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THE Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) is championing the use of mechanical rice threshers to make rice harvesting faster, more efficient, and more profitable for Filipino farmers.

PhilMech Project Assistant John Jayson Cabrera said mechanical rice threshers are a game-changer for the country’s rice industry, significantly reducing labor costs and postharvest losses while increasing productivity in rice farms.

“If we do it the traditional way, it actually takes a long time since it is done manually. For a one-hectare field, you would need around 10 to 50 workers, and it could take two to three days depending on the season,’’ he said.

Traditionally, rice harvesting is a labor-intensive process that requires a large number of workers, taking several days to complete.

However, with the mechanical rice thresher, farmers can harvest palay (unmilled rice) from one to two hectares of land per day, saving time and effort.

“This is especially crucial during unfavorable weather conditions, such as impending typhoons, when timely harvesting is essential,” Cabrera said.

He added that a mechanical rice thresher reduces the labor requirement, needing only around 5 people to operate, compared to the 10 to 50 workers required for manual harvesting.

“This allows farmers to finish faster and focus on other tasks, increasing their overall productivity,” he said.

Another significant advantage of using a mechanical rice thresher is it results in the production of cleaner grains, enabling farmers to seek better prices for their harvest.

“Buyers and traders tend to lower prices if the grains are dirty, so cleaner palay means better prices and higher income for our farmers,” Cabrera explained.

To ensure the efficient use of mechanical rice threshers, Cabrera said farmers must avoid overfeeding the machine, and ensuring palay is dry before use. Also, regular cleaning of the thresher is required to maintain its efficiency.

PhilMech’s Technology Management and Training Division offers training courses on operating and maintaining agricultural equipment, including the mechanical rice thresher.

Cabrera is encouraging farmers to send a request letter to the PhilMech director to participate in the program and gain practical knowledge.

The adoption of mechanical rice threshers is a significant step toward modernizing Philippine agriculture, empowering farmers, and enhancing their livelihoods.

PhilMech said that by investing in training and equipment, farmers can improve their productivity, income, and overall well-being.

As Cabrera emphasized, “The time and effort farmers invest in attending these training sessions will not only enhance their skills but also help improve their livelihood and community.”

With continued support and promotion of mechanical rice threshers, PhilMech said the country’s rice industry is poised for sustainable growth.

Source : msn