Crop Production of Northern Mindanao, Philippines: Its contribution to the Regional Economy and Food Security

This paper presents the contribution of primary agricultural crops produced in Northern Mindanao to its economy and food security of people with the situational analysis and insights of the authors. Rice as the staple food of most Filipinos is insufficient in quantity produced. Corn production is more than enough for the total regional demand. White corn is preferred as secondary staple food, however the corn industry emphasizes yellow corn production and the bulk of this goes to raw materials for livestock and poultry feeds. Coconut, sugar, pineapple and bananas significantly contribute to agricultural exports. Coconut is processed before exporting which can offer employment in the rural areas. Sugarcane, pineapple and bananas have created a change in the land use and hence compete with rice and corn. Northern Mindanao is one of the leading producers of tomatoes, carrots and potatoes, yet farmers have encountered deterring factors in attaining potential income from these products. Although Bukidnon province is the top agricultural producer in the region, poverty in the area remains high.