3 BARMM Towns Start Sorghum, Soybeans, Halal Beef Program

The towns of Datu Odin Sinsuat, North Upi and South Upi will be the pilot areas in the Bangsamoro Region for the Integrated Farming System (IFS) which will cover about 4,000 hectares.
The IFS, which was launched in Nuro, Upi town yesterday, involves the planting of Sorghum and Soybeans which will lead to the raising of Cattle for the Halal Beef Program.
This is part of the “Arms To Farms” Program supported by Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. of the Department of Agriculture.
The “Arms to Farms” Program aims to turn former rebel camps into food production zones to provide livelihood and income for former combatants and their families.
Unlike other support programs of government, the “Arms To Farms” Program through the IFS is not a dole-out project.
All interventions will be provided through a 2% Interest Loan provided by the DA’s Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) through conduit Rural Banks which will charge a one-time service fee of 3.5%.
The projects will also be covered by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.
There are also ready buyers for the production with Sorghum assigned to the Southseas Agri-Aqua Ventures, Inc.and Vetmate Farma Corporation for Soybeans.
Halal Beef Production will be supported by the Silage produced from Sorghum stalks and feed mix produced through local materials.
The planting of Sorghum and Soybeans will start September with the Cattle Raising Program to start early 2025.
This will be the first model of Agricultural Projects implemented through low-interest loans, instead of dole-outs.
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