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Flatbed dryer to increase income of Camarines Sur corn farmers

By Connie Calipay

March 1, 2023, 8:18 pm

LEGAZPI CITY – At least 159 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) who are members of the Pag-iribang Nagkakaisang Magsasaka (PNM) in Pili town, Camarines Sur province received on Wednesday a flatbed dryer worth PHP1 million from the Department of Agrarian Reform in Bicol (DAR-5).

In an interview, Geri Buensalida, DAR-Bicol spokesperson, said the farm machinery will enable the farmers, the locals, and nearby villagers to deliver quality corn drying services during the rainy season.

"Like in many areas, local corn producers continue to suffer big losses in income due to the high cost of agricultural inputs required for its cultivation, as well as the lack of farm mechanization. To help reduce these losses, DAR provided farm equipment to corn farmers," Buensalida said.

He noted that Pili town produces a substantial percentage of the corn used in food and cattle feeds, and 450 hectares of agricultural area are mainly devoted to corn production.

Arturo Bismonte, PNM president, thanked the DAR for the new flatbed dryer and promised that the equipment would be properly taken care of.

He also urged members to actively participate in and support all of the organization's operations and future initiatives so that they could continue to benefit from them.

"We are home to the largest ARBs and land granted by DAR in our area, totaling over 100 hectares of arable land. I urge every PNM member not to misuse the assistance and opportunities provided by DAR and other line agencies. Let's manage it well so that they can see that we don't waste their projects," Bismonte said in a statement.

Engr. Renato Bequillo, DAR officer-in-charge in Camarines Sur, reminded the ARBs to keep the farm machinery and tools in good condition.

"Post-harvest technology, such as the flatbed dryer, will boost sales of high-quality corn, hence increasing the farmer’s income," he said.

Bequillo also said there is a continued high demand for corn used for both human and animal feeding. (PNA)

 

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