Food and Fertilizer Technology Center - About

The project on modern corn cultivation techniques and introduction of hybrid corn varieties was initiated in 2006 in order to raise the average yield per hectare, ensure sustainable production in prime corn lands, and address poverty by increasing the income of marginal corn farmers in Caraga region, Mindanao, Philippines. Based on the success of previous years’ implementation in Caraga region, and recognizing the enormous potential of other Philippine locations in terms of developing a comprehensive corn production program toward improving the livelihood opportunities for small-scale corn farmers, the project will now be implemented in Saranggani province.

Objectives

The overall goal of this agricultural technical assistance program is to assess the actual performance of two Taiwan yellow corn hybrids previously identified in screen tests in Caraga and Saranggani as having the best potential for commercial scale production in Mindanao, Philippines. Specifically, the project aims to:

1. Develop a 15-hectare area for the field testing of two Taiwan yellow corn hybrid varieties in Saranggani Province; and
2. Promote local capacity-building among technicians and corn farmers through the conduct of training courses on modern corn cultivation techniques and on hybrid seed production of yellow hybrid corn.