Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap inaugurated a P33-million corn post-harvest processing and trading center for Zamboanga del Norte. The facility is intended to raise corn production in the province by as much as 10 percent.
The post-harvest processing and trading center is part of the Department of Agriculture’s “Crash Program” to develop new areas for corn production.
Because of the expected adverse effect of climate change this year in Luzon, the DA is focusing on increasing corn production in Mindanao.
According to Agriculture Assistant Secretary Dennis Araullo, head of the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) program, the DA is eyeing the development of some 15,000 hectares alone in peninsular Zamboanga.
Araullo said Peninsular Zamboanga covers the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Sibugay Island and Zamboanga City.
Apart from developing new areas, the DA’s program involves reducing post-harvest losses from 15 percent to five percent.
An initiative of the DA’s National Agribusiness Corp. (NABCOR) and the local government units in Zamboanga del Norte, the facility seeks to ensure a steady supply of corn even during the wet season, generate more jobs and provide other investment opportunities in corn production, Yap said.
The facility is expected to produce premium quality corn with a 14 percent moisture content, and reduce corn drying and processing costs by at least 50 percent.