NDA encourages the public to venture into dairy business

CEBU, Philippines - The National Dairy Authority (NDA) is urging the public, especially entrepreneurs, to participate in the government’s “Dairy Cattle Farming for Beginners” program and become a dairy entrepreneur.

The program, which entails an initial investment cost of from P400,000 to P800,000, is all about raising dairy cattle for the production of milk and dairy cattle, where the milk will be used to supplement daily food requirements for the family and can be sold for additional income. While the female offspring of the cattle can be used to expand dairy farming operations, the male offspring can be sold for additional income, according to the NDA Visayas Field Office.

A six-cow herd dairy enterprise will need some P800,000 for initial investment while a three-cow herd will cost about P400,000. These will cover for the animals, which will be loaned in kind; cowshed, farm utensils and implements; pasture development; and water and power installation.

According to NDA’s business analysis, the business will have an 11 percent annual return-on-investment in six years time, and a monthly net income margin of six percent. Other non-financial benefits include asset build-up, a family’s savings on milk expenses and better health due to milk consumption.

Local governments that will support dairy entrepreneurship will also gain some benefits such as recognition for its dairy products, upgraded skills and knowledge of its agricultural and veterinary workforce, additional income with the jobs generated by the industry, and a cleaner and greener environment.

In general, the dairy industry will help the country develop robust rural economies and maintain its balance of payment by saving the dollar reserves meant for the importation of milk.