To ensure the continuity of programs that aim to increase productivity and income, and enhance the resiliency of farmers who plant corn, cassava, sorghum, and soybean in the province of Abra, the Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) recently provided financial support to two Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (FCA) in the province for the construction of facilities for corn production.

The Abra Vegetable Seed Growers Development Cooperative (AVSECO) in Pangtud, Pidigan, Abra received a P2.4 million financial assistance for the construction of a 96 square meter AVSECO corn warehouse for the temporary storage of agricultural products and inputs.

The Nagtupacan Drainage Reuse System Farmers Association (NADRESFA) in Nagtupacan, Lagangilang, Abra obtained a P400,000 financial assistance for the construction of a 429 square meter multi-crop drying pavement and 20 square meter shed to be used for the drying of crops. Both financial assistance are part of the 2024 Corn Program of the DA-CAR.

The Corn program is one of the national banner programs of DA which includes rice, high-value crops, livestock, and organic agriculture that are priority programs that aim to address food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable growth through increased farm income and productivity.

These programs of the DA are implemented nationwide and consist of Production Support Services; Market Development Services; Extension Support, Education, and Training Support Services, Research and Development; Irrigation Network Services; and Provision of Agricultural Equipment and Facilities.

In the Philippines, corn or maize (Zea mays) is next to rice as the most important crop, creating its banner program under the Department of Agriculture. White corn is grown for food, while yellow corn is mainly used for animal feed.

Likewise, because of their importance in the production of food and animal feeds, cassava, soybean, and sorghum came under the umbrella of the National Corn Program. The program also aims to transform the said farmers to be productive, competitive, resilient, and profitable agripreneurs by providing science-based interventions and support services. //JTLlanes