July 29, 2008

Philippines may not be self-sufficient in corn by 2010

The Philippines may no longer be able to meet its goal of attaining self-sufficiency in corn production by 2010 due to lower yields, despite government efforts to boost productivity, a hog industry executive said Monday (July 28).

According to the executive, the country's national average yield for corn remains low at 3 tonnes per hectare against a world average yield of 7 tonnes per hectare.

"Officials are saying the goal can't be accomplished," said the executive.

Assistant Secretary Dennis Araullo, the department's programme director for corn, earlier said the annual production growth target for corn should range between 8-10 percent for the country to achieve self-sufficiency by 2010.

The goal hinges on the provision of post-harvest facilities, which are expected to encourage farmers to plant more. In the past, a lack of post harvest facilities such as mechanical dryers deterred Philippine farmers from planting corn, as high moisture content causes the grain to develop the cancer-causing aflatoxin.

Corn production this year is targeted to reach 7.3 million tonnes compared with output of 6.7 million tonnes in 2007.