THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday that it is planning to increase the yields of corn and cassava crops to a level sufficient to meet at least 81% of domestic demand.
In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said that by 2025, the DA aims to increase yields for yellow corn to 5.17 metric tons (MT) per hectare, for white corn 2.29 MT per hectare, and for cassava 11.73 MT per hectare.
The Philippines typically imports yellow corn, soybeans, and sorghum as raw materials in the manufacture of animal feed.
“Increasing the production of white corn will provide more options for available food staples, which is essential for achieving food security,” he added.
The DA allocated about P5.32 billion for the National Corn Program next year which will fund planting materials, fertilizer, training, postharvest machinery, and small-scale irrigation projects.
“The program aims to boost production of quality corn, cassava, sorghum, and soybean for food, feed, and industrial use while empowering farmers and stakeholders with science-based interventions and support services,” the DA added.
To increase corn production, the department is pursuing the Corn Production Enhancement Project.
“The project provides seed and fertilizers to eligible farmers, and as of August 2024, we have distributed over 1,700 metric tons of corn seed and nearly 2.9 million cassava seeds, along with almost 6,000 metric tons of fertilizer,” Mr. Tiu Laurel said.
The Philippine Maize Federation, Inc.’s White Corn Industry Roadmap targets increased consumption of white corn and increased domestic supply. — Adrian H. Halili
