Agri-10 Corn Program streamlines services during “Usapang Agrikultura”

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In an episode of Usapang Agrikultura, aired on November 27 via Radyo Pilipinas 1 DXIM, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10’s (DA-10) Corn Program under the Field Operations Division continues to highlight its ongoing efforts for corn farmers in Northern Mindanao.

Building on a previous episode where Senior Agriculturist and Corn focal person Richan D. Lacanaria detailed the program’s production support services, agriculturists Jeamsel R. Tigbao and Richard G. Apare led the discussion on its extension support, education, and training services, agricultural machinery, equipment and facilities support services, and other support services.

Under extension support, Corn program report officer Apare emphasized the progress made in corn production within the region, noting that initiatives such as the establishment of corn model farms have showcased innovative farming technologies that led to improved yields.

For this year, he reported that barangays Anahawon and Base Camp in Maramag, Bukidnon yielded 7 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha) for yellow corn from their 50-hectare compact area per implementing guidelines, which exceeds the national target of 6 mt/ha.

For his part, Tigbao said that the Program extends its support beyond corn, encompassing other key commodities such as cassava, sorghum, and soybean. Concurrently serving as the coordinator for the said crops, he added that it also provides extension services for these crops, including the showcase of model farms and cluster development training for cassava, technology demonstrations for sorghum and soybean, and integrated pest management training.

He furthered that the Program enhances its campaigns through the development of information collaterals and other information-dissemination activities such as the conduct of information caravans and publication in newspapers to reach, engage, and educate more farmers.

For FY 2025, Apare bared that the DA-10 is set to distribute 93 units of agricultural machinery and equipment, including farm tractors, corn harvesters, corn shellers, hauling trucks, moisture meters, vacuum pack sealers, and soybean sorters.

He emphasized that potential farmer-beneficiaries must submit a letter of intent endorsed by their local government unit (LGU) and meet the minimum requirements, such as registration under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) or membership in clusters accredited by DOLE, SEC, or CDA.

While there is no equity required from farmers for the availment of interventions, Apare clarified that a memorandum of agreement (MOA) will be made with the LGU providing that the recipient’s counterpart is the sustained operation and maintenance of the agri machinery and/or equipment.

Likewise, he noted that all requests are validated to ensure compliance, with agri machinery and equipment allocation determined by the required minimum hectarage (eg., 200 ha for hauling tracks and tractors, 50 ha for corn shellers, and 5 ha for vacuum pack sealers).

Other services of the Program also include the conduct of derbies and support to farmers through market linkage.

Hosted by Cocoy C. Medina, Usapang Agrikultura airs Monday to Friday from 5 to 6 A.M. to provide Filipino farmers with updates and innovations in agriculture.# (BJCE)