Agri-10 research centers host onion derby to showcase the performance of onion seeds and production technologies across different locations.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Forming part of its bid to ensure the region’s self-sufficiency in agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) staged this year’s Allium Derby on September 10 and 12, in the agency’s various research centers in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

In its second year, five participating seed companies simultaneously planted their varieties for red and white onion in demonstration areas measuring 1,000-sqm within the agency’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) and Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Bukidnon, and the Research Center for Hillyland Development in Misamis Oriental.

Said seed companies were the Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp., Ramgo International, Corp., Allied Botanical, Corp., Harbest Agribusiness, Corp., and East-West Seed Philippines.

According to HVCDP focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, the derby serves as an opportunity for the seed companies to showcase their production technologies and seeds’ performance, relative to the environmental conditions unique to each of the aforementioned derby sites.

Further, Pagalan said that the derby remains faithful in serving the interests of local farmers, as it provides the avenue for farmers to learn about these new agricultural technologies, particularly its implications on key considerations such as crop yield and resistance.

The derby is slated to run for approximately three months, when the onions have matured and ready for harvest, by late November to mid-December.

The second allium derby was spearheaded by the HVCDP, supported by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot, RCUD chief Catalino S. Soriano Jr. and RCHD chief Samuel C. Natindim Jr., and the Regional Crop Protection Center through Senior Science Research Specialist Tito P. Mañigos Jr.# (GDA)