May 28, 2024

 

Governor of Cebu, Philippines encourages Camotes Island farmers to shift to yellow corn cultivation

Gwendolyn Garcia, Governor of Cebu, Philippines, engaged with landowners and farmers in Camotes Island, east of Cebu, advocating for a shift to planting yellow corn due to its high demand, The Freeman reported.

 

During a consultative meeting, Governor Garcia addressed approximately 450 landowners and farmers, highlighting the lucrative opportunities in yellow corn production. This crop is in demand for manufacturing feeds, chips, and other products.

 

Governor Garcia informed the attendees that at least 20 institutional buyers have partnered with the Cebu Provincial Government. These buyers include Prifoods Corp, Universal Feed Mill Corp, San Miguel Foods Corp, Vienovo Philippines Inc, General Milling Corp, Pilmico Feeds, and the Central Visayas Pork Producers Cooperative, among others.

 

Data from the Provincial Agriculture Office reveals that these institutions have a combined annual demand for 426,400 metric tonnes of yellow corn. Currently, Cebu supplies less than 1% of this demand, forcing large industrial firms to source yellow corn from other provinces, such as Mindanao.

 

According to the Capitol's news network, Pilar and the entire Camotes Island are suitable for year-round yellow corn cultivation with minimal irrigation requirements.

 

Representatives from various companies present at the meeting committed to purchasing all the yellow corn harvested by the island's farmers, ensuring them a reliable market for their produce.

 

Officials from the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) also attended the event. Additionally, financial aid will be provided by lending institutions to those interested in yellow corn production.

 

Governor Garcia introduced Land Bank of the Philippines, offering a 2% interest rate, and the Cooperative Bank of Cebu, which offers zero-interest loans. The Capitol will endorse farmers to these institutions for faster loan processing and disbursement through the Capitol's Enhanced Countryside Development (ECD) programme.

 

The governor also promised continued support for farmers transitioning to yellow corn, including technical assistance from the Provincial and Municipal Agriculture Offices. If a substantial number of farmers participate, the Capitol may establish drying facilities in Pilar. These facilities, like the four post-harvest facilities being constructed in Medellin, will each have the capacity to dry 15 metric tonnes of corn kernels every ten hours, or 30 metric tonnes per 24-hour operation cycle.

 

The Capitol will also cover the insurance premiums for yellow corn plants through an insurance program with the PCIC.

 

-      The Freeman