DA trains East Visayas farmers on OPV corn seed production, certification

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
April 22, 2013

BAYBAY CITY, Leyte – The Department of Agriculture recently trained agricultural extension workers and twenty farmer leaders on the production and certification of Open Pollinated Variety of corn seeds in order to ensure the ready and available corn seeds in the Region.

DA-8 Regional Executive Director Antonio Gerundio said that the activity is in line with the nationwide campaign of the department to increase the production of high quality corn seeds.

The five (5) day intensive training which was held on April 8-12, 2013 at the Agricultural Training Institute, Regional Training Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8), Baybay City, Leyte, was also part of the overall capability building efforts for local extension workers to improve their delivery of adequate and client-responsive corn extension services.

The training participants were expected to gain knowledge and skills on the OPV corn seed production such as its protocol, the different varieties, characteristics and selection techniques, and the policies, guidelines, procedures and techniques in crop production and management for certification purposes.

Resource speakers who were invited to enlighten the participants on the various topics included Mr. Uldarico C. Amihan of the Regional Seed Quality Control Services (RSQCS), Dr. Othello B. Capuno of the Visayas State University (VSU), Dr. Benito S. Andaya of BPI-NSQCS, Dr. Daniel Leslie Tan of PhilRootcrops, and DA-8 officials Mr. Fabian Aldiano, Mr. Juanito Baring, Ms Nemia Israel, Engr. Melecia Gordillo, MsNilda Robin, Mr. Arturo Bacoy and Ms Elvira Hipe, Mr. Francis Rosaroso, DA Information chief said.

After the lecture-discussion, an action planning followed to operationalize the learnings of the participants, Mr. Rosaroso said.

The participants also had a tour to the DA-8’s Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Center at Babatngon, Leyte for their practicum on field inspection and rouging.

They were likewise exposed to the procedures in seed certification being conducted by the National Seed Quality Control Services laboratory.

Aside from the capability building of program partners which contributes to increasing performance of the sector, the Corn Program of the Department of Agriculture also provides support for the production of quality corn seeds and cassava seed pieces, management of technology-based production systems, provision of pre- and postharvest facilities and equipment, and strengthening of farmers’ organizations, Mr. Rosaroso added.

Corn production in the region for calendar year 2012 was 87,333 MT. This was 3.98% higher than the 2011 level of 83,992 MT, the Department of Agriculture Region 8 said.