Inauguration and Turn-over of State-of-the-Art RCEF Rice Processing System boosts local rice production in the Municipality of Kapalong.

by Nicholas Sam C. Gabito

Fri, Nov 15, 2024 10:00 AM

In a milestone event for the agricultural sector, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Rice Processing System I was inaugurated in Brgy. Katipunan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. This advanced rice processing facility promises to elevate local rice production and enhance the economic sustainability of rice farmers in the municipality of Kapalong and the whole region.The inauguration brought together key figures in agriculture and government, with notable attendees including Senator Cynthia A. Villar--duly represented by Rep. April Baetata, DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., Usec Christopher Morales, Dir. Dionisio G. Alvindia, Ph.D., Governor Edwin I. Jabahib, Mayor Maria Theresa Royo-Timbol, Vice Mayor Edgardo L. Timbol, SB Members, LGU Department Head and Section Chiefs, and other distinguished guests.The RCEF Mechanization Program, overseen by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, aims to improve rice competitiveness by equipping farmers with modern postharvest facilities. With a budget allocation of Php 5 billion annually from 2019 to 2024, the program focuses on lowering production costs, reducing postharvest losses, and adding value through rice processing technologies.The Gabuyan Irrigator's Service Association, Inc., a Farmers' Cooperative and Association (FCA) in the Municipality of Kapalonh, has been selected as the beneficiary of the Rice Processing System I (RPS I) under the RCEF program. This advanced facility, valued at Php 19 million, includes a multi-stage rice mill and two recirculating dryers.The rice mill, equipped with a pre-cleaner, de-stoner, huller, mist polisher, length grader, color sorter, and automated packing systems, can process up to 1.5 tons of rice per hour. Additionally, the two recirculating dryers, each with a six-ton drying capacity, ensure high-quality grain handling while minimizing losses.The Gabuyan Irrigator's Service Association, Inc. consists of 105 rice farmers managing 154 hectares within Kapalong's expansive 2,447-hectare rice-growing area. Alongside RPS I, the association has received various agricultural machineries, including tractors, tillers, and a rice combine harvester, further enhancing their productivity and efficiency.Through strategic partnerships with the National Irrigation Administration, the Agricultural Training Institute, the Department of Agriculture and the local government unit of Kapalong, the association continues to advance agricultural practices in Davao del Norte. Their ongoing endeavors has earned them recognition as an Outstanding Irrigator Association in the province.With the launch of RCEF Rice Processing System I, the local farming community is set to benefit from increased productivity, reduced production costs, and improved economic stability. This facility stands as a proof to the government's efforts to empower farmers--reinforcing the agriculture sector's strides toward food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.

Municipality of Kapalong

Quezon St. Maniki (Poblacion), Kapalong Davao del Norte, 8113

Inauguration and Turn-over of State-of-the-Art RCEF Rice Processing System boosts local rice production in the Municipality of Kapalong.

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Quezon St. Maniki (Poblacion), Kapalong Davao del Norte, 8113

(084) 807 0004

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