Developing a Rainfall-Based Index for Corn Crop Insurance in Isabela, Philippines

Abstract

Corn, also known as maize, is one of the most important agricultural products produced by countries worldwide. Production of this crop is highly affected by climate change, especially if the water demand is not reach. With this, a rainfall-based index for crop insurance is an instrument to help farmers lower their risks in planting. The main objective of this study was to develop a rainfall-based index for corn crop insurance. Specifically, this study identified the threshold values for the index and estimated the probability of corn crop failure in the province of Isabela, Philippines. This study utilized Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test, Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Test, and Anderson-Darling Goodness of Fit Test to determine the probability distribution that best fits the data through Easyfit software and StatAssist, a built-in software in Easyfit to evaluate the probability of corn crop failure. The probability of crop failure for each stage of corn growth was obtained and based from the results, low-risk planting periods were found be: May to November for early crop growth stage, April and June to September for rapid crop growth stage, May to August for reproductive stage, and April to July for maturity stage. High-risk planting periods were found to be: January to March for early crop growth stage, January to March, May, November and December for rapid crop growth stage, January, February and October to December for the reproductive stage, and January, September to December for maturity stage.