THE Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) showcased with a delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization-Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (FAO-TARI) the country’s advancements in agriculture technology, opening possible cooperation with the African country on agriculture modernization.
From May 5 to 7, PHilMech presented to the FAO-TARI delegates its key accomplishments under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Mechanization Program, including the nationwide distribution of farm machines, capacity-building programs for local government units and farmer cooperatives, and its procurement process for agricultural equipment.
The three-day event was themed “Strengthening Global Ties: A Collaborative Benchmarking Initiative in Mechanization” and focused on sharing strategies to advance mechanization.
It also featured technical presentations and hands-on demonstrations of various equipment such as rice transplanters, combine harvesters, mechanical dryers and PHilMech-generated technologies.
The delegation was hosted from the PhilMech headquarters in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.
“Discussions also highlighted the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law through RCEF, emphasizing PhilMech’s role in providing technical training and supporting mechanization service providers nationwide,” PhilMech said in a statement.
“These efforts have contributed to reduced postharvest losses, improved labor efficiency, and increased farmers’ incomes,” the agency added.
The FAO-TARI delegates also visited the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilMech) headquarters in Muñoz to observe research and development initiatives in rice production, agriculture equipment companies in Isabela, and rice processing centers Cauayan and Echague, Isabela.
