P5.31 billion for production of quality corn, cassava, sorghum, and soybeans

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to allocate P5.31 billion in 2025 to enhance the production of quality corn, cassava, sorghum, and soybeans for food, feed, and industrial use.

This initiative aims to empower farmers and other stakeholders with science-based interventions and support services.

Through the National Corn Program, the DA intends to use this budget for high-quality planting materials, fertilizers, training, postharvest machinery, and small-scale irrigation projects.

The goal is to achieve 81% local production and increase the yield of corn and cassava.

 “Next year, the Department is targeting the local production of at least 81% of total demand and aims to increase yields to 5.17 metric tons per hectare for yellow corn, 2.29 metric tons per hectare for white corn, and 11.73 metric tons per hectare for cassava. Increasing the production of white corn will provide more options for available food staples, which is essential for achieving food security,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. in a statement.

These plans were revealed during the recently concluded 17th Philippine National Corn Congress, organized by the DA in collaboration with the Philippine Maize Federation Inc. (PhilMaize) and other relevant agencies.

The DA noted that hundreds of corn growers and stakeholders gathered to develop concrete, comprehensive, and inclusive plans to address various challenges facing the corn industry, such as low productivity, low corn prices, limited access to modern farming technologies, and insufficient post-harvest handling and storage infrastructure.

This year’s theme, "Maunlad na Maisan, Tungo sa Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas," emphasizes the need for a unified approach and policies among stakeholders and policymakers to help the corn industry achieve its goals.

Laurel highlighted the importance of corn and cassava, stating that the DA has consistently pushed for advancements in these commodities. The Corn Production Enhancement Project, launched by the DA, aims to boost corn productivity, increase income, and enhance national corn sufficiency.

“The project provides seeds and fertilizers to eligible farmers, and as of August 2024, we have distributed over 1,700 metric tons of corn seeds and nearly 2.9 million cassava seed pieces, along with almost 6,000 metric tons of fertilizers,” Laurel disclosed.

PhilMaize President Romualdo I. Elvira Jr. expressed gratitude to supporters and stakeholders for their continuous involvement in the corn industry's development.

“Iisa lang po ang layunin ng bawat ka-mais o corn grower na maging masagana ang kanilang kabuhayan, gaya rin ng mga kasama nating feed millers, negosyante, traders, corn seed growers, at iba pang corn industry stakeholders,” Elvira said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Joey Salceda, represented by his chief of staff Joseph Yap, also showed support for the corn industry.

Salceda presented a 10-point agenda for corn farmers, including concentrated production and value chain development in major corn-producing and consuming areas, provision of adequate credit to the entire sector, facilitation of fertilizer, chemicals, and other input supplies to program provinces, and intensified information campaigns, extension work, and coordination at the provincial and regional levels, particularly regarding water supply, road work, and other related activities.

The agenda also includes the establishment of seed production and distribution centers at the provincial level, increased funding of the national corn program through flowback systems from tariffs, creation of a national marketing program linking farmers to the best value chains, increased manpower, employment, and training to improve farmers' managerial skills, and facilitation of credit facilities for farm machinery and equipment.

Additionally, Dr. Artemio Salazar, Vice Chair of PhilMaize and Chair of the White Corn Technical Committee, handed over program documents related to the Philippine White Corn Industry Roadmap 2024-2029 to the DA. This roadmap will serve as a guide for the sector's development. (CEBU NEWS)