MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL, October 2, 2024 – To boost agricultural productivity in Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Northern Mindanao provides one unit of corn sheller worth Php 350,000 to the San Isidro Bajo Sinacaban SAAD Farmers’ Association (SIBSSFA) in Barangay San Isidro Bajo, September 27, 2024.

The provision of the corn sheller to SIBSSFA was under the SAAD Program’s Fiscal Year 2024 Integrated Corn and High-Value Crop (HVC) Production Project worth  Php 1,866,000. 

This initiative supported the Department of Agriculture’s ongoing efforts to modernize agriculture in the country. The goal was to transform traditional farming methods, enhance agricultural production, ensure access to affordable, safe, and nutritious food, and develop agriculture into a profitable industry for all stakeholders in the value chain.

Apart from the corn sheller, the project also included hybrid corn seeds (white), bags of various fertilizers, peanut seedlings, garden tools, upgraded carabaos, biologics, an impulse sealer, and training sessions.

The corn seeds, along with 50 bags of complete fertilizer, 40 bags of urea fertilizer, and 20 bags of organic fertilizer, were delivered in May 2024. The rest of the interventions under the Integrated Corn and High-Value Crop (HVC) Production Project are expected to be delivered during the last quarter of the year. 

SIBSSFA Agricultural Profile

The SIBSSFA was a group of conventional farmers cultivating an estimated cumulative land area of 15 hectares. This group was established in 2023 with 25 members.

In 2023, SIBSSFA was a recipient of the Corn Production Project worth Php 833,833.33, which included Hybrid Yellow Corn seeds, bags of various fertilizers, and training sessions.

Based on the assessment conducted by SAAD Northern Mindanao Area Coordinators, the Program identified Corn Production as the project for the FA because the group’s members had experience in farm laboring and corn production. The corn sheller provided by the Program made farming easier and more efficient.

The purpose of a corn sheller is to separate the kernels of corn from the cob, making it easier to use the corn for various purposes. Whether for food production or livestock feed, a corn sheller serves as an essential tool for farmers and anyone working with corn. 

The SIBSSFA began their first cropping last July 2024. However, the production of corn failed due to pest infestation. This October, the farmers will start their second cropping. ###

Writer: Jo Ann Sablad, DA-SAAD Region 10 Information Officer