PASIL, Kalinga – Farmer-associations assisted by the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) are now inspired and encouraged to become agripreneurs.
Among them is the Pugong Wagas Farmers Organization in Balinciagao here whose members now see swine raising as a profitable venture and not just for pass time.
SAAD initially provided swine to 10 members of the organization. Through bayanihan, they helped each other in constructing pig pens and renovating old ones for the pigs to be secured.
From the initial 10, there would be 20 next-in-line beneficiaries through the pass-on scheme. Among the 20 selected next-in-line beneficiaries to receive two each pass-on offspring piglets are 10 senior citizens who are also being assisted in the construction of bio-secured pen for their stocks. SAAD reported there are five out of the 10 beneficiaries who have already rolled over six piglets to next-in-line beneficiaries together with a bag of starter feeds from the SAAD program. Technical assistance from SAAD staff members and the local government unit is also provided to the group to help the swine raisers enhance their production.
SAAD’s partnership with the Provincial Office for Veterinary Services-Kalinga has also benefited duck raisers in SAAD areas.
The office recently conducted training on duck production and disease prevention for the 72 members of the Masakbayan Balantoy Farmers Association of Balantoy, Balbalan.
The undertaking is to enhance their production and management, and capacitate farmers in preventing animal diseases especially with the increasing number of stocks in the barangay. – Peter A. Balocnit
April 26, 2024
