Awareness & Willingness of Sto. Domingo Farmers to Substitute Corn for Rice Production

Abstract

This descriptive research investigated the potential of corn as an alternative to rice production in Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija. A total of three hundred fifty-three (353) registered farmers from three (23) barangays was surveyed using stratified random sampling. The study found that the majority of respondents, owning 1-3 hectares of farmland, indicated a basic awareness of the corn farming process. They believed that corn was easier to grow than rice, offered higher yields, lower production costs, and required less water. Respondents also recognized some health benefits associated with corn, such as its richness in fiber, low cholesterol content, suitability for diabetics, bone health, and digestive benefits. However, during the production stage, respondents found corn farming to be more challenging in terms of pesticide and water management compared to rice. Despite these insights, a significant portion of the respondents expressed reluctance to shift to corn production. This suggests that while there is awareness of the advantages of corn farming, various factors may hinder the transition from rice cultivation. Further research and interventions may be needed to address these barriers and promote corn farming as a viable alternative.