3-day Mindanao-wide confab for soybean, sorghum held in B’non

NORTHERN Mindanao agriculture department (DA-10) completed a 3-day Mindanao-wide stakeholders’ meeting to develop and implement industry plans for soybean and sorghum through the National Corn Program on June 8-10, 2022.

The meeting was held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Rodolfo N. Panganiban, national focal person for soybean, said the meeting is conducted in view of DA memorandum 15 providing the inclusion of soybean and sorghum under the national Corn program since both crops are well-adapted to the country’s condition and are being used as ingredients in animal feeds and processed into value-added food products.

“This meeting is also done to assess the situation of soybean and sorghum production in Mindanao, consult with the stakeholders on their demand in the island, and draft a multi-year road map for the development of the mentioned crops.”

He added that to identify the existing varieties of soybeans in Mindanao, particularly in Bukidnon.
Further discussed is the creation of a Technical Working Group for soybean and sorghum at the regional levels.

Meanwhile, Cora A. Dumayaca, DA-10 Research Division chief said the meeting is a way forward for developing the soybean and sorghum industry in Mindanao.

It is a stepping stone, especially that both crops have great roles in achieving food security and sustainability in the country.”

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, she expressed her gratitude for the presence of multi-stakeholders at the event.

Gracing said meeting are focal persons of corn, soybean, and sorghum from regions 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, processors, and feed milling companies, which include Anakciano, Global Agro Milling Industry, CJ Feeds, San Miguel Food, Inc., and Gama Foods. (DA-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)