San Simon, Pampanga—A project on swine production using better health and disease control was recently showcased in a Farmers’ Field Day in two villages in this town.
The project, titled “Improving the production and competitiveness of Australian and Philippines pig production through better health and disease control,” is supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.
Dr. Gomathy Palaniappan of the University of Queensland in Australia spearheaded the field day.
“The event aims to help pig farmers by showcasing the benefits of different interventions under the project. These include the creep box, nipple drinker, biogas, and rainwater harvester,” said project team leader Dr. Eduardo L. Lapuz Jr. from Department of Agriculture Region 3.
“The event also educates participants on other interventions in pig raising methods and management, which were identified after a series of surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with the farmers and other concerned stakeholders following the EcoHealth approach,” he added.
Agricultural extension workers, local government unit officials and staff, farmers, and barangay pig coordinators attended the field day.
Project team members demonstrated the use of the different technologies under the project and answered the queries from pig raisers.
Owners of the demo farms and farmers shared their experiences in adopting the technology.
“The project aims to help small pig farmers of San Simon to reduce their losses and increase productivity,” Lapuz said.