The country’s milk production grew by 35.33 percent to 20.38 million liters in 2015, from 15.06 million liters in 2010, according to data from the National Dairy Administration (NDA).
NDA Administrator Grace J. Cenas cited the improvement in the productivity of farmers as one of the factors behind the increase in milk output.
“Farmers have increased their productivity. We have also increased our dairy animals through importation,” Cenas told the
BusinessMirror.
Data from NDA showed that Philippine milk production rose steadily in the last five years.
From 15.06 million liters in 2010—when President Aquino assumed office—local milk output went up to 16.45 million liters in 2011, 18.50 million liters in 2012, 19.53 million liters in 2013, 19.73 million liters in 2014 and 20.38 million liters in 2015.
Earlier, Cenas told the BusinessMirror that local dairy output for this year could go up further as more players have expressed interest in putting their money in dairy farms.
“More private players are willing to invest. It’s a matter of finding out the best technology for their respective environment,” she said.
Meanwhile, the chief of the attached agency of the Department of Agriculture said she has already drafted a report which will be turned over to the next administration.
“We will give them a report on the dairy industry’s accomplishments, as well as the challenges and issues it confronts,” Cenas said.
The NDA is also preparing a dairy industry road map, which will cover the period of 2016 to 2022.
The road map will outline the strategies the government will undertake with the private sector to boost the productivity of the local dairy industry.
Cenas said the NDA will conduct a stakeholders’ meeting with the dairy industry players to discuss their targets and recommended actions.
The outgoing administrator urged the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte to pay more attention to the country’s dairy industry.
