Corn cluster doubles income of Bicol co-ops

Barangay Maymatan in Goa, Bicol, is one of the barangays that comprises the corn cluster. They are organized and registered as Maymatan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMC). With a total 141 members and assets of P3.4 million the cooperative is in operation for 11 years now.

Palay trading or rice retailing it used to engage into. Four years ago, the coop has ventured into corn production which the members found more viable and profitable. Two years ago, they planted a total 430.5 hectares (ha) to hybrid corn and three hectares to open pollinated variety (OPV).

The members obtained the highest yield of 6.7 metric tons per hectare from hybrid corn production despite the moderate occurrence of El Niño in the region. They earned a net profit ranging from P16,000 to P17,000. In comparison, the average production in the non-cluster areas was only 4.8 metric tons per hectare.

Aside from shifting to hybrid corn, farmers within the cluster followed the nine-step production technology under the local technicians. They used a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers including foliar fertilizers and practiced zero tillage and integrated pest management.

Maymatan obtained a corn sheller and a tractor through a loan from the Department of Agriculture in1999 and 2001. These loans are payable after five years at zero interest. In 2000, they were able to avail a loan for the construction of a drying pavement from DA as well.

The coop, through the assistance of the DA, was able to establish a market tie-up with B-Meg of San Miguel Corporation. A total 400 tons of hybrid corn were bought by B-Meg at P7,60 per kilo in April 2003

Production loans amounting to P402,000 and over P2million were obtained from Feshan Philippines during the 2002 wet season cropping. To date, a total of six hectares are self-financed by four of its farmer-members.

The most urgent need of the coop right now is a warehouse where corn grains could be stored while waiting for a better price. At present, the coop is awaiting the approval of their project proposal for funding assistance from the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF), The negotiation between Maymatan Coop and MAGCO Inc, to pilot a financial scheme on a lease to own a mechanical dryer worth P2million. MAGCO also offers a trading capital worth the same amount.

The TLC meat processing plant, inaugurated on August 8, 2003 is an additional boost to the corn industry by feedmillers now that the plant has become fully operational.

At present some members even plan to go into backyard hog raising which is another economic activity worth venturing into.

Now, more than ever, the farmers in the barangay have learned to appreciate the value of grouping together as this enabled them to avail of bulk-buying and bulk-selling arrangements which subsequently increased their group’s capital build-up and enhance their bargaining power.