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Caraga may very well continue to lead the other regions in terms of soybean production in the country.
This, after more farmers were convinced to engage in soybean farming following the Information Caravan on Soybean Production and Processing conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga.
The Info Caravan covered the towns of Barobo, Tagbina, Cantilan, and the City of Bislig in Surigao del Sur. DA-Caraga has identified the four towns as potential expansion areas for soybean.
Among the topics discussed during the Caravan were the production and processing of soybean, health benefits of soybean, market opportunities, and the Department’s programs and interventions for soybean.
Barobo Municipal Agriculturist Johnny V. Ramos said he appreciated the activity since it provided a venue for the farmers to learn more about the crop and its various potentials. He also assured the participants that the Municipal Agriculture Office fully supports all undertakings for the development of the soybean industry in the region.
On the other hand, Antonio Gabule of Brgy. Osmeña, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur said he is thankful for the Info Caravan because he learned a lot from it.
“Before, we had apprehensions in planting this crop because of some experiences of other farmers here who tried out planting soybean but were not successful. But now that we have more knowledge about it, I believe there is big potential in soybean,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, Municipal Administrator Vincent Dueñas said that they still have about 700 hectares of land area that is not planted during the dry season. He said they are looking into ways to maximize land use and soybean is one of the crops that they have turned to.
Municipal HVCDP Coordinator Joelito Yparraguirre said that they received 200-kilo soybean seeds and that they already started planting.
From the years 2015 to 2019, Caraga has been the top producer of soybean. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that in 2019, Caraga had a production volume of 356.4 metric tons (mt), followed by Cagayan Valley at 120.2 mt, and Davao Region in 3rd place with 61.6 mt.
Recently, DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo announced that two local soybean varieties have been approved and registered by the National Seed Industry Council, the Select Manchuria and the Black Tudela.
“The approval of these two varieties is something Caraganons should be proud of and drive us to further strengthen the soybean industry in the region,” he said. (Vanessa P. Sanchez / DA 13 – RAFIS)
