Multiplier farms in various locations in the county are currently being established by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for free-range chicken as its demand rises in the market.

This strategy is part of the DA’s initiative to industrialize free-range chicken and make it farm-to-table viable, as well as available in public markets.

In a radio interview, DA Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs Ernesto Gonzales shared the steps that the agency is going through for the pilot sites of the industrialization initiative for free-range chicken.

“We have piloted multiplier farms in regions V and XI. These will be supplied with good breeds of free-range chickens from a nucleus farm. In return, these multiplier farms are expected to supply quality breeds to breeders and growers,” Gonzales said.

The current rise in demand is triggered by the high price of pork in the market. Consumers divert to free-range chicken as cheaper source of protein, according to Gonzales.

“It is important to have complete facilities for free-range chicken production like dressing plant and cold storage warehouse. Also, there should be cluster of farmers with good system of farming. If we will have these, free-range chicken industry will bloom,” he added.

The regional Gawad Saka awardee and Davao organic chicken producer also talked about the four pillars of a successful free-range chicken production that should be considered. These include the breed/genetic composition, basic management system, nutrition, and biosecurity.

The said interview was aired last May 22 on the Agricultural Training Institute’s (ATI) “Agri Asenso” via DZRH AM and DZRH News Television. This was also livestreamed simultaneously through the ATI and DZRH Facebook pages. (with reports from Sweet Jessabel De Guzman)