Mystical Job’s Tears! Adlai Seed Production In Alamada Highlands

Yesterday, I took a quick trip to General Santos City to pick up 25-kilos of Adlai seeds which I intend to propagate in the highlands of Alamada to start a seed production program.
The seeds were given to me by an advocacy group, Arise Mindanao headed by Emmie Nazareth and other members of the group Gen. Dickson Hermoso, Paz David, Binsoy Basilio, Felix Villaceran and Wayne Esparar.
They actually sought my support in introducing Adlai farming in the highlands of Mindanao as part of the Food Security Advocacy that the group advocates.
Adlai, a wild mountain grass which grows in many tribal areas in Mindanao which produces large round grains which could be milled and a good alternative to rice.
Adlai is also known as “Job’s tears” because of its tear-shaped grains which indigenous tribes had long used as a source of food.
Researchers of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) claim that Adlai has anti-tumor and other medical properties.
Right now, Adlai is produced in several mountainous areas of Mindanao, especially in Bukidnon, and it commands a high price.
The only challenges right now are the lack of proper information on Adlai and the absence of adequate post-harvest facilities.
Yesterday., I talked to PhilMech Executive Director Dionisio Alvindia to ask if the agency has milling facilities for Adlai and he said that they are developing an improved version which could be available by the end of 2024.
This, however, does not stop local farmers from adopting Adlai as a new high-value crop which when milled is sold for over P100 per kilo.
What I intend to do now is to establish a seed production farm in the highlands of Alamada so that after 5 to 6 months, farmers in the highlands of North Cotabato would have seeds to plant.
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!