In the Philippines, corn or maize (Zea mays) is next to rice as the most important crop, hence the creation of its own banner program under the Department of Agriculture. White corn is grown for food, while yellow corn is mainly used for animal feed. Likewise, in view of their importance in the production of food and animal feeds, cassava, soybean, and sorghum became under the umbrella of the National Corn Program.
The program aims to transform farmers cultivating corn, cassava, soybean, and sorghum to productive, competitive, resilient, and profitable agripreneurs by providing science-based interventions and support services.
The DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) is continuously coordinating and providing support to partner research for development (R4D) institutions and stakeholders in generating appropriate technologies on varietal development and improvement, soil and nutrient management, integrated pest management, crop-based farming systems, mechanization, digitalization, and product and market development to ensure a productive and profitable industry.
The program aims to increase productivity and income, and enhance the resiliency of farmers who plant corn, cassava, sorghum, and soybean.