The National Dairy Authority (NDA) posted strong gains in dairy production in 2025 despite the absence of dairy animal importation, as local development programs paid off.

The Department of Agriculture-attached agency said Monday the value of dairy output rose by 27.7 percent to P1.667 billion from P1.305 billion in 2024, while total milk production climbed 12 percent to 43.30 million liters from 38.60 million liters.

“The substantial growth in dairy output in 2025 was achieved despite the absence of dairy animal importation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the NDA’s dairy development programs, particularly in animal nutrition, herd expansion, and farm management,” NDA Administrator Atty. Marcus Antonius T. Andaya said.

Based on the report, carabao milk led the expansion, increasing by 24 percent, reflecting continued support from the Philippine Carabao Center.

Milk output from cattle and goats also rose by 4 percent and 27 percent, respectively, driven by programs under the NDA’s oversight.

These gains were supported by a 5 percent increase in total dairy animal inventory to 161,868 head from 154,252, which lifted national milk sufficiency to 2.22 percent, moving the country closer to its 5 percent target by 2028.