LUNA, Apayao – Forty heads of buffalo were awarded to Santa Marcela and Flora farmers on November 9, 2023 as a means to boost dairy production in the province.
Buffaloes offer a lot of opportunities for income as they can be a good supply of dairy products and carabeef. Buffalo milk and meat command high market price and demand due to its nutritional value and good quality.
The Provincial Veterinary Office led the awarding of dairy buffaloes to the beneficiaries at their office and at the Agri-Vet Training Center at San Gregorio, Luna.
The event was spearheaded by Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr. Ralph M. Verzon, Provincial Administrator Atty. Edmar D. Pascua, and Provincial Budget and Management Officer Jovenal D. Leguiab.
Part of the requirement as beneficiary prior to the grant is the training of farmers for dairy production through the Farmers Livestock School which teaches Sustainable Farming and Dairy Production and which area to care for the animals.
The farmers, before getting the buffalo, must have complete housing/shed, pasture area and forages for the animals. Before the awarding ceremony, the farmers were reminded of record-keeping as well as cattle disease and control prevention.
Twenty farmers from Flora and Santa Marcela were given 2 heads each while other farmer beneficiaries wanting to venture on dairy production in other municipalities in the province shall be awarded this year. By PIO Apayao
