Investments lift dairy output 21% in first half—NDA

MANILA, Philippines — Sustained investments increased local dairy production by 21.2 percent to 25.38 million liters in the first six months of 2026, the National Dairy Authority (NDA) said.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the NDA said the value of dairy output at constant 2018 prices amounted to P975.73 million, representing a 21.35-percent increase.

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Among regions, Zamboanga Peninsula recorded the strongest growth with 128.66 percent, followed by Caraga with 72.03 percent and Ilocos with 58.15 percent.

In addition, farm-gate prices rose by 0.41 percent to P47.05 per liter, while the price of carabao’s milk climbed by 4.95 percent to P89.55 per liter.

Meanwhile, livestock inventory decreased by 3 percent to 8.52 million heads. On the contrary, the dairy herd grew by 6.5 percent to 165,858 heads during the period.

“Our farmers are becoming more confident in investing in their farms because they see a growing and reliable market for their milk,” NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius Andaya said in a statement on Friday.

Likewise, Andaya encouraged dairy farmers to expand their herds, invest in quality feeds, and boost production, citing NDA support and rising demand from government nutrition and feeding programs.

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“The government’s procurement of locally produced milk through the Sagip Saka Act further gives our farmers the confidence that there is a ready market for their growing output,” added Andaya.

Moreover, dairy imports climbed by 2.03 percent to 1.76 million liters in liquid milk equivalent, while the value of dairy imports increased by 6.92 percent to P46.26 billion.

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“Changes were also observed in the composition of dairy imports during the period,” NDA said.

“Imports of skim milk powder increased substantially, while imports of other dairy products declined. Liquid ready-to-drink milk imports, meanwhile, posted a modest increase,” it added.

To improve the dairy value chain, the NDA will keep working on programs for building herds, improving genetics, developing dairy businesses, enhancing animal nutrition, processing milk, developing markets, and other supportive actions.

The NDA said sustained government demand for locally produced milk will encourage farmers to invest more in farm productivity. /pai