By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY —  Rice farmers in Caraga expect to increase their productivity and get higher income opportunities with the turnover of the region’s first modern Rice Processing System II (RPS II).

The RPS II, valued at P61.8 million, is equipped with the latest technology designed to optimize rice drying and milling, resulting in higher efficiency, reduced postharvest losses and improved rice quality. The facility features a multi-stage rice mill with a processing capacity of two to three tons per hour, two 12-ton-per-batch recirculating dryers, a mist polisher, a length grader, a color sorter, an automatic rice packing machine and an air-conditioned control room. With these advancements, local rice farmers can now produce high-quality rice that meets national and international standards.

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) handed over the rice processing system to the Sto. Niño Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Butuan City, marking a significant milestone in the government’s drive for agricultural modernization and food security.

With 211 members managing 511.5 hectares of rice fields, the Sto. Niño MPC will see a significant boost in their milling and drying capacities. General Manager Antonio Cabrera highlighted that the cooperative currently produces an average of 15,000 bags of rice per cropping season. With the integration of RPS II, they aim to increase their output to 20,000 up to 25,000 bags per cropping cycle, ensuring better profitability for farmers.

“This facility will greatly improve our rice production efficiency. With modernized drying and milling, we can reduce postharvest losses, improve grain quality and command better market prices. This means more income for our farmers and greater food security for the region,” Cabrera said.

Aside from increasing production, the system will also cut processing time and operational costs, allowing farmers to reinvest their earnings into expanding their farms and adopting more sustainable agricultural practices. The facility’s improved efficiency ensures locally produced rice remains competitive with imports, protecting farmers from fluctuating market prices.

DA Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen emphasized that farm mechanization is key to increasing productivity and ensuring food sufficiency. 

“Through initiatives like the RPS II, we are equipping our farmers with the technology they need to compete in the modern agricultural landscape. This system will ease farm labor, lower production costs and improve the overall quality of rice in Caraga,” Mangelen said.

PhilMech Director Joel Dator assured farmers the machines are of premium quality and, with proper management, will provide long-term benefits to the cooperative and its members.

The project was made possible through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund’s (RCEF) Mechanization Program, which provides high-quality postharvest facilities to qualified Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs). The Butuan City government, through its City Agriculture and Veterinary Department, also played a vital role in facilitating the project.

With this development, farmers in Butuan City and neighboring areas can look forward to improved livelihood, better postharvest management and enhanced rice production that will contribute to the long-term goal of agricultural sustainability and food security in the region.  (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Published Date: March 13, 2025