MALASIQUI, Pangasinan—Four farmer groups with 445 members in San Jacinto town, Pangasinan, are benefiting from the 15 Portasol, a multi-purpose hybrid solar drying tray from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), an official said Wednesday.
The Hilltop Organic Farmers League of San Jacinto Inc., Away Labney Lobong Irrigators Association, and Bolo Labney Lobong San Jose Irrigators Association were each given four solar drying trays on August 6, while Awai Upper Hills Farmers Association received three trays.
In an interview, DOST Ilocos Region project technical assistant Christian Dominic Casimiro said the distribution of solar drying trays is under the agency's Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program.
He said the project has a total cost of PHP547,500.
Michael John Maquiling, Pangasinan Provincial Science and Technology Office Supervising Science Research Specialist, said in a statement that Portasol is an aluminum thermal tray system that can be stacked up to ten tiers high, accommodating 150 kilograms of crops per drying cycle.
"This technology is recognized for its ability to prevent pests and enhance storage ventilation, incorporating breathing spaces among the multi-tiered stored grains. This design mitigates the risk of fungal mold, rot, and mildew, ensuring the high quality and marketability of the harvested produce," he said.
The equipment is aimed at helping farmers avoid continuous wasteful drying of rice, among others, every harvest season compared to the traditional way of drying on pavement and roads.
It is also beneficial in effectively drying post-harvest products and enhancing agricultural productivity, specifically in rice and monggo production. (PNA)
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