The Department of Agriculture (DA) is continuously strengthening its support for corn farmers in the province of Romblon. The DA recently provided assistance to a group of corn farmers through the Corn Production Project under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program to help boost their production.
The DA reported that through this program, the Suong Corn Farmers Association, composed of 25 members in the town of Alcantara, received seeds and fertilizer as support for their corn production.
After more than four months, the farmers harvested over two tons of corn, equivalent to 1,800 kilograms.
According to Mergie Miñano, the Vice President of the association, their group used to face challenges in corn farming, but with assistance from the DA, they now have access to essential tools, seeds, and fertilizers.
“We are now earning more than before because we can quickly sell our corn. We sell it to those who offer pig feeds because it’s added to their products,” Miñano mentioned.
The group reported a 150% increase in their production cost returns with the DA’s intervention in their farming activities. While the venture is not yet massive, the earnings inspired officials and members of the association to further develop their initial project.
“We are hopeful that our production will continue to strengthen in the coming months because, aside from yellow corn, we have also started cultivating glutinous corn,” Miñano expressed.
According to Miñano, aside from the communal farm, the members of the group have been encouraged to cultivate their fields, applying the lessons they’ve learned as beneficiaries of the SAAD Program.
