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The PHP6-billion hog industry of Negros Occidental has remained stable amid the challenges posed by African swine fever (ASF) and COVID-19.
According to the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), Negros Occidental has maintained its status as one of the few provinces in the country considered as ASF-free.
“Such status has opened new market opportunities and allowed local hog raisers to supply live pigs to different parts of Luzon, which was affected by the disease affecting swine,” said Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena.
A PVO report showed that last year, hog shipment increased by 46.18% to 28,214 heads from just 15,185 heads in 2019.
The PVO chief said the devastating effect of ASF outbreak in Luzon resulted in huge storage of pork supply in the area and increased the price to almost double -- from PHP220 per kilogram up to PHP400 per kilogram.
Luzon traders are offering higher prices as provided under a standing memorandum of agreement for continuous trade, explained Decena.
From January to December 2020, a total of 12.65 tons of incoming assorted pork products have been seized in ports, airport, and other checkpoint areas in Negros Occidental, which has banned food items of this kind coming from Luzon and Mindanao.
Estimated market value of the confiscated items has already reached PHP5.57 million.
January 12, 2021/ Philippine News Agency/ Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/
