MANILA, Philippines — Syngenta Philippines has completed its countrywide roadshow introducing its breakthrough solution to Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).
Participated by key members of the academe, local government units and farmers organizations, the nationwide rollout showcased innovations developed to pursue Syngenta’s advocacy for food security and sustainability.
Since the pest arrived in the country in 2019, it brought damage to yellow corn fields in areas of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Casually referred to by farmers as igges, ulod, harabas and uod, the fast lifecycle of the pest quickly became a problem for farmers and is often cited as a reason for crop losses every season, alongside climate challenges.
Dubbed NK VIP, Syngenta’s new seed trait carries an in-plant 4-Bt protein protection against Fall armyworm or FAW approved by the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. The unique combination of proteins enables it to overcome infestation of not just FAW, but also attacks of other pests such as Asian corn borer, corn semilooper, corn common cutworm and corn earworm. This reduces pesticides exposure while maintaining farmer profitability. NK VIP is readily available in varieties of NK hybrid corn seed from Syngenta.
Apart from showcasing NK VIP, Syngenta’s launch events also served as learning platforms for farmers to gain the latest insights on pest management and modern farming practices.
According to Amabel Bombase, regional corn and cassava program coordinator of Bicol, launch events like these are vital in helping farmers stay ahead of challenges like pest outbreaks. “These are very helpful to farmers because they gain new information. FAW is one of the main reasons farmers suffer great losses in income, so introducing NK VIP encourages them to invest in good seeds. In the long run, this leads to higher yields and better income. I hope there will be more events like this,” she said.
“The new NK VIP enables corn farmers to protect their fields from pest attacks while reducing reliance on chemical use. We help them ensure their yields and income through proper training on the use of NK VIP seeds,” said Dennis Miciano, Syngenta field crops marketing head. “As we move toward our 25th year this November, Syngenta Philippines continues to push towards sustainable farming practices. By working towards farmer success and sustainable farming practices, we contribute to improve their livelihood while protecting our environment,” he added.