Lack of government support slows growth of agribusiness

CEBU, Philippines – Despite upbeat prospects in the country’s agribusiness industry, a local agribusiness entrepreneur laments the lack of government support that has hampered the sector’s growth. 

JM Poultry and Livestock Supply President Avelino de Manuel said that the Philippines lags behind Vietnam, Thailand and other Southeast Asian counterparts in maximizing the potential of agri-business.

He said 85 percent of hog raisers in the province, for instance, have not adapted to new technologies, which supposedly will help ensure that the hogs are in best condition once it is ready for selling.

Lack of proper education in hog raising and other agricultural livelihood, is also one of the factors affecting the industry’s growth.

“We are an agricultural country and majority of our GNP [gross national product] comes from this sector so we need to focus and rediscover its strength,” said de Manuel, whose company serves as the marketing arm of Universal Feedmill Corp.

He said agribusiness, particularly hog and poultry raising remains to be among the resilient businesses during these times of crisis as agriculture is in line with the national government’s food security program.

“The hog raising industry continues to be bullish even during the crisis,” he said adding that there is a growing number of hog raisers in several areas of Cebu and other neighboring provinces.

Industry figures shows that the country's backyard hog raising business account for 80 percent while 20 percent are commercial hog raisers.

Despite the lack of active government support, De Manuel urged Filipinos, especially those whose job security is now at risk, to venture into agribusiness as a livelihood alternative.

Other than providing a secondary source of income for small families, he pointed out that hog raising is a fast growing home based business in the Philippines which has the potential for high profit in a relatively short period of time.

“With a capital investment of P12,000 you can invest in one sow,” he said stressing that investment returns can be expected after eight months. Likewise, for capital outlay of P50,000, one can already put up an agrivet shop,” said De Manuel.

To signify its confidence in the country's agribusiness industry, he revealed his 25-year old company is set to expand presence in Samar and Leyte by yearend.

At present, JM Poultry and Livestock supply has 43 branches in Visayas and Mindanao, where 12 of these are located in Cebu.