Philippines explores millet to strengthen livestock feed security

PHILIPPINES – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is exploring millet as an alternative to corn in animal feed as the Philippines prepares for drought risks linked to El Niño and seeks to lower livestock production costs.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. examined millet and other feed ingredients during a recent visit to India, where the drought-tolerant crop is widely used. 

The DA is assessing whether India’s experience could provide lessons for Philippine livestock producers.

The move comes as the Philippines faces an ongoing El Niño event. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said moderate to strong El Niño is present and is expected to continue into the first half of 2027, with the possibility of reaching a very strong state before the end of 2026. 

The event is increasing the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, dry spells, and drought in parts of the country.

Millet is a group of small-seeded cereal grasses used for food and animal feed. 

It generally requires less water than corn and can grow under relatively dry conditions, making it a potential alternative when drought affects conventional feed crops.

Corn is a major feed ingredient in the Philippines, meaning disruptions to production can increase input costs for livestock farmers and feed manufacturers. 

The DA said alternative feed sources could give the industry greater flexibility and reduce exposure to weather-driven supply disruptions.

The department has been preparing for the expected effects of El Niño throughout 2026, including measures aimed at protecting agricultural production and encouraging less water-dependent crops. 

It also reconvened its El Niño task force in May to coordinate preparations for a potentially severe episode.

“When communities can grow, process, and mill their own feed, we lower costs, raise productivity, and make our food system more resilient,” Tiu Laurel said.

The millet initiative also aligns with the DA’s broader efforts to strengthen domestic livestock production. 

The government is working to expand the country’s carabao and dairy industries, increasing the need for reliable and affordable feed supplies.

However, wider use of millet would depend on its suitability for livestock diets and the economics of production and processing. 

Yield, nutritional value, availability and feed manufacturing requirements will all influence whether it can become a commercially viable alternative to corn.

The DA’s interest in millet follows other efforts to strengthen local feed supply.

Earlier this year, it launched a village-based feed initiative designed to link corn production, post-harvest processing, feed milling and total mixed ration preparation under farmer-led enterprises.

Together, the measures point to a broader push to diversify feed resources, increase local processing and strengthen livestock production against climate and supply-chain disruptions.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.