MAFAR TO ESTABLISH 50-HA CORN MODEL FARM IN DATU HOFFER
With vast clustered areas in the uplands of Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao prepared by the farmers for planting, the MAFAR delivered today (March 30, 2020), farm inputs for the establishment of 50-ha corn model farm through the Atos Farmers Marketing Cooperative (AFMC).
Akmad A. Abdullah, Corn Program Focal Person at MAFAR, said the package of assistance from the ministry included 50 bags of hybrid corn seeds (18kg each), 250 bags of urea, 150 bags of complete fertilizer, 100 bags of muriate of potash, 100 bottles of herbicides and 100 bottles of insecticides.
On top of the farm inputs amounting to 1.5 million pesos, the ministry will also provide continuing technical assistance and proper supervision according to Abdullah.
“You are expected to produce 8-10 metric tons of quality corn per hectare with the complete farm inputs provided and with proper management”, said Dr Ronjamin M. Maulana, MAFAR-Maguindanao Operations Officer.
Dr Maulana advised the farmers to value, maximize and maintain the production in the demo farm as it is only established in the municipality in the whole of Maguindanao.
Meanwhile, Abdulnasser K. Badawi, Provincial Agricultural Officer, said every farmer-cooperator shall be provided with their respective target accomplishments or deliverables for the model farm. He also introduced Dr Modrika A. Masukat, as the assigned municipal agricultural officer in the locality.
To ensure the sustainability of the gains from model farm among the farmer members of the cooperative, they are required to implement the roll over scheme as per guidelines of the project.
Abdullah said this may be done by giving back a portion of the proceeds to the cooperative for the procurement of farm inputs for the benefit of the other members who have not availed of the assistance.
Abdulnasseef S. Ulong, BARMMIARC Center Manager, advised the farmers to accomplish their enrollment to the Bangsamoro Magsasaka at Mangingisda, localized version of the RSBSA, as it is also necessary for the ministry’s database for proper planning.
Khadaffy S. Ulilisen, AFMC President thanked the ministry for the usual support and assured the team that they will do their best for the advancement of the model farm.
The establishment of the demo farm is included in the deliverables under the 2019 banner program funds from the Department of Agriculture.