Corn model farm shows 26% yield increase
THE Department of Agriculture Region 1 (Ilocos Region) office, through its Corn Banner Program, exhibited a 50-hectare corn model farm during a field day at Luzong Sur village in Bangar town, La Union province, on April 4.
This event was organized by the DA Region 1 office in collaboration with the local government unit of Bangar, farmers and Bayer Crop Science.
The 50-Hectare Corn Model Farm is one of the two farm sites along with Cadapli village in Bangar that showcased the use of hybrid yellow corn.
The use of this corn variety has resulted in a 26-percent increase in yields compared to previous corn production levels in the area.
The DA Region 1 office recommended to farmers the use of the Nutrient Expert for Maize Philippines or NEMPh, a software for crop advisors that allows fertilizer recommendation with the need to connect to the internet.
The utilization of NEMph aims to increase the yield of corn to 1 metric ton per hectare and ensure efficient fertilizer management of corn.
During the field day, it was shown that although the yellow corn hybrid may cost more upfront, the yields of the model farm give more profits with a gross income of P134,475 or higher than the P120,120 per hectare for using other corn varieties.
The DA Region 1 office aims to continue improving Ilocos Region’s corn production by giving way to programs such as model farms “to help farmer-beneficiaries in maximizing yield and minimizing loss.”
The Ilocos Region is the second-top producer of corn in the Philippines.
Source Link: https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/04/11/business/agribusiness/corn-model-farm-shows-26-yield-increase/1940778
