DILIMAN, Quezon City—Correct practices in land preparation, cultural management, use of fertilizer, and weed management are key to an abundant harvest of yellow corn, according to a long-time farmer and entrepreneur from Tigaon, Camarines Sur.
In a radio interview, R2C Agri Farm owner Engr. Raul Carreras shared the accuracy and thoroughness that he observes when growing corn in their 50-hectare farm.
“I am very meticulous when it comes to planting corn. From land preparation, soil analysis, fertilizer application, and weeding—I supervise it all to make sure that we can keep the mortality rate low and hit our target harvest of 10 tons,” he explained.
The two-time Regional Gawad Saka Outstanding Corn Farmer and Magsasaka Siyentista uses most of his harvest as feeds for the 25,000 heads of chicken that they grow in their farm. The rest of the harvest are sold to other poultry farmers, hog raisers, and feed millers in their area.
“I encourage others to invest in corn because there is demand for it. They just need to make sure that they do the right thing, that they adopt the proper technology, and that they are focused on the work being done on the farm,” he said.
According to Carreras, his corn production venture started in 1985 when his wife urged him to go into farming instead of working overseas. At present, he also grows sugarcane, papaya, pomelo, jack fruit, and other fruit-bearing trees.
Carreras shared his story and practices on the Agricultural Training Institute’s “Agri Asenso” program on DZRH last October 14. The full episode can be watched via www.facebook.com/ATIinteractive/videos/1014018763240833.
