Department of Agriculture Pushes to Boost Corn Production Amid Livestock Demand

ILOILO CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced plans to escalate corn production in the country to address the current supply gap, particularly driven by the livestock industry’s growing needs.

During the 18th National Corn Congress-Visayas Cluster held at the Iloilo City Convention Center on September 23, National Corn Program Director Milo Delos Reyes revealed that the livestock sector requires approximately 10 million metric tons (MMT) of corn, while current production stands at around six MMT.

"We are intensifying corn production efforts for the upcoming year. This year, we’ve been assisting farmers with the provision of seeds, post-harvest support, fertilizer, and other critical interventions," Delos Reyes stated during a press briefing.

He emphasized the importance of expanding corn planting to balance supply with demand, noting a three MMT increase in national corn output over the past five years. Despite surpluses in some regions, areas like the Visayas still lag, partly due to the absence of feed mills found in provinces such as Cebu and Iloilo.

"Events like this corn congress aim to motivate farmers to sustain their planting efforts. There is consistent profitability in cultivating corn," Delos Reyes added.

Agriculture Regional Executive Director of Western Visayas, Dennis Arpia, highlighted initiatives to plant corn after rice cultivation in regions lacking sufficient irrigation during dry seasons. Western Visayas currently maintains about 47,000 hectares of corn fields.

Arpia also underscored the significance of improved farm management practices and the adoption of advanced technologies, including enhanced post-harvest and storage facilities. Efforts are underway to introduce superior corn varieties, expand farmer support, and implement innovations such as bio-fertilizers, improved soil conditioning, and integrated pest management.

The congress attracted roughly 500 corn farmers and stakeholders from across the Visayas and was held in collaboration with the Philippine Maize Federation, Inc. DA Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization Roger Navarro attended the event.

The three-day congress seeks to build stronger collaborations among farmers, government bodies, and the private sector, encourage the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, and raise awareness about corn’s critical role in both regional and national economic growth.