Farm Inputs Loaning! MAFAR-BARMM Joins Sorghum, Soybeans Development Program

A loaning program for farm inputs in the production of Sorghum and Soybeans will be implemented by he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrariian Reform (MAFAR).
MAFAR Minister Mohammad Yacob in an informal meeting with me last night welcomed the introduction of both Sorghum and Soybeans in the region and committed equipment and farm inputs support for BARMM farmers who will join the program.
He said Sorghum and Soybeans production could contribute greatly to the Food Security Program of the BARMM which hopes to develop a Cattle, Goat, Sheep and Poultry Program.
In an agreement which has to be covered by an official document, we both agreed yesterday that for the Sorghum Program, our young company, Southseas Agri-Aqua Ventures Inc. (SAAVI) headed by former Senator Ping Lacson will provide the seeds, technical support and a marketing agreement through a buy-back scheme.
MAFAR-BARMM will provide the equipment like tractors and farm inputs including fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides to farmers under a loaning program payable upon harvest.
This will be the same scheme which would cover the Soybeans Program where Vetmate Farma Corp. will provide the seeds and the technical support.
The Sorghum and Soybeans Program will be launched in.North and South Upi, Maguindanao del Norte where we had conducted an orientation for farmers.
Orientation Programs for both crops will also be conducted in the different municipalities under the BARMM to introduce the new crops to the Bangsamoro farmers.
Land preparation and planting will start in North and South Upi as soon as the rains come while farmers in other towns will undergo orientation and training.
The five provinces of the BARMM with an estimated land area of 3.5-million hectares include Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Basilan, Sulu and Tawitawi.
#LastPeaceStartsInTheStomach!
(Photos show Sorghum and Soybeans grown in Cotabato Province and MAFAR Minister Yacob in our informal meeting in Davao City last night. Argie Leparto, MinDA)