The Philippines Department of Agriculture is pushing for imports of 300,000 metric tons of corn in the face of supply shortages and expects a rapid growth in the local pig and poultry industry.
In a statement, Agriculture Minister Emmanuel Pignol said his department is waiting for Finance Minister Carlos Dominguez to approve the move.
In addition, the minister said that his department also plans to grow corn on an additional 100,000 ha and sorghum on another 100,000 ha this year to support the growth of poultry and pig farming in the country.
The added hectares for corn "will be in addition to what has already been sown by farmers this sowing season, and for sorghum - these are new areas, mainly located on the outlying lands that were largely underutilized, including in the region of indigenous ancestors "Said Pinol.
According to the minister, the program to expand the sown area for corn will increase crop production by 600,000 tons this year, while it is forecasted that sorghum production will produce an additional 400,000 tons.
“Expanding the area for corn, opening another 100,000 ha for sorghum and importing 300,000 tons of corn are part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s preparations for the expected sharp increase in the pig and poultry sector this year,” said Minister Pignol.
