A group of farmers in San Miguel town in Leyte has opened its own sheep multiplier farm through the assistance of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Under its livestock program, the agriculture department initially provided 15 sheep heads consisting of 12 Katahdin ewes and three white dorper rams to the farm of Mardoquio Holanda, and two other farmer-cooperators in Bahay village.

The sheep were delivered this week through its satellite sheep center in San Miguel, DA Eastern Visayas Director Angel Enriquez said in a statement on Wednesday.

“A month after the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) set in, we immediately provided forage planting materials to the recipients for them to propagate in their one-hectare farm in preparation for the delivery of the livestock where the availability of forages is of utmost importance,” she added.

The farmer-beneficiaries provided the required space, labor, and feeds and will also shoulder the cost of water and electricity.

Enriquez disclosed the partner local government unit has requested the regional office to prioritize the multiplier project considering its proximity to the Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Center in nearby Babatngon town, which specializes in the production and sustainability of sheep as a potent source of livelihood for small farmers.

Aside from the initial stocks and forage planting materials, the regional office will also extend animal health services as technical assistance and provision of animal drugs, biologics, and dietary supplements for at least a period of six months upon delivery of stocks.

“This will improve the local livestock production amid the coronavirus health crisis,” Enriquez said.

She reminded the recipients to take care of the sheep and do their best to ensure its reproduction so, in turn, they could also help fellow farmers by dispersing its offspring which is the objective of the multiplier farm project. (PNA)