July 13, 2007

Philippines hoping to reach corn supply target this year

The Philippine Department of Agriculture is optimistic that the country will reach its corn production target of 6.92 million tonnes this year as it gets on its off-season planting to boost the grain's yield.

The department is expecting to reap 180,000 tonnes from its off-season corn planting thus year which started in February to April this year, according to Dennis Araullo, director of the department's Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) programme.

The programme was given a P94 billion (US$2.05 billion) budget to use purchase of fertiliser and corn seeds to be used for the 30,000 corn farmlands nationwide.

Farmers are expected to harvest the expected output from June to August.

The confidence in corn yield increase is boosted by the establishment of grain centres through the help of food conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap said the DA will provide production support and drying facilities while SMC will build storage plants. He is also expecting to a sign a memorandum of understanding with SMC next week.

Earlier, SMC has expressed interest in financing some of the grains center that the DA would put up which would cost P500 million (US$10.91 million) including silos, dryers and shellers. The DA is eyeing Bukidnon, Cagayan province, Isabela, Occidental Mindoro, Quirino, Sarangani, Pangasinan, Pampanga, North Cotabato and Maguindanao as the key areas for the centres, said Araullo.

The grain facilities are expected to reduce postharvest losses and ensure the efficient transport of the produce from production areas to consumers.