Forty-one carabao farmers in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte have recently gained practical knowledge on dairy buffalo management.
The select participants, who were trained by PCC at Mindanao Livestock Production Center (PCC@MLPC) last June 5, were from Barangays Goin, Mabuhay, Goaw, New Bethlehem, Candelaria, Tapican and Kayok, which are identified as the pilot barangays for the development of carabao-based enterprises.
The training aimed to present what livelihood opportunities can local farmers benefit from using carabao-based products, the potentials of carabao farming, and train farmers on proper carabao management and production.
Specifically, the topics that were discussed during the training included: (1) update on carabao industry performance and possible enterprises; (2) different breeds of buffalo, breeding practices and reproduction; (3) care and management of buffalo herd; (4) forage and pasture development and management; and (5) feeds and feeding requirements of different age group and possible feedstuffs.
The resource speakers were Fe Emelda Academia, Science Research Specialist II and Carabao Based-Enterprise Development (CBED) regional coordinator; and Dorie Bastatas, research assistant from PCC. The sessions were facilitated by Josephine Mendoza, Community Development Officer and assisted by Francisco Gamale Jr., livestock coordinator of the Local Government Unit-Liloy.
The said training was a joint activity of the LGU of Liloy, Office of the Municipal Agriculturist and the PCC@MLPC. This was the second training conducted by the PCC for LGU-Liloy.
The participants first underwent a Social Preparation Training (SPT) conducted by PCC last February 12 for them to better understand the challenges inherent to carabao production and management and related enterprises.
The SPT is a prerequisite for any farmer who wants to be engaged in CBED to ensure preparedness to venture in carabao-based enterprises.
