Kabankalan city: The Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) will assist in the establishment of a dairy stock farm and feed center, a collaboration between the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and Central Philippines State University (CPSU) based in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. The 50-hectare facility, set to be operational by 2028, is positioned to boost the development of the dairy industry in Negros and Siquijor.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DA-NIR will provide support by helping to establish and develop the stock farm within the CPSU land reserve. Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Zaldy Boloron emphasized the collective support and commitment of the NDA, DA, and CPSU in achieving their targets and advancing the dairy industry's development in the region.

DA-NIR will also assist in identifying farmers and beneficiaries who may benefit from the program, especially in terms of milk production and livelihood opportunities. On September 8, the NDA and CPSU entered into a memorandum of agreement covering a usufructuary deed for the facility's establishment within the university's land reserve, effective for an initial period of 25 years.

The dairy stock farm and feed center can accommodate 150 dairy cows, generate an estimated 640,000 liters of milk annually, and produce approximately 75 young heifers per cycle. The facility will house cattle housing, feed storage, forage production, milking, quarantine, silage production, utilities, and waste management.

It will also be essential in the advancement of research in dairy genetic improvement, breeding performance, and modern farm management, serving as a vital hub for advanced learning opportunities for CPSU students and livestock farmers. The transfer and extension of technologies to industry stakeholders and grassroots communities will be part of the facility's function as well.