Corn farming continues to thrive in Central Visayas

Local

CORN continues to shape the agricultural landscape of Central Visayas, feeding families, livestock, and local economies across the region.

Data from the Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA 7) show that farmers planted a total of 65,676 hectares of corn in 2024.

The crop, which serves as both a staple food and a key feed component for poultry and livestock industries, remains a priority commodity in the DA's regional plans alongside rice, livestock, vegetables, mango, and ube.

White corn dominated production, covering 63,336 hectares, or 96.4 percent of the total, while yellow corn accounted for only 2,107 hectares, or 3.2 percent, according to DA 7 Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division Officer Elvin Milleza.

Among the provinces in the region, Cebu led with the largest corn area, totaling 49,957 hectares. Bohol followed with 5,886 hectares, while Negros Oriental and Siquijor accounted for the remaining planted areas.

These figures highlight Cebu’s pivotal role in regional corn production and its contribution to overall food security.

Within Cebu, DA 7 has identified four major corn-growing zones. Farmers in South Cebu cultivated 10,948 hectares, representing 16.6 percent of the province’s total corn area.

North Cebu accounted for 10,044 hectares, or 15.3 percent, while Camotes Island contributed 2,415 hectares (3.6 percent), and Bantayan Island produced 1,775 hectares, or 2.7 percent.

These areas have long been recognized as strongholds of corn production in the province, benefiting from both the experience of local farmers and support from government programs.

Several farmer clusters and associations actively manage these zones. Notable groups operate in Daanbantayan, San Remigio, Danao City, Toledo City, Badian, and Poro.

These associations work closely with DA 7 to implement modern farming practices, access high-quality seeds, and ensure that production meets the region’s food and feed requirements.

Milleza also noted that Central Visayas ranked fourth nationwide among regional field offices in corn program implementation in 2024.

This ranking underscores the region’s efficient program management and its role in strengthening the supply of corn both as a staple food and as livestock feed.

Corn’s importance extends beyond nutrition and livestock feed. It supports rural livelihoods, providing income for thousands of farming families across the islands.

Through continuous technical assistance, training, and program support, DA 7 helps farmers maintain productivity and adopt innovations that improve yield and sustainability.

Milleza said the Cebu provincial government’s Sugbo Maisan program has played a key role in boosting yellow corn production and overall corn output in the province.

Launched in Medellin in 2022, the initiative encouraged local farmers to grow yellow corn, a variety with higher market demand.

He added that Sugbo Maisan provided farmers with seeds, fertilizers, technical assistance, and access to facilities such as corn-drying centers, helping them shift to corn cultivation after some local sugar mills closed.(MyTVCebu)