P34.1M in postharvest facilities distributed in Kalinga

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) doled out P34.1 million worth of postharvest facilities during the 31st Founding Anniversary and 7th Bodong Agro Fair Festival in Tabuk City, Kalinga, on Friday.

Three units of Drying System I from the RCEF Mechanization Program were given to two farmers’ cooperatives and associations in the province.

Gov. James Edduba of Kalinga, Vice Gov. Dave Odiem, Rep. Caroline Agyao, Undersecretary Roger Navarro of the Department of Agriculture (DA), representing DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., and PhilMech Deputy Director Joel V. Dator, as well as representatives from various national agencies and institutions, were present.

Drying System I is a specific model of an agricultural drying facility used primarily for drying agricultural products such as rice or seaweed in the Philippines. It was developed and installed in cooperation with PhilMech.

The Drying System I is designed to improve post-harvest processing and prevent losses due to improper drying methods, such as traditional open sun drying.