Suitability trial for sorghum established in Capiz

IN SUPPORT to Secretary Manny Piñol’s call for developing sorghum nationwide as an alternative source for livestock and poultry feeds, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas started varietal suitability trial in Capiz.

Regional Executive Director Remelyn R. Recoter spearheaded the ceremonial planting of sorghum in the DA’s Research Outreach Stations (ROS) in Malapad Cogon, Sigma, and in Astorga, Dumarao on January 4.

“The National Sorghum Development Program (NSDP) was launched by Sec. Piñol in Kidapawan City late last year. Sorghum can be used as feed ingredient aside from corn, and as another food staple. Sorghum will complement the rice and corn programs in support to the country’s food staple sufficiency program,” said Recoter.

She also explained that the establishment of demo farms in Sigma, and Dumarao will help determine if sorghum is suitable for production in the province.

Sorghum is a droughttolerant, hardy, easy-topropagate and rich in protein crop which can be used as an alternative raw ingredient for animal feeds.

“Farm cooperators will be tapped to assist the research stations in planting sorghum in target areas. We will also link the farmers to feed millers and institutional buyers,” she added.

The beneficiaries of NSDP are the indigenous peoples (IPs) and other farmers who want to go into sorghum production.

“We are also eyeing to propagate sorghum in areas of Tapaz, Jamindan, and Dumarao. We will be supporting the farmers through research and development, production and processing, and in marketing and enterprise development,” Recoter told the municipal agriculturists of Capiz in a meeting held recently.

The NDSP will be implemented by the DA’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) starting this year.

Similar varietal trials will also be put up in other DA research stations across the region soon.