NDA provides equipment, livestocks to improve Lanao Del Sur's dairy industry
By Jel Santos

Seeking to introduce dairy farming as a sustainable income source to farmers, the National Dairy Authority (NDA) Southern Mindanao has provided equipment and live stocks for farmers of Kapai, Lanao Del Sur.
The NDA has distributed liquid nitrogen tanks containing cattle semen for breeding to the local government, and 10 dairy cattle to local farmers from the Hanes Integrated Farm and Agri-Marketing Cooperative (HIFAMCO).
This project is a crucial component of NDA's livestock program, which focuses on improving animals using artificial insemination.
“While Lanao Del Sur is agriculturally rich, livestock farming has been marginal. With this support, our aim is to introduce dairy farming as a sustainable income source and kindle interest in eco-friendly practices like vermicast production,’’ Dr. Rayan Ysulat, assistant manager of the NDA Southern Mindanao, said in a statement.
According to NDA Administrator Dr. Gabriel L. Lagamayo, the good characteristics of dairy farming in Lanao Del Sur, such as extensive space, rich freshwater supplies, and a cool environment, make it an ideal place for dairy production.
“We aspire that HIFAMCO Dairy Farms, situated just 15 kilometers from the heart of Marawi City, will kickstart dairy production in the community, providing additional income and job opportunities. We see this as a fresh beginning for the residents,” he added.
For his part, Dr. Al-Hussein Domaot, provincial veterinarian of Lanao Del Sur, said the NDA's assistance will improve the quality and production of dairy cattle, resulting in a more profitable agriculture not just in Lanao Del Sur but also throughout the Bangsamoro Region.
HIFAMCO president, Saad-dudin Aliasger, President of HIFAMCO, thanked the NDA for its help, saying such is a “tremendous opportunity for Kapai to meet the agricultural needs of Lanao Del Sur, Marawi City, Iligan City, and surrounding areas.”
Strengthening the dairy industry in Lanao Del Sur will not only benefit the local economy but will also help Mindanao's overall development, he went on.