DA-Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybay, Bukidnon now maintains a two-hectare adlay seed production area aimed to further promote, distribute, and supply adlay grits and seeds to interested adlay farmers in the region this year.

This was reported by DA-Northern Mindanao Research Division chief Lorena Duna and adlay project in-charge Nilo Panugaling to DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) director Junel B. Soriano during the latter’s visit on 11 October 2023.

Adlay varieties available in the seed production include Ginampay, Gulian, Kiboa, Tapol (glutinous) and dwarf. Planted in June 2023, Gulian, Ginampay, and Tapol varieties will be harvested in November while Kiboa in October. NMACLRC is planning to expand their adlay seed production due to increasing demand for adlay grits and adlay seeds. 

According to NMACLRC, farmers preferred the adlay  dwarf variety due to its shorter months of maturity (4-5 months) versus the 6-8 months maturity of other varieties.  Also, the dwarf variety has 1-1.5 meters height  versus the other varieties with 3- 4 m height that results in lodging problems. NMACLRC sells adlay seeds at PhP 200.00/kg and milled adlay grits at PhP 180.00/kg.

To improve the region’s adlay varieties, director Soriano suggested acquiring improved adlay lines from Philippine Rice Research Institute for on-farm trials.

In 2010, DA-BAR crafted and supported a research for development program to explore the potential of adlay. As of March 2023, the bureau supported a total of 61 projects that covered adaptability yield trials across specific locations; varietal improvement; food product enhancement; seed production and expansion; development of processing and postharvest technologies; marketing study; and commercialization implemented by different research development institutes. 

DA-Northern Mindanao, in particular, has established seed production areas in different municipalities in Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. Various adlay value-added products, such as wine, breakfast cereal, arrozcaldo, puto, cutchinta, espasol, adlay crunchy bar, and beauty soap were also developed. The regional office also established partnership with Hineleban Foundation based in Malaybalay, Bukidnon in marketing and distribution of adlay grains. (### Ma. Eloisa H. Aquino)