The Department of Agriculture – Caraga headed by Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo (man in blue) turns over the 50 heads of Anglo-Nubian Goats to Caraga Small Ruminant Raiser Association Incorporated (CASRRAI) represented by the Association President Engr. Anecito Bonpin, Jr. (left of Monteagudo).

The Department of Agriculture – Caraga (DA) headed by Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo turns over the 50 heads of Anglo-Nubian Goats to Caraga Small Ruminant Raiser Association Incorporated (CASRRAI).

These goats amounting to P1.6 million would serve as additional breeder stock under DA’s Livestock-Based and Enterprise Development Program.

“The association will distribute 10 goats per province to its members all over Caraga,” said Livestock Program Coordinator Jekem Sanchez

The initiative is in line with DA’s objects in leveling up the agriculture sector.

Sanchez added that this program is in support of the dairy industry and for strengthening the livestock sector in attaining food security, income enhancement, profitability, and sustainability.

CASRRAI has 18 members all over the region. “The organization not only aims to increase goat production, but it also aims to increase its membership,” said Engr. Anecito Bonpin, Jr., President of the association.

Bonpin said that the association has active members who are compliant with the guidelines set by DA on raising goats and they hope that through this example, other raisers will follow their good practices.

DA makes sure that the recipients of the program are farmers with validated goat house and fully developed forages with water and electricity, and trained manpower. The recipient-association will be responsible for distributing the offspring to its members.

DA encourages the farmers and fishers to form and organize groups and associations since its interventions are usually given to them. They can be ably assisted by the respective City, Provincial, and Municipal Agriculture Offices.