THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday distributed nearly P64 million worth of farm inputs, machinery and postharvest facilities in Camarines Norte to address gaps in production, storage, processing and mechanization.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., DA Regional Field Office 5 officials and Camarines Norte Gov. Ricarte Padilla led the turnover activities in the municipalities of Vinzons and Labo.
Tiu Laurel said investments in postharvest facilities and mechanization would reduce losses, improve farm efficiency, raise farmers’ incomes, and strengthen the province’s agricultural economy.
In Vinzons, the DA inaugurated a P10.8-million modular cold storage facility for the province’s Queen pineapple industry. The 40-foot facility, powered by solar, wind and diesel energy, will benefit about 1,570 growers.
Tiu Laurel said the temperature-controlled facility would help preserve the Queen pineapple, a variety known for its crisp texture, aromatic sweetness and distinctive reddish margins.
The facility can also store lowland vegetables and other highly perishable crops. It is expected to help farmers maintain product quality, reduce spoilage, and extend the shelf life of their produce.
In Labo, the DA turned over a P10.6-million feed mill, truck and other equipment to the Unlad Magsasaka Mais Sagana Farmers Association. The group also received P2.02 million worth of farm inputs.
Rice farmers in Vinzons and Labo received P23 million worth of hybrid seeds and fertilizers.
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization provided P14.7 million worth of heavy machinery, including four 4-wheel-drive tractors and four rice combine harvesters.
The DA also distributed P450,000 worth of assistance for high-value vegetable production in the two towns.
The Bureau of Soils and Water Management, meanwhile, provided two composting facilities for biodegradable waste and a solar set with a combined value of P2.23 million.
