The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region IX has extended technical aid worth P685,000 to rice farmers in Zamboanga del Sur.
The DOST-IX reported that a rice harvester amounting to ₱685,000 was turned over to members of the Mabuting Pangkabuhayan Association during a simple handover ceremony.
The purchase of the harvester is part of the agency's “Roll-out of Science, Technology and Innovation of Locally Developed Combine Rice Harvester to Enhance Rice Farm Productivity” project.
"The use of the harvester aims to address problems such as labor shortage, harvest schedule delays, and low farmer revenue. Through the mechanization of their operations, the farmers will speed up the processing time and greatly improve produce quality,” it said in a statement.
The association members led by President Bobby D. Dillera, and Provincial S&T Center in Zamboanga del Sur (PSTC-ZDS) personnel, headed by Provincial S&T Director Engr. Gerardo F. Parot were present during the handover ceremony.
"Before the mechanization, farmers would only harvest from a minimum of one hectare per day, gaining ₱5,000, but with the introduction of the technology, the farmers are expected to handle two to three hectares a day that will give them earnings of between ₱10,000 to ₱15,000," the DOST-IX said.
Present during the handover ceremony were the association members, led by President Bobby D. Dillera, and PSTC-ZDS personnel, headed by Provincial S&T Director Engr. Gerardo F. Parot.
The acquisition of the harvester was made possible through the agency’s local Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program.
"The GIA program provides grants for the implementation of programs and/or projects identified in the current DOST priorities and thrusts and supports S&T activities classified in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). It is designed to contribute to productivity and improve the quality of life of Filipinos by generating and promoting appropriate technologies,” the DOST IX said.
"It also intends to strengthen the participation of various S&T sectors particularly in research and development (R&D), promotion, technology transfer and utilization, human resource development, information dissemination, advocacy, and linkages,” it added.