THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR was chosen as one of the top 5 quality corn achiever for producing high quality corn among the corn-producing provinces in the country. The other provinces in the top five are Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Occidental Mindoro and Agusan del Norte.
The provincial government has been in full support and implementation of improved corn production. The Hybrid Corn Assistance Program was established in the year 2012. Under this program, the corn farmers are extended free corn seeds, fertilizers, farm machineries and equipment support and technical trainings. For this reason, that the province achieved its goal to improve the agricultural sector producing high quality yields and increased production in the period of three years.
At present, there are 14,000 hectares planted with hybrid corn. 2,000 hectares are planted with white corn and 12, 000 hectares planted with yellow corn. These can produce 5 tons per hectare every cropping.
In the study conducted by the Department of Agriculture, it found out that the hybrid corn seed produces “premium grade” quality of corn and in the span of three years the production of corn in the province was increased to 16.9 percent.
Governor Ryan Singson, believes that through the concerted efforts of the provincial government, the national agencies and the agriculture sector, this award has become realized.
“We never thought of achieving an award when we started to implement the programs. What we were really ought to during those times is to help the corn farmers and improved the quality of their product” Gov. Singson said.
The provincial government will receive three million pesos cash prize aside from the plaque it will receive as quality corn achiever from the Department of Agriculture. Gov Singson said that the cash prize will be given back to the farmers through assistance programs.
Meanwhile, provincial agriculturist, Mr. Constante Botacion was also chosen as one of the most outstanding provincial agriculturist and Mr. Oscar Tobia as one of the most outstanding provincial corn coordinator. The award will be given on October 22 at Clark Pampanga. # Adapted News – PIO-Ilocos Sur (Maryvick Addu)
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