By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Hog raisers in Negros Occidental have presented several alternatives to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson in order to solve several issues plaguing the local hog industry.

Provincial veterinarian Dr. Renante Decena said one of the problems being faced by local hog producers is the rising cost of feeds.

Because of this issue, some of the hog raisers have resorted to selling some of their hogs even though they have not yet reached the desired weight.

Decena said the hog raisers in the province have also assured that there are still enough hogs which can be produced and the province’s consumers will not be hit hard by the rising pork prices.

The other solution being eyed is restocking. Lacson will give P5 million in financial aid to local hog raisers and they are currently processing the documents for it.

The Provincial Veterinary Office is considering another proposal to buy additional breeders, wherein hog raisers pointed out it would expedite the pregnancy of the female pigs and increase the number of piglets available.

Earlier, local hog raisers urged Lacson to make sure the province’s pork supply remained stable. They also suggested limiting the number of hogs being exported to Luzon.

There is currently a huge demand for hogs in Luzon due to low production that is being blamed to the African swine fever outbreak there.

Negros Occidental, the Philippines’ top backyard swine producer, has a P6-billion hog industry./DGB, WDJ