LEYTE — An P18.51-million rice processing facility was inaugurated and formally turned over to the local government unit (LGU) of Pastrana, Leyte, on Oct. 7, 2027, which will help farmers in the area reduce their postharvest losses and process their palay (unmilled rice) more efficiently.
The facility was constructed by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Mechanization Program, which aims to modernize farming and reduce postharvest losses across rice-producing areas.
It has state-of-the-art multistage rice mill and two recirculating dryers.
The mill, valued at P11.69 million, has a capacity of 1.5 tons per hour. It is equipped with a pre-cleaner, de-stoner, huller, mist polisher, length grader, color sorter, blending tank, automatic packing machine for milled rice, rice hull bin, and dust collection system. The design allows for cleaner, more uniform milling, and more efficient handling of by-products.
The two recirculating dryers, with a combined worth of P6.82 million, have a capacity of six tons per batch each. Made of stainless steel, the units are fitted with dual heating systems, a generator set, and other accessories, enabling continuous drying even in areas with unstable power supply.
Pastrana was selected as recipient based on its focus on rice production. The municipality has a total of 1,757 hectares of rice fields cultivated by 1,282 farmers who are the direct beneficiaries of the facility.
Under the RCEF-Mechanization Program, qualified LGUs and farmers' cooperatives and associations are provided with agricultural equipment and postharvest facilities to help increase their rice production, and reduce their postharvest losses.
The Pastrana LGU will manage the facility in coordination with local farmers' groups, ensuring access and scheduling for drying and milling services.
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