Saturday, December 21, 2024

Tag: Research Center for Upland Development

DA-NorMin breaks ground for establishment of corn, rice processing centers in Bukidnon

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DALWANGAN, Malaybalay City – In its aim to support the post-production systems of two of the region’s top agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of rice and corn processing centers in the province of Bukidnon

On May 24, DA Undersecretary for High-Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca led the groundbreaking of the two processing centers.

Funded under the agency’s Rice Program, a 900 sq.m. rice processing center, worth over P49 million will soon serve farmers in Barangay Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Said infrastructure will also include one mechanical dryer set, with a capacity of 10 to 12 tons per set, as well as one direct-fired biomass furnace with a maximum heat power of 500.

Through said facility, DA aims to strategically improve the efficiency of the rice post-production system, and reduce post-harvest losses, thereby ensuring the improved quality of milled rice from the said community.

Meanwhile, a 1,920 sq.m. corn processing center will also soon rise in DA’s Research Center for Upland Development in Barangay Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

Funded through DA’s Corn Program, the corn processing center worth over P98-million, also includes a pre-cleaner and aspirator; 2 mechanical dryer sets, each able to cater 27-30 tons per set; and 2 corn silos with a capacity of around 1,500 to 2,000 tons per set.

Strategically located in the southern part of Bukidnon, the corn facility aims to bolster the needs of local farmers, and foster a more sustainable and efficient production of nearby corn-producing municipalities including Maramag, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Pangantucan, Kibawe, Damulog, and Quezon.

Said interventions are aligned with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s three-year, eight-point plan for a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’, which entails the modernization and mechanization of agri-fishery productions, as well as the development and improvement of post-harvest systems and infrastructures throughout the country.

Signifying their support for the project, the groundbreaking ceremony was also participated by Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas; and DA-10 Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM with Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban and Corn Program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria. (GDA)

Agri-10, exporter ink MOU for buckwheat production demo

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – In a bid to open more science-based production technologies to augment farmers’ productivity and profitability, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Carmen Rise Exporters, Inc. (CSEI), an exporter of agricultural products to Japan, for the conduct of technology demonstrations for buckwheat (Soba) production in its research centers

Held on December 21 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado sign the MOU with Mr. Tetsuji Yukawa, CSEI manager, witnessed by Aleli Maghirang, agriculture attaché in South Korea and Japan, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, and the DA-Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance team headed by its chief, Angelita dela Cueva-Martir.

Said undertaking will help determine the adaptability and potential of growing buckwheat in the region by initially showcasing it through DA’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Dangcagan and at NMACLRC, both in Bukidnon province.

“With CSEI interested to invest in Soba, DA through our Research Division looks forward to establish, collect data, document and monitor the on-site trials, as we will jointly explore the said crop in the region.” Dir. Collado said.

With the techno demos eyed in the agri department’s grounds, CSEI will provide buckwheat seed or planting materials and other agricultural inputs as well as technical assistance, who will work hand-in-hand with the agri research personnel.

“The showcase will run for two [wet and dry] seasons, and in this span, we will be presenting the outputs to our stakeholders for farmers’ information and utilization, and importantly, as CSEI intends to buy the produced seeds from farmer-adopters.” the agri exec chief added.

Also in attendance are the Korean delegates, members of the DA-10 and Regional Management committees, for the simultaneous turnover of the project entitled “Establishment of Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building in the Philippines” from the Korean government to the Philippines through DA, which is housed in the latter’s research complex here. (JLO)

Agri NorMin, PhilRice prompt Malusog Rice production in Bukidnon

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin), through its Research Division, and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) recently held a Farmers’ Forum for Malusog Rice Production at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in this city

In a press release, the DA-10 stated that prospective farmer-cooperators were acquainted with Malusog Rice in terms of production and marketing potentials, taking into account Bukidnon’s climate and market opportunities as a new rice variety for the Filipino palate.

Dr. Gerardo Estoy, Jr., DA-PhilRice Agusan branch director, emphasized the potential of Malusog Rice farming, whose production is nearly equal to that of ordinary rice kinds.

Malusog Rice, formerly known as Golden Rice, is a beta-carotene-enriched rice variety created by PhilRice primarily to alleviate malnutrition.

Preschool children, pregnant and nursing moms, and those at risk of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) can all benefit from Malusog Rice.

PhilRice, in collaboration with DA-NorMin, is stepping up its promotion of Malusog rice in Northern Mindanao, notably in Lanao del Norte, which has a high prevalence of VAD.

Carmelito R. Lapoot, CEO of NMACLRC, stressed the market potential of Malusog Rice as the preferred healthy staple for locals.

He urged rice seed producers and commercial rice growers in Bukidnon to venture into Malusog Rice production not only as a viable source of income but also to assist the community in generating healthier food options.

DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado stated that the agency has created two demonstration farms in its research stations in Bukidnon, one at NMACLRC and the other at the Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Dangcagan, Bukidnon, to support the Malusog Rice Program.

The demonstration farms, located in Southern and Northern Bukidnon, which range in height and rainfall patterns, will demonstrate the province’s climatic adaptability for extensive Malusog Rice cultivation. (ATT/melbmadera)

Agri-10 to explore buckwheat production in its research stations

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, is set to explore the conduct of on-site trials for buckwheat production in its research centers

After Carmen Sunrise Exporters, Inc. (CSEI), led by its company manager, Mr. Tetsuji Yukawa, sought help from the agency, they targeted to venture into buckwheat production somewhere in Bukidnon province successfully.

On October 3 at DA’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga cited that given that buckwheat is an exploratory crop in Region 10, she shared her insights on the adoption of growing buckwheat and the challenges that potentially come along with it.

“We are suggesting that we conduct trials here [NMACLRC] so that we will know the technology and establish our data that is suitable for buckwheat production before we commercialize or disseminate it to the farmers,” RTD Madriaga conveyed with the Research Division taking the lead under the wing of RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca.

Besides the conduct of experimental trials at NMACLRC, which has an elevation of 800-1,000 meters (m) above sea level (asl), the agri official added that the same activity can also be done at DA’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Bukidnon with 300-600m asl.

As agreed, Dir. Collado emphasized that the company must submit a Letter of Intent and enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DA before the trial.

This includes the private company providing planting materials such as seeds and other necessary support for establishing on-site trials depending on its scope.

Furthermore, the assistant director urged CSEI to identify farmers’ cooperatives associations (FCAs) to source out buckwheat harvest from them easily and for said groups to also possibly gain access to some big-ticket interventions from DA-10, such as the provision of machinery and equipment needed in their production, postharvest, and other operations.

CSEI currently works under the umbrella of Japanese firms Starlanes, Corp. and Diamond Star, Corp. with affiliated companies in Hawaii, the USA, Australia, and Thailand.

It primarily processes and exports fresh Philippine agricultural products, specifically Mango, Papaya, Cardava/Saba-Banana, Balangon-Banana, Pineapple, and Durian.

Also present during the meeting are DA-10 Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna, RCUD chief Catalino S. Soriano, Jr., NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot; and CSEI Purchasing and Packing Supervisor Antoinette Quino Gallarde and Assistant Operations Manager Mark Angelo L. Catungal. (DA RFO-10)

Aggie dept showcases promising corn cultivars in Dangcagan town

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BARONGCOT, DANGCAGAN, BUKIDNON – The agriculture department of Northern Mindanao (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado in partnership with private seed companies stages the first in the series of its Corn Derby Field Day for this year’s wet season, showcasing promising hybrid corn cultivars here on Friday, September 22

Seated at about a 1.9-hectare portion of DA-10’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD), 16 different corn varieties from seven companies were exhibited, to gauge their performance and adaptability in a low elevated area.

“Mapuslanon ni siya [technology showcasing] para sa atong mga mag-uuma,” Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-10 regional technical director for operations, in her message to about the 150 farmers and agricultural extensionists participating from the towns of Dangcagan, Damulog, Kibawe, Don Carlos, Kadingilan, Kitaotao, Maramag, and Kalilangan of Bukidnon province.

Yellow corn varieties along with their corresponding package of technologies include NK6410BGT, NK6130BGT and NK6505BGT from Syngenta Philippines, Inc.; DK8131S and DK8899S (Bayer Crop Science Philippines); H101G and B9909G (BioSeed Research Philippines, Inc.); and AH SUPREME 5150 RRYYG and J505 RRYG (Asian Hybrid Seed Technology Inc.).

Rounding up the list of yellow corn varieties exhibited are P3582YHR and P3530YHR (Corteva AgriScience); EVO 9815 (Evo Gene Seeds, Corp.); and MAIS SWERTE and MAIZE D30, and MAIS-TISA, a white corn variety from Vigour Seeds Development, Inc.

Importantly, the crop cut results were presented, factoring in agronomic and yield components such as number of plants, ears, and yield per plot; garb incidence; total cob and kernel weights; shelling recovery; field moisture content; yield and weight of grains; population density; ear length and diameter; number of kernel line and kernels per ear.

She likewise underscored the significance of conducting corn derbies over the years with the private seed companies.

“Labaw na sa amoa na kami [department] karon nga gi-manduan sa national government pinaagi sa atong President [Marcos] na mao atong [DA] secretary na tagaan og dakong pagtagad ang agrikultura,” RTD Madriaga remarked.

Generated results show that the corn varieties employed yielded the highest at 10.03 tons per hectare at 14% moisture content (MC) to the lowest at 5.69 tons/ha at 14% MC.

As the agency through the Corn Program will procure P281 million of hybrid corn seeds, comprising GM hybrid yellow corn seeds and hybrid white corn flint seeds next year, Dir. Madriaga highlighted that the corn derby results would form part of the basis of the department’s procurement of seeds.

Moreso, DA-10 is set to procure P19.7 million worth of GM hybrid yellow corn seeds and hybrid white corn seeds to serve as buffer stocks, in case of disasters and calamities.

As the techno demo displayed different corn varieties and planting protocols to augment farmers’ productivity and earnings, the DA-10 official also urged the farmers to form corn clusters to attain economies of scale.

This will enable them to greatly trim down their cost of operations, reap bountiful harvests, link to large-scale buyers, and earn bigger incomes.

“Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa DA-10 sa ilang gipahigayon nga programa sa mga ka-mais, diin adunay bag-ong mga technology nga gi-showcase nga milangkob sa low ug high elevation nga corn cultivars ug magdepende sab ang performance sa klase sa yuta gikan sa mga nagkalain-laing kompanya sa mais,” conveyed Lilibeth P. Galandez, president of the Narukdukan Kisanday Banana, Cassava, Coconut, Corn Farmers’ Association (NAKBACCCOFA) of Maramag town.

Following said corn derby, DA-10 is slated to conduct the same activity at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, and Research Center for Hillyland Development in Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental in early October, this year.

Also supporting the event were Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Provincial Operations Center of Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, RCUD chief Catalino S. Soriano, Jr. and other DA-10 staff. (DA RFO-10)

Agri-10 sets up Onion derby in agency’s research stations

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To encourage farmers to venture into Onion production, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducts an Allium ceremonial planting in its research stations on August 2-4, 2023

Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, CPA, said that this marks the first Onion derby in the region and aims to find the best onion varieties in each area, showcase technologies, and expand production areas in the region.

Spearheaded by its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), a total of five seed companies will be showcasing their technologies on onion production in DA-10’s research stations, namely: Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Dangcagan, Bukidnon, Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) in Claveria, Misamis Oriental and Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

“We support DA-10’s initiative as it is beneficial for consumers and farmers alike since onion is an essential spice that we use daily,” shared Andre Abonitalla, Kaneko Seeds Assistant Manager for Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, harvesting and Farmers’ Forum to present derby results and recognize best-performing varieties is scheduled on November 7-9, 2023, for RCUD, RCHD, and NMACLRC, respectively. (DA RFO-10)

DA-RCUD, seed companies showcase white, yellow corn varieties in Dangcagan

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The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10, through its Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD), together with private seed companies, conducted a ceremonial planting for its Corn Derby on May 23, 2023, in Dangcagan, Bukidnon

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized that such a move aims to showcase the performance of the different yellow and white corn varieties as farmers’ basis in selecting their preferred corn variety.

RCUD chief Catalino S. Soriano, Jr. shared that the research station has allocated two hectares of land to be planted by the nine participating seed companies.

The private seed entities include Syngenta Philippines, Inc., Bayer, Bioseed Research Philippines, Asian Hybrid Seed Technologies, Inc., Corteva Agriscience, JR Agro-Industrial Enterprises, Vigour Seeds Dev. Inc., Evo Gene Seeds, Corp., and Advanta Seeds.

“We are thankful to DA for always inviting us to join in these activities since 2018. Up until now, it has been a big help for us since we are able to showcase our corn cultivars and technology in different areas and share them with our farmers,” said Yvhan Michael Opeña, field agronomist of Syngenta Philippines, Inc.

Said event also follows the recently conducted ceremonial planting at DA-10’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex and Research Center for Hillyland Development last May 16 and 18, respectively. (AMBManto/DA RFO-10)