CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Sept. 13 (PIA)--With about P100,000 net income per hectare from P30,000-35,000 capital for adlai production, Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 Regional Director Carlene Collado said a lot of farmers and former rebels in Bukidnon now shift to planting the commodity.
"Adlai is an indigenous product nga nagsugod sa Bukidnon. In fact kita ang first nag-host National Adlai Congress in the country. Compared to corn, layo ang diperensya. Sa adlai, farmers can benefit financially," Collado said during the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS)-X Podcast, September 12.
(Adlai is an indigenous product that started in Bukidnon. In fact, we are the first to host the National Adlai Congress in the country. Compared to corn, there is really a big difference [in profit]. With adlai, farmers can benefit financially.)
Mainly planted on uplands, adlai is already produced in about 570 hectares in Bukidnon and these include areas in Libona, Valencia, Maramag, Pangantucan, Kalilangan, Kadingilan, Kitaotao, Baungon and San Fernando.
Collado said adlai production only takes about 4-5 months and farmers can do two croppings in a year. He added that suppliers in Talakag, Bukidnon usually sell the commodity at P500 per kilo in Metro Manila.
As for consumer benefits, adlai is mainly used as a substitute for rice. "It is good for diabetic individuals as it contains low glycemic index," the regional director said.
Farmers and other groups also developed various products out of adlai peelings and these include wine, beauty soap, coffee, and more.
Also, adlai production has aided the department's campaign to end local communist armed conflict in the region, through stimulating the interest of former rebels in agricultural productivity.
In Malabalay City, Bukidnon, DA-10 assisted former rebels in planting adlai in a 6,000 sq m area where the FRS were able to produce 1,800 kilos of adlai.
Aside from adlai, Collado said the region has shown strength in agriculture as it spots number one throughout the country in pineapple and cattle; number two in sugarcane, banana, coconut, corn, including tomato, papaya, and cassava; number three in chicken and swine, but as to update, the region is already number one in swine; and number five in rubber production.
The region is also at 83 percent sufficiency level and 114 percent sufficient in corn. (RTP/PIA10)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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