Strong government support and favorable weather condition have paved the way for the rise of the corn industry in Caraga Region during last year’s cropping season.

Based on 2018 corn performance data, Caraga Region posted a positive increase in comparison to previous 2017 data in terms of area harvested, production and yield.

As per Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) record, in 2017 the area harvested for the corn in the region was 34,034 hectares with a total production of 119,980 metric tons (MT) and an average yield of 3.53 MT per hectare.

Last years’ performance exceeded the 2017 record, with 36,699 hectares area harvested and produced 135,627 MT with an average yield of 3.70 MT per hectare.

In comparison, the area harvested from 2017 to 2018 posted an increase of 8% while production posted an increase of 13% and a yield increase of 5%.

Melody Guimary, DA-Caraga regional corn program coordinator said that last year’s increase was due to favorable weather condition for corn production and the support extended by DA Caraga to the farmers.

“Our support to corn farmers had led the way for an increase of Caraga’s performance in corn industry in 2018,” she said.

DA-Caraga had distributed around 60 million pesos of agricultural equipment for farm mechanization and post-harvest facilities in 2018 such as farm tractors, corn picker, combine harvester, compact corn mill, vertical dryer, and other facilities.

Aside from mechanization support, DA also extended technical support through training, provision of corn seeds and ameliorant, and market support.

‘This year,2019, we are hopeful that the momentum will continue for better production and looking forward to more vibrant corn industry in the region,” Guimary said.

She added that for 2019, the DA-Caraga corn program is targetting to increase corn production with an additional 3,000 hectares of corn area.

“Though our projection is not that easy, we are closely working with the local government units (LGUs) in identifying new areas for corn production that would eventually contribute to the increase of our production for the current year,” Guimary explained.

With an open mind of the farmers to embrace right farming technology and favorable weather condition, Guimary is optimistic that 2019 would be another great year for the corn industry in the region. (Aurelius P. Arais/DA Caraga)