February 22, 2008

Philippines, Taiwan in joint corn project in Mindanao

The Philippines and Taiwan are seen to work further for a cultivation project in the CARAGA Region to double production in Mindanao, according to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan.

The pilot corn-farming project has already doubled the yield in the region and an expansion is seen to benefit more than 500 farmers in the area.

In a statement, MECO Taiwan managing director Antonio Basilio said initial results showed an average yield of more than 3 tonnes per hectare to as high as 8 tonnes per hectare. Previously, the region only produces a very low regional average of 1.77 tonnes per hectare, he said.

Apart from MECO, the technology transfer project -- which is achieved through a three-year agricultural technical assistance -- is also supported by the Department of Agriculture, Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology, and Taiwan's Food and Fertilizer Technology Center.

In the pilot areas, corn production had been boosted almost 200 percent, reaping greater incomes for farmers.

He said farmers in CARAGA are expected to earn more significant returns on their investment through the use of modern cultivation techniques and hybrid corn varieties.

Sixty percent of the country's corn production comes from Mindanao, said Basilio.

This year, 50 new farmers would be participating in the programme which has also benefited other agri-workers.

A number of hybrid varieties, both white and yellow corn, are showing good promise, which will be field-tested by farmers.