Two farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Ilocos Norte would receive equipment worth over PHP130 million for the establishment of Rice Processing System (RPS) facilities under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program.

In a statement Tuesday, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech) said the Piddig Basi Multipurpose Cooperative (PBMPC) and Bacarra Zanjera Irrigators Multipurpose Cooperative (BZIMPC) will be the recipients of equipment that will help farmers in harvesting crops.

This came following Tuesday’s signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the farmer groups and the PHilMech for the establishment of facilities in the towns of Piddig and Bacarra.

Dr. Dionisio Alvindia, PHilMech Director IV, said the facilities under the RPS II include two 12-toner mechanical dryers and a two to three toner state-of-the-art rice mill valued at PHP62 million.

The RPS III includes three 12-toner mechanical dryers and a 4 to 5-toner of state-of-the-art rice mill worth PHP75 million.

A total of 25 FCAs in the province and nearby rice-producing areas are expected to benefit from the project.

“We are committed to assist you in adopting mechanized farming techniques to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production because the farmers are the unrecognized heroes of our nation,” Alvindia said.

The RCEF-RPS project aims to reduce postharvest losses, boost farmers’ income, improve the quality of milled rice, and maximize the use of rice mechanization in the province. (PNA)