THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday that it is set to complete 380 mechanical drying systems aimed at expanding the country’s post-harvest drying facilities by the start of the 2027 wet season.

It said 230 palay (unmilled rice) drying units are expected to be operational by the end of 2026, while 150 units will be assembled next year.

Joel V. Dator, deputy director of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, said two units are fully operational in Nueva Ecija.

Christopher V. Morales, DA undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, said the project will increase  effective rice output by reducing post-harvest losses, improving milling recovery, and allowing farmers to sell properly dried palay.

Mr. Morales also said the dryer network could generate an estimated P3 billion in additional net income per cropping season for farmers, as well as an average P3 per kilogram price premium for properly dried palay over wet palay.

He added that the drying facilities will also help farmers achieve estimated additional gains of about P12,600 per hectare for every cropping season.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. described the program as one of the biggest investments in post-harvest infrastructure by the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza