Addressing food and nutrition security through promotion, production and distribution of IPB Var 6 corn grits and seeds
2018
Sachez, M.A.B. | Salazar, A.M. | Matanguihan, L.G. | Rodriguez, F.M. | Geronimo, B.C. | Purificacion, M.V. | Gabatin, A.L.G. | Labe, C.V. | Manguiat, P.H. | Beltran, A.K.M. | Dumandan, M.J.C. | Sazon, L.A.R. | Abagat, R.F.D. | Laude, T.P. | Pua, L.B. | Beltran, M.M. | Cia, B.S.
IPB Var 6 is a white-flint open pollinated variety. It is a quality protein maize (QPM) that is high yielding and high in lysine, with 66.2% higher lysine content than normal corn. Utilization of this variety as food staple complementary to rice could address food and nutrition security of the country. However, nationwide adaption of this technology is being hindered by peoples perception that it is food for the poor. Hence, promoting the nutritional attributes of this QPM variety is necessary to enhance its adoption. Availability of quality white corn grits should also be sustained therefore seeds as planting materials should be available in order to sustain higher corn production. Since the variety had been approved by the National Seed Industry Council in 2008, more than 45,000 bags of IPB Var 6 had been produced and distributed to different Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Units, Local Government Units and local and international Non-Government Organizations. These agencies subsequently distribute the seeds to corn farmers nationwide. Farmers corn grain harvests are being milled to produce corn grits using the portable corn mill. Different print, audio and video materials had been developed to promote the nutritional attributes of the variety. Cooking demonstration using different food preparations aside from the rice-corn blend are conducted in different provinces as well. Feeding program at BN Calara and Bambang Elementary School in Los Baños, Laguna had been supplied by this product. Result showed that higher weight gain was observed in children fed with rice-corn blend compared to rice alone. All these efforts will hopefully contribute to the government's rice self-sufficiency program by decreasing rice consumption while increasing corn grits utilization. And with the recent launching of DA Rice-Corn Blend Program, these initiatives can help address food and nutrition security of the country.
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