Economic Situation of Hog Grower Industry in Nueva Ecija: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

This study intended to investigate the problem and prospect of the hog raising industry in selected areas in the province of Nueva Ecija. Research questions were formulated and analyzed. The respondents in this study were made up of pig farmers in various types. In the Philippines, agriculture is considered a significant "driver" for economic growth, poverty alleviation, and food security. The general approach in pursuit of development is by increasing agricultural productivity through intensive agriculture and swine production. The different hog farms in the various municipalities in Nueva Ecija were farms whose operation is a sole proprietorship, registered piggery, and at least 45 heads of hogs. The data collected from the respondents were analyzed using simple percentages from the analysis of data; the following were the findings. The farm profile the respondent mainly were classified as a commercial operation, had workers of 1-2 male workers. The farms were involved in the sow-weaning-fattening process, used the traditional type of rearing system, raised 151-200 heads of fattening, 31-40 sow level, 151-200 heads of suckling, and one boar. Most of the respondents had a capital of more than 500,000 and maintained consultancy services with farms visited twice a month. For the majority of pig or hog farmers, the high costs of inputs, particularly in feeds considered as one of the significant problems.