LANAO DEL SUR – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform recently conducted the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Rice Processing Center with Solar Dryer in Ditsa-an Ramain, Lanao del Sur, on February 9, 2024.
To facilitate faster and more efficient rice processing, the ministry provided the Barlin Farmer Multi-Purpose Cooperative with a Rice Processing Center with Solar Dryer. This facility spans 15m x 20m with a 5m x 3m floor area, along with a 20m x 30m solar dryer.
Director II for Research, Development, and Extension Services, Tong A. Abas, spearheaded the ceremony alongside Engr. Abdulhaq Gayak of Engineering Division, Provincial Chief Agriculturist, Engr. Abdul Gaphar A. Sansarona, Barangay Chairwoman Bailin Bansao.
This initiative marks significant progress towards more efficient, sustainable, and economically beneficial rice processing methods, particularly benefiting Bangsamoro beneficiaries and contributing to the broader Philippine economy.
Director Tong emphasized that the project is nationally funded, bringing added fortune to the beneficiaries, primarily since it is implemented in their municipality where rice production is abundant.
“One of the main purposes of this project is to address the issues the municipality faces. Despite our abundant rice harvests, our products are prone to spoilage due to inadequate facilities,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Chief Agriculturist Sansarona sees this project as a symbol of MAFAR’s success, hoping that it will operationally benefit each member of the Cooperative.
He said that by harnessing solar energy, the center can dry rice more quickly, effectively reducing the risk of spoilage and post-harvest losses, thus benefiting farmers and the economy.
“Napaka swerte po namin dahil maraming matutulongan po nitong project lalo na’t karamihan sa nakatira dito ay mga farmer. Nagpapasalamat po kami sa MAFAR dahil isa kami sa napiling lugar na lagyan ng proyektong ito,” Brgy. Chairwoman Bansao expressed.
With improved infrastructure for rice processing, there is potential for increased income and livelihood opportunities for the community.
