To realize the Marcos administration’s 5 percent milk sufficiency target by 2028, the National Dairy Authority (NDA) has set top agendas in increasing dairy herd and yield.

In a recent talk with the media, NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius Andaya said these priority programs include the importation of dairy cattle to be placed in multiplier farms, artificial insemination, better nutrition for dairy cattle for increased milk volume, decrease mortality by capacitating farmers, and create a local demand in partnership with commercial sectors for absorption.

“Kapag iyan nagawa namin sa mga darating na panahon (If we are able to execute it in the near future), I am very optimistic na sa mga darating na panahon na iyang (that in the coming years that) 5 percent milk sufficiency for 2028 very achievable,” he said.

As of June, the country’s current milk sufficiency level is at 1.54 percent.

In terms of importation, Andaya said at least 600 heads are expected to arrive from Australia in 2025.

“Nag-umpisa na iyong procurement namin. Kung magsidating iyan, we are targeting na by July of 2025, magsisidating na iyan and then in the same year naglalabas na ng mga gatas (We already started our procurement. Once these arrive, we are targeting that by July 2025, these will arrive and then produce milk within the same year),” he said.

He, however, emphasized the need for a higher budget or at least PHP1 billion, considering that the ideal number of annual imported dairy cattle is 1,000.

To date, the NDA has 79,000 cows and heifers, with around 16,000 heads currently in the milking line.

The NDA, meanwhile, said its target stock multiplier farms are expected to be completed in December.

These are in General Tinio town, Nueva Ecija province; Ubay town, Bohol; Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; Carmen town, Cotabato; and Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur.

“Iyong five stock farms na iyan kung saan namin ilalagay ang mga imported na baka, matatapos iyan ngayong taon. Mago-operationalize iyan (We will put the imported cattle in five stock farms which will be completed this year. And it will be operational) by 2025, next year,” Andaya said.

Besides this, the NDA is also studying to have another stock farm in Roxas town, Palawan province, which could be the first in Southern Luzon. (PNA)