The Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation Inc. hopes to improve the livestock industry in Oriental Negros, through a local livestock breeder loan and upgrading program.

This joint undertaking was created by the two provincial governments of Negros Island to spearhead an organic farming movement. The program responds to the need of farmers for an improved livestock breed, specifically cattle.

It has been noted that majority of the farmers here, particularly those in the hinterland barangays, cannot afford to secure better breeds of livestock due to insufficient capital and unavailability of purebreds in the vicinity.

The program will provide breeders, which are either pure or upgraded such as female breeders of 85 to 95 percent Brahman and bulls which are purebred Brahmans.

The provincial government through NISARDFI secured breeders from reputable ranches in Mindanao at reasonable cost.

By March this year, NISARD shall have procured a total of 159 cattle breeders, of which, 139 are graded Brahman heifers and 20 purebred Brahman bulls.

Three breeder stallions (male breeder horse) from the best suppliers in Mindanao were also acquired.

Of the 159 cattle breeders, some 12 heifers and one bull is currently being raised at Janay-janay Breeding Station in Brgy. Janay-janay, San Jose, for breeding purposes with the intention of producing purebred cattle for re-dispersal in the coming years.

The rest were distributed to Barangay Agricultural Development Center areas in the province, whose farmer-members qualify for the program.

Some 139 heads of 85 to 90 percent graded Brahman offsprings are being eyed to be produced by the end of 2009.

The breeders were loaned to qualified farmers on a modified dispersal scheme, which ensures that the farmers can pay back and re-dispersal is assured.*RG

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