Farmers who used to get about an average of 6.5-7 metric tons of corn from a one-hectare farm may now be able to harvest 10 metric tons or even more. Such is the case of Mr. Carmelito “Lito” G. Dinopol, from Bgy. Topland, Koronadal, South Cotabato, who has been planting conventional hybrid corn for the last two years, starting only with 5 hectares. Mang Lito applies insecticides to protect his fields from insect pests. But, unfortunately, during the rainy season, the sprayed chemicals are being washed off easily, thus, significantly decreasing yield, he observed.

From a field tour of Bt corn demonstration farm, Mang Lito was able to see for himself the added value of having corn plants with built-in protection against corn borer. Trying the new technology has improved his yield and encouraged by the good market price of corn, he is now helping fellow farmers in his community avail of the Bt corn technology.

From Wao, Lanao del Sur, Mr. Francisco Piagola used to plant his four-hectare farm with open-pollinated corn varieties that yielded only 1.5 tons/hectare. A simple switch to corn hybrids in the 90’s dramatically increased his yield to 4-6 tons/hectare. As he adopts latest corn hybrid introductions in the market such as the NK hybrid of Syngenta, his yield level reached 8-9 tons/hectare. The prospect of good farm income enticed Manong Francisco to quit his 8-5 jobs to become a full time corn farmer thereby nurturing the farm with good farm management practices.

“I was able to send my children to school and acquired several pieces of property”, he added.

In Reina Mercedes, Isabela of Northern Luzon, Mr.Peviano Soriano, a former seaman who shifted his career to farming likes to try and compare various new kinds of corn hybrids (for example corn hybrids produced by Cargil Asian, Pioneer, Cornworld, Syngenta) in his farm. With fertilizer application, the corn hybrids yield 6 to 8.5 metric tons per hectare. The experience helps Mr. Soriano selects which variety is most suited to his farm.

These farmers believe that with the help of modern corn farming technologies such as improved seeds or planting materials, fertilization and other recommended cultural practices, yields of crops such as corn can be tremendously improved. All 3 of them received Plaques of Appreciation given by the Department of Agriculture and the CropLife Philippines, Inc. for successfully using modern farming technologies that contribute to the attainment of the objectives of the National Corn Program. These farmers reaffirm that farming is indeed a noble and profitable profession. (El Bill R. Madrigal, SEARCA-BIC)