SAAD-assisted MisOcc farmers reap 1.7 tons white corn in dry cropping season

 

Members of the San Roque SAAD Farmers Association (SRFA) of Panaon town in Misamis Occidental revel over their 1.7 tons dry season white corn harvest on March 19.

The SRFA is a recipient of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development Program Northern Mindanao’s (DA-SAAD NorMin) Integrated Poultry, Corn and High Value Crops Production Livelihood Project.

With the corn seeds and fertilizer provided by DA-SAAD NorMin, the SRFA was able to establish a communal corn field co-tended by its 25 members.

Having gained such yield, members of the SRFA agreed to sell their harvest to build up capital funds for the association. As a project sustainability mechanism, 40% of the net sales will go back to the association, while 60% will be divided among the members as added household income.

In the next planting period, members of the SRFA will be planting peanuts in their corn farm. The association is adopting crop rotation farming method for improved soil condition and increased crop yield.

Apart from corn, the association is also engaged in the production of free-range chicken and chicken egg. The DA-SAAD NorMin has provided the SRFA a start-up package of 330 head chicken, along with feeds, veterinary drugs and vitamins, and chicken coop materials in the preceding year.

To date, the association has reportedly sold 1,315 pieces of fresh chicken eggs earning them over Php9k. Currently, the SRFA is aiming to increase their flock size by incubating fertile eggs from their coop.

The association is also set to start their vegetable farm this year in an attempt to diversify their farm products.

Members of the SRFA are marginal farmers making a meager living out of farming. The agricultural assistance granted by the DA-SAAD NorMin provides them an economic opportunity to augment their livelihood through collective and inclusive agricultural ventures.
“Daghang salamat sa gihatag [kanamo] nga binhi og abono. Amu gyud ni napahimuslan. Ubay-ubay gyud among abot karon nga cropping. Salamat sa ayuda nga nadawat namu. Sa ngalan sa among asosasyon, San Roque SAAD Farmers Association, thank you!” said Elmer Dahilog, SRFA president.

(We are grateful for the corn seeds and fertilizer being provided to us. Indeed, they are truly beneficial to us. For this cropping period we have sizable yield. On behalf of our association, San Roque SAAD Farmers Association, thank you!) # (ATT/Photo Credits: SRFA/CACV)