The Department of Agriculture in the region reports that hog products remain sufficient and poultry products are still a challenge for the second quarter this 2020.

According to the report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), hog production in the region is sufficient for its supply for the second quarter having the total production forecast of 39,220 mt or equivalent to 236,977 number of heads.

Hog consumption in the region is at 72 mt per day or a total of 6,480 mt for the quarter. Records show that Agusan del Sur contributed the highest production in the region having a total share of 59,757 heads or 11,779 mt.

The hog production forecasts a surplus for the quarter which makes the region sufficient on the supply for up to 18 months.

Sanchez said that the Department allocated for feed support amounting to P1.4 million that will be distributed to the 149 identified recipients for a three month’s consumption and fattening.

On the other hand, PSA reports a limited supply of chicken in the second quarter having a production forecast of 4,034 mt or equivalent to 2,490,184 heads.

This, as Caraga consumes 66 mt of chicken meat products and by-products per day which equals to a total of 5,940 mt for the quarter. This creates a deficit of 1,906 mt for chicken meat products.

“Chicken production in the region remains a challenge. This time we still get chicken from Regions 10 and 11 to supply our deficit,” said Livestock Focal Person Jekem Sanchez.

Sanchez said that the Department has allocated funds amounting to P4 million to  procure 7,450 heads of chicken to be distributed to farmers’ associations and individuals to enhance their livelihood and multiply chicken production which the recipient-associations can eventually distribute to their members.

“We’re doing all that we can to augment the production in the region and help provide food for our people,” Sanchez said.

Agusan del Norte contributed much of the total chicken production in the region. It records a share of 977,986 heads or 9,770 mt in the first quarter. (Fretcher Magatao/DA13-RAFIS)