Improved Adlay varieties showcased during Adlay Farmers’ Field Day in NorMin

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10, through its Research Division and in collaboration with the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), showcased eight improved Adlay varieties during the Adlay Farmers’ Field Day on August 14 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan.

With the theme “Bridging Adlay Improved Mutant Lines and Farmers’ Cultivation Practices for Enhanced Seed Production,” the event highlighted a collaborative project led by DA-NMACLRC and DA-PhilRice. These Adlay lines exhibit improved traits like higher yield potential and shorter plant height, which promote easier harvesting and reduce post-harvest losses.

Farmers had the opportunity to observe standing Adlay crops and assess these improved lines firsthand. Alongside technical demonstrations, local farmers shared indigenous knowledge and traditional practices in soil management, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting. Said exchange underscored the program’s commitment of combining scientific innovations with on-the-ground realities in Adlay cultivation.

The event gathered small- and large-scale farmers, as well as agricultural technicians from Malaybalay City and Impasugong, Bukidnon, including project beneficiaries and partner stakeholders from Sitio Kibuwa. Their participation added grassroots perspectives to the discussion and supported inclusive collaboration in advancing Adlay development in the region.

This event aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a food-secure Philippines and a profitable agriculture industry, with focus on strengthening research and extension to unlock the Adlay sector’s full potential.# (MAC)