DANGCAGAN, Bukidnon– Aiming to scale-up Northern Mindanao’s corn production, the agriculture department of Region 10 features genetically modified hybrid corn varieties in the corn derby at the agency’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in barangay Barongcot.

Eight participating seed companies, Bayer Crop Science, Corteva-Pioneer, Syngenta, Asian Hybrid Seed Tech, Inc., Bioseed, RJR Agro-Industrial, AMTRAC, Green and Grow Tech Company engaged in the corn derby with 14 genetically modified (GM) hybrid corn varieties with an aim to determine the best and promising corn varieties and other component technologies appropriate for specific location.

It also aims to assess the productivity and profitability of the different varieties and component technologies demonstrated.

Carmelito R. Lapoot, OIC- Research Division of the Department of Agriculture RFO 10 said, the corn varieties are genetically engineered to adopt different agro climate condition across locations and have high tolerance/resistance to insect pests and diseases.

Richan D. Lacanaria, Corn Program Focal Person of DA-10 shared, the farmers will learn on the advantages of adopting the technologies presented by each seed company, and can choose their preferred varieties suitable in their respective areas.

“Importantly, the derby will also generate significant results of its yield, return of investment and its tolerance to the pests and diseases in the area, especially the invasive fall armyworm, which has already affected some areas in the region,” he added.

The first site of the regional corn derby was conducted at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, using varieties that thrive in mid-elevated areas, 800 meters above sea level.

The third site of the derby was conducted at DA-10’s Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) demo farm in Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.# (EMB)