SAN SIMON, Pampanga – A project on swine production using better health and disease control was recently showcased in a Farmers’ Field Day in Brgy. San Pablo Propio and Brgy. Concepcion in San Simon, Pampanga.
The project titled, “Improving the production and competitiveness of Australian and Philippines pig production through better health and disease control (AH/2012/066),” is supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
The said event aimed 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.
The event also aimed to educate 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.
There were 28 attendees consisting of agricultural extension workers (AEWs), local government unit (LGU) officials and staff, local farmers, and barangay pig coordinators.
Dr. Gomathy Palaniappan of the University of Queensland, together with the Philippine project team led by Dr. Eduardo L. Lapuz Jr. of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. III (DA-RFO III), assisted the participants during the event.
The activity was held at Imelda Anicete’s farm and at Elsa Salvador’s farm, in the morning and afternoon, respectively. These progressive farms use the different interventions promoted by the project.
‘The project aims to help small pig farmers of San Simon to reduce their losses and increase productivity,’ Dr. Lapuz explained.
Project team members demonstrated the use of the different technologies under the project and answered the queries of the participants.
Owners of the demo farms and some of the participants, on the other hand, shared their experiences in the use of the technologies and their benefits.