Corn farmers in Camarines Sur are now looking forward to using a recently turned over post-harvest facility worth almost PHP3 million that will help reduce their post-harvest losses as a result of erratic weather conditions that caused spoilage of their produce.

Geniesis Campos, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-5 (Bicol) acting regional information officer, said the Palestina People’s Multi-Purpose Association (PPMA), a DAR-assisted farmers organization, received a unit of recirculating mechanical dryer (RMD) with furnace and accessories under the Department of Agriculture On-Farm Mechanization Program.

“The PPMA with 120 members from Barangay Palestina, Pili, Camarines Sur is one of the top producers of corn in the province. They often find it difficult to dry their harvested commodity due to the unexpected weather conditions in the Bicol region, leading to potential losses in both the quality and quantity of their corn,” she said in an interview on Monday.

Campos said the measure further pushes President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s campaign to step up efforts to mechanize farming and support Filipino farmers.

“The RMD comes as a solution to a common challenge the corn farmers face. The mechanical dryer will allow the ARBO to dry its harvested corn quickly and efficiently, regardless of weather conditions,” she said.

Campos said the post-harvest facility would benefit not only the association’s members but also farmers from the adjacent barangay, ultimately boosting the production of corn in the area.

The DAR and DA are committed to realizing the present administration’s mission of uplifting the lives of Filipino farmers, as both agencies believe that they are a key part of the country’s agricultural sector. (PNA)