THE Department of Agriculture recently opened a P33-million
post-harvest processing and trading center for corn in Zamboanga del Norte in a
bid to boost production in the province and raise farmers income in the region.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said the project is an
initiative of the DA’s National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor) and the local
government units in Zamboanga del Norte. It is expected to raise corn production
by 10 percent and farmers’ income by 50 percent.
"This facility aims to ensure a steady supply of corn even
during the wet season, generate more jobs and provide other investment
opportunities in corn production," Yap said.
He said the facility will produce premium quality corn grains
with 14 percent moisture content and reduce drying and processing costs by at
least 50 percent.
"The project has a return of investment rate of 12.5 percent
for its investors. We expect the Nabcor to pursue its project of establishing
similar post-harvest centers in other corn-producing areas of the country as
part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the sufficiency of this grains staple for
Filipinos," Yap said.
He said the facility is part of the infrastructure buildup
ordered by President Arroyo who earlier said her government will carry out
massive infrastructure programs this year to serve as a springboard for higher
growth and a firewall against the looming economic slowdown in the United
States.
Yap said Nabcor provided P23 million of the construction
cost, Zamboanga del Norte P2 million, the town of Sergio Osmeña where the plant
is located P3 million, and Rep. Cecilia Jalosjos-Carreon P5 million from her
Priority Development Assistance Fund.
DA statistics said corn yields increased last year by 10.77
percent to 6.736 million metric tons valued at P65.887 billion.
Yap said the DA will also set aside P658 million for corn productivity
enhancement projects under the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani Corn Program. He said
the bulk of this amount will be used on production support services and
post-harvest facilities to boost output, and minimize post-production losses.
– Job T. Realubit
