DA to give full support to PH’s dairy sector
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) vowed to give full support to the dairy sector to boost the milk production in the country.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel made the commitment during a meeting with officials of the National Dairy Authority (NDA) led by Administrator Dr. Gabriel L. Lagamayo wherein strategies in increasing the milk production were tackled.
Lagayamo said the NDA aims to boost milk output to 80 million liters by 2028, a small portion of the projected demand of 2.143 million metric tons by that time.
He added increasing milk output 2.5 times over the next five years requires a dramatic increase in the number of animals in the milking line, enhancing dairy productivity, expanding distribution networks, constructing additional dairy-related infrastructures and promoting the consumption of local milk and dairy products.
Laurel welcomed NDA’s suggestions and expressed full support for the dairy agency’s plans.
He cited the positive impact of developments in the dairy industry, describing it as “a low-hanging fruit” in the government’s goal of boosting agriculture’s contribution to the broader economy.
“If we increase the number of cattle in the milking line, then we can increase production. Immediate effects will be felt. Developments in this sector will not only benefit our farmers but also help address malnutrition in the provinces,” Laurel said.
Lagamayo stressed the crucial role of the DA secretary’s support in advancing the industry.
Pending the release of the national data for milk production from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), NDA records show cattle production in 2023 reached 17,850 metric tons, accounting for approximately 0.8% of total milk consumption of 1.937 million metric tons.
This consumption figure represents an increase of 1,372 metric tons compared to the previous year (2022). The NDA projects a further rise in demand for milk consumption to reach 1.978 million metric tons this year.
