Enough supply of pork and chicken assured

Philippine meat, still stable despite COVID-19

MANILA – Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar allayed fears from consumers about the possible lack of chicken and pork in the market.

In a statement released today, the Department of Agriculture said there is enough meat to feed the country.

“Contrary to recent projections painting a deficit scenario of the country’s meat sector, we are pleased to report that on the contrary we have a favorable outlook despite difficulties encountered last year, especially for pork, due to the African Swine Fever outbreak,” Secretary Dar said.

He explained the projections for June 2020 remain good as the stocks would last for 62 days for chicken and 10 days for pork according to the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority and consultations with industry stakeholders themselves.

“Chicken supply is seen to surpass the annual requirement of 1.3 million metric tons (MMT) by 24 percent (%) equivalent to more than 400,000 MT, assuring us by January 2021 an inventory good for 157 days,” he added.

Pork producers in the Visayas and Mindanao have an oversupply as cold storage facilities are filled with pork thereby reducing the possibility of importing any additional meat this year.

Secretary Dar said the country’s pork supply remains a challenge as the Asian Outlook 2020 and the Department of Agriculture’s National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) forecast a deficit of around 121,000 MT by year-end due to a 21% contraction.

“We acknowledge the projected deficit in pork that is why we are rolling out interventions to increase swine production this year. We are requesting funds under the Plant, Plant, Plant Program to increase hog production and support our swine raises,” Secretary Dar explained.

The Department of Agriculture remains sincere in the pursuit of two projects to boost livestock and poultry production through integrated livestock and corn resiliency project and the expanded small ruminants and poultry project under its Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra COVID-19 project.

Hog raising will also be intensified in ASF-free areas with its zoning plan and implement an urban agriculture project including native chicken production. (Melo M. Acuña)

Agriculture Secretary William Dollente Dar. (DA File Photo)