Agrarian reform beneficiaries in Pinili, Ilocos Norte are expected to boost their earnings and secure a more stable livelihood through the PHP2 million peanut processing center, inaugurated by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), in partnership with the Pinili local government and the Buanga Agrarian Reform Cooperative (ARC).

DAR said the facility, turned over to the farmer-members of the Dalayap Agrarian Reform Community, was funded under its Village-Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) program.

“This processing center is more than infrastructure — it is a pathway to economic growth for our ARBs,” DAR Regional Director Maria Ana Francisco said as quoted in a news release Tuesday.

“With the right facilities in place, farmers can move beyond raw production, reach bigger markets, and secure better livelihoods for their families.”

The modern processing facility, it said, would directly benefit 142 farmer-members by enabling efficient production of peanut products, such as peanut butter, adobo peanuts and sugar-coated peanuts.

The center improves product quality, reduces post-harvest losses and expands market access, giving farmers the opportunity to earn higher and more consistent incomes.

The department said the project was made possible under a public-private partnership, with PHP1.5 million from the Pinili local government unit, PHP400,000 from DAR and PHP100,000 from Buanga ARC.

Francisco said the collaboration highlights how government and community initiatives can directly improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The VLFED Program, the DAR said, continues to help ARBs and ARCs nationwide build sustainable, community-based enterprises that add value to farm produce, generate higher incomes and strengthen rural economies. (PNA)