by Larry T. Lopez

 

 

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Kalinga Apayao State College (KASC) is luring farmers in the province to venture in soybean production assuring there is ready market for the product. 

Under its president, Eduardo T. Bagtang, KASC has existing tie-up with Korean-based Dagam Corp that offers potential market for soya beans. 

Under the project, Dagam Corp has provided KASC Research Department with soy bean mother seeds for its experimental farming. 

Based on its study findings, the research people found out that the Korean soy bean could be harvested in 45 days, compared to Kalinga’s traditional farm products like rice, corn and coffee, which are harvestable after longer periods. 

Bagtang said KASC is about to complete the year-round farming cycle to test the production levels of the variety with the various climatic conditions of Kalinga. Initial results showed that the Korean soy bean thrives best during cool periods with relatively higher water requirement. 

Under the tie-up, Dagam Corp requires a monthly supply quota of 30 tons from the province. 

Seeing there is promising income in the offer, Bagtang is tapping Kalinga rice and corn farmers to open a new industry on soy beans. 

Elaborating on the industry’s capability to give earlier return-of-investment, Bagtang said farmers can earn every 45 days year round from this agri-product.

(JDP/LL- PIA CAR, Kalinga)