The Department of Agriculture launched two newly registered high-yielding corn varieties to boost the country's corn production and increase farmers' livelihoods.

These corn varieties are the CVRC Glut 21-16, commonly called Deko Glutfrom, from the DA Cagayan Valley Research Center, and Tupi 1 WIT, also referred to as South Cotabato Improved Tiniguib, developed by DA SOCCSKSARGEN. Both were developed under the department's Corn Germplasm Utilization through Advanced Research and Development Program.

According to a Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) press release, the features a robust husk cover that provides resistance to pests and diseases. It also boasts an average yield of 5.99 metric tons per hectare in Luzon and 4.35 mt/ha in Mindanao.

On the other hand, the South Cotabato Improved Tiniguib features a shelling recovery rate of 79% and exhibits an average grain yield of 5.15 mt/ha.

The launch was made through DA's regional field offices, BAR, the Bureau of Plant Industry, National Corn Program, in collaboration with the UP Los Baños Institute of Plant Breeding.

"In line with the goals and activities of CGUARD, the capacities of DA regional offices' researchers regarding varietal improvement and development utilizing modern tools of science were developed, practiced, and improved," Assistant Secretary for Policy Research and Development Noel Padre said.

The Deko Glutfrom was distributed on 5 December 2023 to corn farmers in Luzon and Mindanao. Meanwhile, South Cotabato Improved Tiniguib was distributed only to farmers in Mindanao.