We’ve Shown The Way! Hardships Of Pioneering Farming Finally Pays Off

Leading the way in introducing non-traditional crops in Mindanao, like Soybeans, Sorghum, Garlic and Onion, is daunting and sometimes frustrating.
Yesterday, however, seeing the enthusiastic response of farmers to the first Forum on Sorghum, Soybeans and Tilapia Farming in Kidapawan City, it felt like all the pains and heartaches were gone.
Some 200 farmers, a few coming from far places outside of Cotabato Province, filled the Convention Center of the Kidapawan City Pilot School and later trooped to my farm to see the first ever Multi-Species Hatchery in the province.
At the end of the activity, they came forward to either make reservations for the fingerlings of our first Tilapia Hybrid which was introduced yesterday, SAAVI PML71-A, or submit their names for inclusion in the Sorghum, Soybeans, Garlic and Onion Project.
Looking back at how and where we started, I felt a great fulfillment that at long last, Cotabato farmers are embracing the new crops that we introduced.
It is not easy to convince farmers to embrace new crops and new technology and I learned this through experience.
With the reality that most farmers do not have the finances to embark on risky endeavors, their reluctance to adopt new crops and technology is understandable.
When provided a model of success, however, they would eagerly join, especially if the critical issue of marketing is addressed.
Now, the ball is in the court of our government, especially the Department of Agriculture, to support these endeavors by providing farmers with the needed seeds, farm inputs and even post harvest facilities.
In the case of the Multi-Species Hatchery, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, could provide support in the expansion of the facility so that the breeding of other species could be started.
We have shown the way, thanks to the Southseas Agri-Aqua Ventures, Inc. for initiating the Sorghum and the Multi-Species Hatchery Projects, and Vetmate Farma Corp. for pushing Soybeans, Garlic and Onion Farming.
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!
#GovernanceIsCommonSense!