Over 1 Million Farmers Gain Higher Income from Modern Rice Processing Facilities
MANILA – More than one million farmers across the country are now earning higher incomes благодаря modern rice mills and drying facilities provided by the government.
In a report submitted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., a total of 151 rice processing systems (RPS) have been established nationwide under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
Of these, 87 facilities are already operational, while the remaining units are expected to begin operations soon.
Each RPS, composed of a modern rice mill and drying system, enables farmers to earn an additional PHP2 to PHP3 per kilogram of rice, translating to a 3 to 5 percent increase in income.
The facilities have been distributed to farmers’ cooperatives and associations across 40 local government units, helping strengthen local rice production and post-harvest efficiency.
During a recent visit to an RPS site in Nueva Ecija, President Marcos observed firsthand the benefits of the upgraded facilities, noting that value-adding processes such as milling and drying are now retained within cooperatives and directly benefit farmers.
He added that improved conditions in the sector are evident in the positive outlook and better livelihoods of farmers.
The government continues to promote agricultural modernization through the RCEF, which has an annual allocation of PHP9 billion.
In addition to rice mills and dryers, the program also provides farmers with essential machinery such as tractors, tillers, seeders, threshers, and irrigation pumps.
So far, more than 8,000 farmers’ cooperatives have benefited from the initiative, enabling them to better support their members.
By the end of the year, the government plans to establish 370 rice drying facilities and warehouses nationwide to further boost farmers’ productivity and income.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
