April 7, 2008

Philippine government to adopt corn-based farming

The Philippine government agencies have been ordered to adopt a nationwide corn-based farmer-scientists research, development and extension (RDE) training program (FSTP).

Philippine president Gloria Arroyo issued the statement on Saturday in the face of an ongoing rice crisis in the country.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the recent order would focus on agriculture as the engine of growth.

Ermita explained that the plan is mandated under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) of 2004-2010, which aims to develop at least two million hectares of new agribusiness lands.

FSTP is an extension programme that integrates agricultural research and development to enable the poor farmers, particularly those in upland areas, to grow multiple crops and engage in livestock and corn farming to increase their income.