DA urges farmers to plant hybrid corn in 3rd cropping

By Leny G. Gabo

In answer to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, the Department of Agriculture VI called on farmers to plant hybrid corn for their third cropping.

Agriculture Division Chief Sofronio Parohinog said that hybrid corn is advisable instead of rice during the third cropping season because it does not require volume of water.

He explained that it is expected that the water supply could not substantiate the crops due to the phenomenon. Instead, he advised farmers to alternate hybrid corn from rice.

Meanwhile, he said that the said process has been practiced in various barangays of Cabatuan, Zarraga and Tigbauan.

Parohinog said that the farmers yield good profit for their alternate cropping method.

He mentioned that Negros and Aklan has been using the alternate cropping.

He advised that farmers in Iloilo should also adopt the method for their own benefit.

The division chief emphasized that the hybrid corn has zero tillage and should be planted immediately after the harvest of rice while the soil is still moist.

On the other hand, Parohinog revealed that Aklan and Negros posted high rates as regards hybrid rice production last year.

With regard to Iloilo , he said that their office is still conducting a thorough study on the hybrid rice production.