DCIA of Maramag, Bukidnon receives the P2.7-M recirculating dryer from DA-10. 

 

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) formally turned over 1 unit of rice recirculating dryer to Dagumbaan Communal Irrigators Association (DCIA) on February 27, in this town.

Funded under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program for LGUs and Cooperatives, the P2.7 million recirculating dryer will benefit the DCIA members who collectively till 429 hectares of rice area.

“This dryer will be very useful for us during the rainy season. When our palay are not properly dried, the quality will deteriorate and no buyer will be interested in buying them” said Romar A. Ramos, DCIA President.

For the sustained operation of the project, Ramos disclosed their association will allocate funds from its collections and earnings for the maintenance of the facility.

With a 6.2 ton capacity and 8 hours drying lead time, the recirculating dryer will help the rice farmers to minimize post-harvest losses by mechanically drying their palay as opposed to sun drying, thus enabling the farmers to optimize their farm earnings.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the grant of such a project is in line with the DA’s goal of modernizing the region’s agriculture industry to boost agricultural production.

The DCIA has previously received 1 unit of farm tractor and 1 unit of rice combine harvester from DA-10.

The association was also granted another set of 1 unit farm tractors and 1 unit rice combine harvester along with a composting facility by the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech).

In their effort, the DCIA has also acquired one combined harvester to cater to the growing needs of its members.

DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center Chief, Dr. Janet D. Lopez and Maramag Municipal Agriculturist Armand S. dela Cruz in their message stressed the need for the farmers to inculcate responsive and appreciative attitude while embracing modern agricultural technologies to elevate their livelihood.

Representatives of the DA- National Irrigation Administration (DA-NIA), PhilMech and Philippine Crops Insurance Corporation (PCIC) also graced the Turnover Ceremony which was simultaneously held with the DCIA’s General Assembly.

Apart from the DCIA, other eligible farmers’ associations in Malaybalay City, Valencia City, Kitaotao, Sumilao and Kalilangan, in Bukidnon province; and Lagonglong town in Misamis Oriental also receive rice recirculating dryer from the DA-10.# (ATT)