Production of piglets for the local piggery industry in 2022 doubled that of 2021.
The 2022 progress report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment (MAFE) showed an increase in piglets born in 2022 at 320 compared to 163 in 2021. Sales of piglets to farmers show that 202 were sold in 2022 compared to 59 in 2021.
The start of COVID-19 in 2020 impacted the shipment of food products and the procurement of imported boar semen needed to keep the local piggery industry productive, resulting in the lesser production of piglets to meet local demand.
Re-opening borders and resumption of flights restored the necessary supplies, including two new boars to increase production in 2022.
Minister Steven Victor of MAFE announced the establishment of the Pig Breeders Program in 2022, expanding the program to private breeders, thereby increasing capacity and production.
The program selected five piggery farmers to be pig breeders. The five farmers are provided piglets, feed, one farrowing pen, technical training, support, and processing services.
Over 100,000 pounds of pig feeds were manufactured in 2022. The Bureau of Agriculture sold $20,610 worth of feed in 2022.
In 2022, a new piggery and chicken house broke ground at Nekken, Aimeliik. The facility has the capacity to raise 90 pigs, produce 450 piglets a year, and house 800 layer chickens, 200 broiler chickens, and 100 ducks. This is a partnership between Palau and Taiwan toward achieving food security.
There are produced and sold to livestock farmers to ensure local food security. (By: L.N. Reklai)