Mangi Maxi: Leading the Income Addition Pathway of Corn Open Pollinated Varieties

Abstract

This technology commercialization project was implemented with the end goal of improving the value of white corn grits and increasing its local consumption in Region 02. The project paved the way for a DTI-IPO registered food products out of white and pigmented Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) which was developed and registered as Mangi MAXI brand with products namely: Cafe Bagga, Cracknic, Kornbi, Rice-Corn Mix, and White Corn Grits. Two partner organizations in Isabela that process OPV white corn products—the Sta. Maria Green Ladies Organization and Cabisera 18 Farmers Cooperative were capacitated through training on sound production and processing practices of corn products, proper packaging and labelling, and financial and production management systems. Furthermore, beneficiaries were granted equipment for processing of Mangi MAXI products. The development of Mangi MAXI products has increased the value of white corn through product transformation, increasing the farmers’ net income from P14,378.00 to P47,647.00 for white flint, and P48,506.00 to P104,998.00 for glutinous corn. Technology commercialization undertaking through value addition is a good strategy to be duplicated by other sectors who wanted to improve further the profitability of other commodities, however, availability of raw materials should be looked into to address sustainability.