March 29, 2024

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera initiated a corn derby field day at Barangay Busilac, this municipality.
Engr. Ronan Soriano of DA-Cordillera said that the activity aimed to showcase the use of National Seed Industry Council-registered hybrid corn varieties, which have superior qualities to help corn farmers achieve “Masaganang ani, mataas na kita.”
Among the challenges in corn production is the occurrence of pests and diseases and damage wrought by typhoons and drought due to changing climatic conditions where farmers incur huge losses.
“The Regional Corn Derby Project aims to stimulate a public-private partnership among stakeholders and to search for the most productive and profitable corn variety in Alfonso Lista’s soil and climatic condition among hybrid seed companies,” Soriano said.
Six top performing hybrid companies participated in the event namely the Asian Hybrid Seed Technologies Inc., Bio-seed Research Philippines Inc., Cornworld Breeding Systems Corporation, Corteva Agriscience Inc., Bayer Crop Service Inc., and Syngenta Philippines, Inc.
The participating hybrid companies planted their seed varieties as entries of the derby. Personnel of DA-Cordillera computed the yield per hectare of each hybrid variety for the “Masaganang Ani Award.”
The three-day activity culminated with the awarding of winners. Syngenta Philippines, Inc. emerged as the champion with an estimated yield of 9,006 kilogram per hectare besting other corn varieties. It was also the “Farmers’ Choice.”
Corteva Agriscience Inc. was the first runner-up with 8,892 kilogram per hectare estimated yield.
Bioseed Research Philippines Inc. and Syngenta Philippines, Inc. were the third and fourth runners up, respectively.
Mayor Edralin Alipio said this corn derby provided the actual performance and improvement of the seed varieties for the corn famers to decide what product they will buy for a productive harvest.
“My request to our seed producers if they can lower the prices of their seeds since it is one of the appeals of our farmers,” Edralin said.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Domingo Mariano lauded those who initiated activity.
DA-Cordillera Director Cameron Odsey encouraged farmer-participants to participate in government efforts to develop the agriculture sector in the region. – Marcelo B. Lihgawon