The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking into establishing a network of solar-powered ice plants across the country to minimize spoilage and post-harvest losses in agricultural and fishery products.

In a statement on Saturday, March 1, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said this initiative is part of the agency’s vow to improve food supply efficiency while increasing necessary support for farmers and fisherfolk.

“By introducing ice early in the supply chain—from farm to storage, or even directly to market—we can extend the shelf life of produce,” said Laurel.

The DA chief noted that the spoilage rate of high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, as well as fishery products and livestock, is between 35 percent and 40 percent.

By introducing more ice plants, these crops can preserve their freshness and overall value, which is vital in generating a more substantial profit.

As part of the government’s ongoing drive to reduce carbon commissions, the DA wants these proposed ice plants to be powered by renewable energy sources like solar and battery systems.

Ideally, each plant should have a daily production capacity of around 10 metric tons (MT) of ice.

Laurel said the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), both agencies under the DA, could provide the funding for these ice plants.

Apart from reducing spoilage, he said having these facilities could further expand the market reach of local farmers and fisherfolk.

“Currently, many farmers are limited to selling locally, but with the added benefit of ice, they could potentially extend their market reach across the archipelago,” Laurel stressed.

Moreover, these ice plants can easily be integrated with existing infrastructure such as food terminals and digital tracking systems to strengthen the logistics of goods in the country.

The Agriculture Secretary said improving the management and distribution of day-to-day commodities would ensure better prices for consumers.

Two weeks ago, the DA’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) inaugurated a ₱3.9 million solar-powered ice block machine in the coastal town of Pilar, Cebu.

The machine was designed to provide a sustainable and cost-efficient ice supply for preserving the town’s fish products and other perishable goods.