DA-NorMin extends a training on adlai production and marketing as well as agri-inputs to expand the production areas of adlai in Lanao Norte province.  

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Set on diversifying the alternative staple crops to be planted in the province, about 24 participants, comprising of officials from the two congressional districts of Lanao del Norte (LDN), including technical staff from its research teams and agriculture’s office underwent a Training on Adlai Production and Marketing.

On February 3, 2022, at the Provincial Farmers’ Learning Center, Pigcaran, Tubod of the said province, the capabuild tackled the crop, its uses, nutritional value and health benefits, cultural management practices, including postharvest handling, economic analysis, and market opportunities.

This, after 1st district congressman of LDN, Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, requested the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, to be introduced to Adlai, as they eye to utilize and commercialize the crop thru value-adding products in the province.

Also known as Job’s tears, it is a tropical plant producing tear-shaped grains which usually takes about five to six months depending on elevation.

It is cooked similar to that of rice and corn, and is popular among health enthusiasts, as it contains a low glycemic index, while it can also be used as an ingredient for bread, porridge, delicacies, and wine, at the same time, fodder for livestock.

“It is an opportune time [conduct of training] in order to strengthen the adoption of farmers to the commodity [adlai] in the province. This will also give a boost in our campaign to introduce adlai as a healthy staple substitute, expanding Region 10’s production areas in Lanao del Norte,” DA-10 Adlai focal person, Lorena V. Duna remarked.

As means to rollout adlai production, DA-10 has further provided 20 kilograms of Kibuwa variety of Adlai seeds and 20 bags of fertilizers, intended for the two-hectare trial demonstration farm for the province.

Also serving as Duna’s co-resource speaker is Nilo Panugaling, research assistant, with the training attendees, including officials:1st district Congressman Dimaporo, 2nd district Congressman Abdullah D. Dimaporo, and former 2nd district Congresswoman Fatima Aliah Q. Dimaporo; PAO headed by Letecia G. Ditucalan; and other staff.# (JLO/Photos supplied)