DBM Allots Funds to Jumpstart Commercialization of Protein-Enriched Copra Meal as Feeds Alternative

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated nearly P70 million (USD1.3 million) to support the commercialization of copra meal as feed alternative amid the high cost of imported commodities used in the livestock industry, a report in the Philippine Star said on November 28.  DBM has released P69.7 million for the protein-enriched copra meal (PECM) commercialization project under the national livestock program of the Department of Agriculture (DA).  Copra meal is a byproduct of coconut oil extraction from copra.

The project aims to commercialize the use of PECM as a locally available feed ingredient that can substitute for imported soybean meal for local swine and poultry raisers.  PECM has been shown to be 30 percent cheaper than imported soybean meal. The project will jumpstart and expedite the commercialization of PECM as urgent measure to cushion the impact of soaring feed raw material prices that has contributed to the increase in pork and chicken prices, the report said.

The project is also part of DA’s catch-up and mitigation plan to sustain food production by enhancing grain production and limiting dependence on import of grains and byproducts, such as feeds, to counter the current global crisis on food security impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.  The project is seen to invigorate the coconut industry as it can generate increased domestic demand for copra meal and livelihood opportunities for coconut farmers.