BUKIDNON, March 14, 2022 – During his field visit in Kibawe, National Program Director Myer Mula of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) led the turnover of livestock, farm inputs, agricultural supplies, and veterinary drugs and biologics on March 9, 2022.

The New Kidapawan SAAD Farmers Association (NKSFA) in barangay New Kidapawan received 10 bags of hybrid corn seeds, 25 bags of complete fertilizer, 25 pieces of plastic crates, 10 boxes of animal dewormer, and 14 boxes of electrolytes, under the program’s FY 2022 Corn Production Project (Php 233,250).

The said assistance will support the 6.25 hectares consolidated corn production area of the 25 members.

SAAD Projects provided to NKSFA

Initially in 2018, the group was selected as a beneficiary of the  Php 2,876,419.50 – Integrated Agricultural Livelihood Project which package includes 25 head cattle, 25 bags of hybrid corn seeds, 375 cacao seedlings, 100 bags of complete fertilizer, 100 bags of organic fertilizer (vermicast), 125 packs of pinakbet seeds, 25 units of knapsack sprayer, 25 plastic drums, 50 pieces of plastic seedling tray, 25 sets of assorted garden tools, 25 bottles of oxytetracycline, and 25 boxes of antibacterial soluble powder.

To continue the support to their corn production, in 2020, SAAD provided 1 unit of compact corn mill and 1 unit of corn husker sheller (shared with Spring SAAD Farmers Association), 25 bags of open-pollinated variety (OPV) corn seeds, 50 packs OPV vegetable seeds, 43 bags of complete fertilizer, 57 bags of organic fertilizer, and 5 bottles of electrolytes+dextrose+nutrient+celycine, amounting to Php 618,060.

Since its admission to the program in 2018, the NKSFA raised seed funds by pledging a percentage or Php 500 of its per cropping income from corn (twice a year).

The association then lent the fund to its members at 5% per month, 10% for non-members, serving as their revolving capital to help the members buy needed farm inputs, specifically corn seeds for 2019 and 2021 production.

With their remittance and earnings, the group was able to procure one upgraded bull for breeding worth Php 21,000.

Currently, they have distributed 19 head of cattle offspring to 19 new members of the association out of the 25 heifers initially provided by the program in 2019. During Dir. Mula’s visit, three offspring were turned over to the next grantees of the project.

The group also sourced out added earnings by offering the bull for calf drop at Php 1,000 for non-members and Php 500 for members, and corn mill servicing in their community at Php 2/kg.

In his message, Dir. Mula commended the group’s commitment and dedication in optimizing and upscaling the SAAD projects.

“By doing what you are doing now, you are being the roots of development in your community. You are setting good examples to your children, which they will live on as they pursue a better life on their own,” he said.

He urged the members of the association to practice farm consolidation so they can strategically respond to unfavorable market situations.

“You need to help one another and avoid conflict among yourselves. As a group you will be heard better, you can act better for the good of everyone,” Dir. Mula added.

Mr. Ryan Flores, president of New Kidapawan SAAD Farmers Association is thankful for the assistance provided by the government to the marginal farmers in their community. He is hoping that more farmers in the area will be assisted by the program in the future.

“We need the government’s assistance so we can further improve what we have started,” Flores said.

“Rest assured we will care for and sustain the SAAD projects granted to us,” he avowed. ###

Writer: Azbie Talib, DA Information Officer I