WETLAND FARMERS IN NORTH COTABATO RECEIVE CORN SEEDS FROM MAFAR
To respond to the needs and request of farmers for quality corn seeds in some BARMM villages in North Cotabato, the MAFAR distributed 684 bags of OPV corn seeds in Barangay Rajahmuda, Pikit and Dunguan, Aleosan, today (March 3, 2020).
The activity was made possible under the Corn Program with the 2019 funds from the Department of Agriculture geared towards attaining “Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita” among the farmers in the communities.
With the guidance and active support from Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, the team, headed by Akmad A. Abdullah, Corn Program Focal Person, hand in hand with Dr Macmod Mamalangacap, Coordinator for the 63 Barangays of BARMM, had first validated the farm areas of the recipients. Results showed that the farmers have prepared their lands in the wetland (gawang) areas making them ready for planting.
Focal Person Abdullah said the distribution was done smoothly as the farmers were arranged by sitio and the bags of corn seeds were given to them in such manner with the assistance of the barangay officials and community leaders.
‘Bangsamoro Magsasaka at Mangingisda’ forms were also distributed to the farmers for proper profiling and registration that will be part of the MAFAR database, which will help facilitate more effective planning and implementation.
Helping the team attain its main objective of increasing the farmers’ productivity were Engr. Fahmi U. Acob, Corn Program Technical Staff, Basit S. Minandang, Volunteer and Former Agricultural Technologist, Benjar Tumampal, BTA Admin Aide ll, and
Choudry Mohamad, BTA Admin Aide IV.
The team from MAFAR will also distribute 467 bags of corn seeds to farmers in Barangay Dunguan, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao, tomorrow.