Agri-NorMin conducts corn postharvest training in Buk’non

 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — Aiming to strengthen the technical capacity of corn farmers and stakeholders in postharvest operations, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) conducted a one-day Corn Postharvest Training on October 30 in Barangay Casisang, this city.

The activity sought to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills on the proper operation, maintenance, and management of corn postharvest machinery and equipment to minimize losses and improve grain quality.

Corn is the country’s second most important crop next to rice, serving as both a staple food and a key input for livestock [and poultry] feeds. Despite its economic importance, the industry continues to experience significant postharvest losses due to inadequate handling practices and limited technical familiarity. A 2021 publication, Post-Harvest Technology in the Philippines, highlights that postharvest losses for corn range from 3.7 to 25 percent, averaging 12.7 percent nationwide.

During the training, participants were briefed on the corn postharvest system, including the anatomy and physical properties of corn kernels, causes and prevention of grain quality deterioration, and the principles and systems of postharvest operations such as drying, shelling, and milling. Sessions also covered proper maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and safety measures for postharvest equipment.

Facilitated by technical experts from the agency’s Corn Program, the activity brought together representatives from provincial and municipal local government units (P/MLGUs), corn farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), as well as DA-10 technical and support staff.

Through this capacity-building effort, the department continues to assist farmers and local stakeholders in adopting appropriate postharvest technologies that increase productivity, reduce grain losses, and improve income in the corn sector. The initiative also aligns with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to advance modern agricultural practices and strengthen postharvest systems to ensure food security and sustainability nationwide.# (EJLG/Photos Supplied: DA-10 Corn Program)