BANGUED, Abra- The national government is concerned with the growing number of diabetic patients and has taken decisive action to prevent the increasing number of diabetes incidence in the country.
The rice-corn blend project is being promoted by the Department of Agriculture to help achieve food-staple sufficiency while providing healthier option than rice especially to diabetic persons since diabetes is often associated with rice consumption.
The rice-corn blend is said to be healthier because corn has lower calories and carbohydrates content compared to rice.
In an interview with Mr. Gerardo Banawa, corn program coordinator of the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Region, he said the DA has started the propagation and mass production of white corn particularly the Flint variety.
Dr. Rosemarie Tesoro, coordinator of the Cordillera Highland Agriculture Resources Management Programme 2, said the Flint variety has the lowest glycemic index that is highly recommended for diabetic patients.
The Flint variety is a lot better and preferred over that of the traditional glutinous variety of white corn that people usually eat. This is attested by the research conducted by the University of the Philippines at Los Baños which showed the various benefits derived from the white corn such as vitamins, minerals and proteins compared to white rice.
She informed they have initiated the planting of Flint variety in CHARMP2 projects sites as well as in other areas. Corn farmers, she said, have already planted Flint variety on 60 hectares in the province, and its marketing is contracted to the Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
Moreover, the rice-corn blend is a project that will address the problem of poverty brought about by the high price of rice. Corn blended with rice in either 70:30 ratio or 60:40 ratio, or even on a 50:50 ratio, reduces rice consumption and consequently, a reduction in a family’s budget for rice.
The project is also seen to boost white corn production with a wider market that would translate to bigger income for the farmers.
The DA-CARFU conducted a taste-test of the rice-corn blend on February 14 for the farmers here to appreciate their own farm produce and for the government agencies to help in promoting said project. **JDP/MTBB – PIA CAR, Abra
