DA-10 urges line-agencies to step up efforts on rice-like grains, ‘Adlai’

OFFICIALS from the Northern Mindanao agriculture department (DA-10) on Thursday urged its attached government agencies to strengthen their efforts of championing adlai, an indigenous crop being introduced as an alternative source of income and livelihood for farmers at the same time, a healthier staple food substitute.

Also known as the job’s tears due to the tear-like shape of its grains, adlai comes from the family of grasses to which wheat, corn, and rice belong. 

 Its grain can be eaten in the same manner as rice and is usually harvested after four to five months. Separated from stalks through threshing like rice, seeds are first sun-dried before milling.

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said poor farmers can increase their income by shifting to adlai farming.

He even urged farmers to explore the potentials of adlai, pointing out that Japanese merchants are willing to buy adlai grains.

In a report by the Research Division presented to DA Undersecretary for Regulations Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, growing said commodity can generate about P100,000 net income per hectare from an average cost of production of P30,000-P35,000.

Adlai is produced in about 570 hectares in Region 10, particularly in Bukidnon with major growing areas in Lantapan, Manolo Fortich, Impasug-ong, Talakag, and Malaybalay City, even citing that former rebels in the latter site have taken interest in cultivating the crop.

Adlai production takes about five to six months depending on elevation and is being sold at a farmgate price of P50-100 per kilogram (kg) as seeds and P80-P100/kg as grits, with market outlets in the abovesaid producing areas, including the cities of Iligan and Valencia, Claveria town and even Metro Manila.

“Isang issue na dapat nating tignan ay kung paano ang income niya [adlay] kung itatapat mo siya sa palay at mais,” the DA official remarked, adding that profit comparisons will help more farmer-producers come up with informed decisions to invest in growing adlai.

As a food source, adlai can be cooked similarly to rice and corn. It is known to be good for diabetics, as it contains a low glycemic index, while it can also be processed in making flour for bread, porridge, delicacies, and wine.

Further, it can also serve as fodder for livestock.

With funding from the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), value-added products are also being developed using adla1 ranging from breakfast cereals, wine, beauty soap, coffee, crispies, and crunchy bar.

Noting that adlai is yet to break into the mainstream market, USec Ampatuan explained, that over time, the commodity will eventually become a food staple, not only for the health-conscious or the high-end market but for more Filipino people.

“May market na ‘yan [adlai]. Maging trend sana ito kasi sa ngayon, curious pa lang tayo dito, but still, curiosity generates market,” he asserted.

Likewise, the agri official challenged DA-Normin to position the commodity well, as talks for adlai to be adopted in DA’s organic agriculture program are in progress.

“Our plan is to make this [adlai] as a flagship project, a potential organic and export commodity,” he continued.

He also suggested for the food technologists of DA-10’s Research Division to create dishes such as risotto and paella, utilizing adlai to possibly capture the foreign market, especially Europe.

While factoring in the possibilities of a market for the said commodity, the DA official also underscored thorough preparedness in terms of boosting adlai production.

“Continue producing the [adlai] seeds. Paramihin na ninyo iyan at maka-adopt sana ang iilang farmer-groups na ang focus is seed production para ma-promote talaga siya,” USec Ampatuan said.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado expressed his gratitude for the DA undersecretary’s first-ever visit to the region and allowing the team to showcase NorMin’s strides relative to the research and development initiatives on adlai.

“Hopefully, next time, the group can discuss, not only adlai but the agri-development of Region 10, as a whole, as we are the host of many agri-based companies. We are also major producers for cattle, swine, and poultry, and almost all fruits and vegetables are likewise grown in Normin,” the director responded.

Capping the event, the DA official also visited the 403rd Infantry Brigade, one of the department’s partners in growing adlai, which is planted in the fields of Camp Osio Bahian in Impalambong, Malaybalay City. (Ben Balce with report from Angie Cabig/JLODA-10)