THE National Dairy Authority (NDA) said it aims to boost the Philippines’ dairy production for the next five years.

The NDA reported that local production of milk went up by 15 percent last year to 30.28 million kilograms (kgs) from the 26.30 million kgs recorded in 2021.

Local milk production came from the dairy animal herd inventory of 71,819 heads as of the end of last year, which is higher by 3.2 percent compared to 69,616 heads in 2021.

During a press conference in observance of World Milk Day on Thursday, NDA Administrator Gabriel Lagamayo said they have developed a plan to achieve a 500-percent increase in dairy production, which would amount to 80 million liters per year.

The agency also said the current daily average milk production per cow is only eight to 10 liters, but Lagamayo said this can be increased to 15 to 16 liters through better feed quality.

“If cooperatives can lead in the production of good quality feeds and distribute it efficiently, their costs will significantly decrease and increase their profits,” he said.

Lagamayo also said that the NDA plans to increase the milking herd to 15,000 heads and produce 15 liters of milk per cow a day.

To further boost the dairy industry, he said the NDA plans to develop stock farms in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija; Guinobatan, Albay; Bohol; Malaybalay, Bukidnon; and Davao City. A budget of P498 million was allocated to this project.