THE Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Corn Program, envisions the establishment of Corn Model Farms (CMF) for open-pollinated variety (OPV) of white corn in Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte.

In line with the plan, a two-day brief orientation for the CMF was recently conducted in Labakid and Marupay villages, Jose Dalman, where the CMF areas shall be established.

Lorie Lee Estrevillo, regional corn coordinator, said Friday, July 30, that the Jose Dalman Corn Cluster Association committed its full support in the implementation of the project being the beneficiary, promising to keep the livelihood project sustainable not only for their members but also for the town to benefit.

Estrevillo said the CMF farmer-partners have undergone a series of trainings starting in 2020, which will equip them with technical know-how as managers of the farms before the turnover of interventions.

The Basic guidelines in the implementation of the project, Corn Production, Pests and Diseases Management, Fall Armyworm control and Post-harvest handling are priority topics taken in the orientation.

Estrevillo said the project will utilize 50 hectares per site, with all farm inputs in the duration of the cropping season shall be provided by DA-Corn Program.

She said the provision of field assistance and technical support will be in partnership with the Municipal Agriculture Office of Jose Dalman. (SunStar Zamboanga)