MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) culminated its Allium Derby with a Harvest Festival and Farmers Forum on December 20, 2024, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC). The event aligns with DA-10’s goal of boosting local onion production in Northern Mindanao by identifying varieties well-suited for the region’s conditions.
Kersten S. Pagalan, focal person for DA-10’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), emphasized the event’s significance in showcasing onion’s potential for large-scale cultivation. “Through this derby, we aim to determine the most suitable onion varieties for our local environment and promote their adoption among farmers,” Pagalan said.
The Allium Derby featured the participation of four private seed companies, which planted both red and white onion varieties in a 700-square meter demonstration farm within the NMACLRC. The trial results were shared with attendees, providing valuable insights into innovative onion production technologies tailored to the region.
Around 100 local farmers attended the forum, which served as an educational platform for improving onion farming practices. The activity, jointly organized by DA-10’s HVCDP and Research Division in partnership with private seed companies, underscores the agency’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods in Northern Mindanao.