Corn is the second most important crop in the country next to rice.

        About 20% of the country’s population uses white corn as main staple. It also constitutes about 50% of the feeds for the local livestock and poultry industries. But about 12.7% are wasted due to post harvest losses and aflatoxin.

        To address this problem the Department of Agriculture under its GMA Corn program conducted the training on the prevention and control of aflatoxin and postharvest strategies in corn.

        According to Eduardo Lomerio the OIC Chief of the Operations Division of DA and also the regional GMA corn coordinator the training is very timely since the region is increasing its production target for corn this year.

        It is important that farmers must be aware on the effects of aflatoxin since contaminated food crop will be downgraded to feed grade thus lowering its price.

        Moreover, animals fed with contaminated feeds may suffer mycotoxicosis that will lead to reduced yields or death of livestock and poultry.

        Consumption of contaminated food may also lead to impaired health for human.

        Lomerio added that one major component in the corn program is post harvest. The availability of efficient and effective postharvest technologies and equipment has a great impact on production.

        Agriculture OIC RED Jose V. Dayao said that based on a study conducted by BPHRE corn produced in the region registered a high percentage of aflatoxin contamination. It is important that farmers and technicians be knowledgeable of the different methods in preventing and controlling aflatoxin.

        Dayao added that corn industry in the region is getting added boost since more farmers are now planting corn. But he urged the technicians to ensure that corn produced must be safe both for human and animal consumption.

        He commended the Bureau of Agriculture and Food Products Standards (BAFPS) and the Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division for conducting the series of trainings for technicians just to ensure food and feed safety.

        Assistant National Corn Program Coordinator Gary Rubio said that good crop management from planting to harvesting must be practiced by farmers since corn plants subjected to stress conditions in the field are prone to infection and aflatoxin contamination.

        He also added that corn ear must be harvested at the right maturity and appropriate post harvest equipment should be used. Farmers must not mix badly damaged and moldy grains with quality grains. He emphasized that good hygiene and sanitation in storage warehouses should be strictly observed.

        Other topics discussed in the training include: Etiology of Aflatoxin in Corn; Status of Aflatoxin in Corn; Prevention and Control of Aflatoxin; Animal Health Implication of Aflatoxin; Human Health Implication of Aflatoxin; Physical Corn Analysis (Grade Classification and Standards); Methods of Chemical Analysis and Post Harvest Strategies for Corn. (Mabelle R.Ilan DA 5)