The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Bicol is expecting better quality products and increased income among members of two agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in Camarines Sur after these were provided two “portasol” or portable solar dryers.

Ruby Jane Gacer, DAR Camarines Sur 1 agrarian reform program officer, said the units turned over last May 3 could be used to dry various agricultural products such as palay, vegetables and fish, particularly during the rainy season.

“The time they have to wait for their products to dry is shorter compared to when they only did the traditional way. As an ARBO beneficiary, they even need to bring their product to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to dry. Now, they have their own),” she said in Filipino.

Gacer said the beneficiaries were the Banasi Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (BFARC) from Bula, Camarines Sur, and Aliar Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (ALIARCOOP) from San Fernando, Camarines Sur.

“One of the ARBOs we provided with portasol now dries their 10 kilos of cassava for only six hours. Before, they can dry it for more than eight hours. The use of ‘portasol’ not just saves time but also labor for our farmers,” she added.

Gacer said the portable dryers were provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and cost PHP36,500 per unit.

In a statement, Jesus Bergantin, BFARC chairman, thanked the DAR and DOST for the provisions.

Edelito Aborde, ALIARCOOP chair, assured DAR and DOST that they would use the dryer to boost the quality of their produce and vowed to take good care of it. (PNA)