Piddig: A modern variety of sorghum, locally known as "Bukakaw," is being reintroduced to farmers in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, to boost their growing livestock industry, particularly the Wagyu cattle sector. Former Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Manny Pi±ol has announced plans to establish a 13-hectare sorghum pilot farm in Barangay Tonoton, Piddig, aimed at supporting local farmers and enhancing the cattle feed supply.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pi±ol was approached by National Irrigation Authority (NI) Administrator Eduardo Guillen, a former mayor of Piddig, to promote sorghum farming in the region. Pi±ol shared on his Facebook page that the pilot farm is set to commence next month, reintroducing the modern variety of "Bukakaw" to the local farming community. This initiative aims to assist farmers in producing silage, a preserved animal fodder made from high-moisture green crops, crucial for their cattle.

Sorghum, a grass native to Africa, is known for producing small grains rich in protein, making it an ideal crop for silage production in Piddig. With local farmers agreeing to pursue the project, it comes as a necessary measure, given that corn silage production in the area has become insufficient to meet the growing demands of Piddig's Wagyu industry.

The Wagyu cattle breed, originating from Japan, is renowned for its high-quality and flavorful meat, often commanding higher prices than other beef types due to its unique rearing methods. Piddig began upgrading its native cows through artificial insemination using Wagyu semen in 2021, marking a significant step in enhancing the local livestock industry.