Systematic coordination of on-station and on-farm corn research, development and extension programs in the Philippines

This project aimed to provide an effective coordination mechanism for the efficient implementation of on-station and on-farm research of the DA-RIARCs [Department of Agriculture-Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Centers] and SCUs [state colleges and universities] and utilization of the research results in specific farming agro-environments. Data monitoring forms were developed and provided to RIARCs for systematic data collection and analysis for the on-station and on-farm study in 'Adaptability Yield Trials of OPV in Different Corn-Growing Environments' and 'Expanded Corn Technology Showcase Program'. The former study depicted the interaction between the OPVs and growing environments where it was tested and the latter documented the yield performance of hybrids developed by Private Seed companies and SCUs under farmers' field condition. The data were consolidated, analyzed and put in a spatial map to have a rational summary of varietal performance in different agro-environments. To facilitate information sharing among the concerned DA research agencies and institutions as well as SCUs implementing the Corn RDE programs, they were provided with monitoring forms such as inventory of Corn RDE completed and on-going projects from 1990-2005 (including abstracts of the completed projects/studies), inventory of technologies ready for commercialization, inventory of knowledge products or IEC materials and inventory of Corn RDE researchers. The gathered information was compiled into a publication entitles 'Abstracts of Completed and Highlights of On-going Corn Research, Development and Extension Projects (1990-2005). A pamphlet entitled 'Corn Production System in Paddy Fields' was printed and disseminated to DA regional office and SCUs to serve as guide for the corn stakeholders.