Capiz sorghum program launched
Sorghum production program in Capiz was launched last January 4 with the ceremonial planting of sorghum in the DA’s Regonal Outreach Stations in the towns of Malapad Cogon, Sigma and Astorga Dumarao. The launch was spearheaded by Remelyn Recoter, regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture.
The sorghum project in Capiz is in support of the National Sorghum Development Program previously launched by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol in Kidapawan City. The aim is to produce grains for use in livestock feeds as well as for human consumption.
Sorghum is a drought resistant crop that is hardy and easy to propagate. The grains are also rich in protein and carbohydrates making them highly suitable for commercial feed manufacture. Right now, sorghum is also a favorite feed for gamefowl by cockfighting aficionados.
The demo farms in Sigma and Dumarao will help determine the suitability of sorghum production in the province. Farmer cooperators will be tapped to assist the research stations in planting sorghum in target areas. The farmers will also be assisted in linking them to feed millers and institutional buyers, according to Recoter.
The beneficiaries include many members of the indigenous peoples as well as other farmers who would like to grow sorghum.
“We are also eyeing to plant sorghum in areas of Tapaz, Jamindan and Dumarao. We will support the farmers through research and development, production and processing, and in marketing and enterprise development,” Recoter told the municipal agriculturists of Capiz in a recent meeting.