by Gigi Dumallig

TABUK, Kalinga, March 29 – Glutinous corn is being considered as a possible substitute for rice, hence government is advocating for its production especially in rice-producing areas like Kalinga.

 Assistant Provincial agriculturist Julie Aclam said that since planting glutinous rice demands lesser water, propagation of said staple food is being prioritized in areas with idle lands where water supply could not sustain the production of rice.
  
 This endeavor, she said, is part of the Agri-Pinoy food program under the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala whom she said is unrelenting in this campaign to develop all possible idle land areas in the country into agricultural areas for the production of other staple crops aside from rice.

 As substitute, corn, she said, could help augment and lessen the demand for rice.

 Aclam said that planting crops that demand lesser water supply like corn and root crops would not only encourage the cultivation of idle lands but would turn these into food producing areas.

Towards this endeavor, the Department of Agriculture, according to Aclam has recently distributed some 109 bags of registered glutinous corn for distribution and planting this coming May in the province.

Tabuk, Rizal, and Pinukpuk received 20 bags each, while Tanudan, Balbalan, Lubuagan and Pasil were allotted 10 bags each. Tinglayan received nine bags. Distribution was based on the available planting areas in the municipality.

Said registered seeds should be planted to generate a seed bank for certified glutinous corn seeds for later planting to produce of the needed supply for human consumption.* (PIA CAR/Kalinga)