Pampanga farmer Melchor Sandoval is planting “Sweet Gold” hybrid watermelon seeds from Bayer’s Seminis brand, which are processed in Thailand and designed to resist pests, diseases, and extreme weather.
The seeds help farmers like Sandoval produce high-quality crops that meet market demand, allowing them to earn more from both retail chains and local markets.
Bayer recently opened a P574-million vegetable seed facility in Khon Kaen, Thailand, serving key Asian markets, and officials said the Philippines could see a similar hub in the future.
The push for hybrid seeds comes amid challenges for local farmers, including climate volatility, shrinking arable land, and losses from events like Super Typhoon Uwan.
Sandoval says these resilient seeds allow him to continue his family’s farming legacy while supporting the growing demand for vegetables in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 6, 2026
THAILAND’S HYBRID CROP VARIETIES INTRODUCED IN PAMPANGA
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