
The value of dairy output at constant 2018 prices also leaped by 21.4 percent to P975.73 million as of June, from last year’s P804.04 million.
The country’s dairy herd expanded to 165,858 heads, up by 6.5 percent from 155,662 heads in the previous year, which reflected the continued expansion of the country’s dairy production base, according to NDA.
NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius Andaya said the latest figures indicate the growing productive capacity of the local dairy sector and the availability of more opportunities for Filipino dairy farmers.
‘Our farmers are becoming more confident in investing in their farms because they see a growing and reliable market for their milk,’ he said.
‘With the support provided by the NDA and the increased demand generated by government nutrition programs, farmers are encouraged to expand their herds, invest in quality feeds, and increase milk production.’
The government is providing milk to Filipino children through the Department of Education’s (DepEd) School-Based Feeding Program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) feeding initiatives, and local government feeding programs for daycare children.
‘The government’s procurement of locally produced milk through the Sagip Saka Act further gives our farmers the confidence that there is a ready market for their growing output,’ Andaya said.
The NDA said it will continue implementing programs focused on herd build-up, genetic improvement, dairy enterprise development, animal nutrition, milk processing, market development, and other interventions to further increase productivity and strengthen the dairy value chain.
The agency attached to the Department of Agriculture noted the importance of sustained government demand for locally produced milk in encouraging farmers to invest more in farm productivity.
With the dairy industry sustaining growth across key indicators in the first half, the NDA said it remains committed to supporting a stronger and more productive Philippine dairy sector.