DAR, DOST gives portable dryers to 3 farmers’ cooperatives in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY – Farmers belonging to three (3) Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) here can now dry their grains easier and faster after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) distributed portable solar (Portasol) dryers.

DAR-Albay Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Patricia Rastrullo said one of the goals of Secretary Conrado Estrella III is to help boost the livelihood activities of the farmers and ARBs nationwide in partnership with other government agencies.

“The DAR assists ARBOs to get equipment like these from other government agencies. We in the government extend assistance through programs and projects that we can implement to help each other’s clients and stakeholders,” Rastrullo said.

The multipurpose solar dryers are stackable sets of grain thermal drying trays, clean, and space-efficient, and are specifically designed to reduce the moisture content of large volumes of produce. It can accommodate 150 kilos of palay per drying.

“The Portasol allows farmers to dry their grains easier and faster even during overcast days. By using it, farmers can avoid continuous wasteful drying every harvest season compared to the traditional way, which is drying on pavement and serves as a road hazard,” Rastrullo said.

Senestorio M. Apuli, President of SLUB Linksfarm Farmers Association, expressed her gratitude for the support they received, marking a significant step forward for innovation in local agriculture.

“We are blessed to have been chosen by the DAR and DOST as the recipient of this technology which we consider as a manifestation of the government’s unwavering support for the cause and welfare of the farmers,” Apuli said.

Fourteen (14) units of portasol were given to the Southern Legazpi Upland Barangays Linksfarm Farmers, Association, Inc. (SLUBFA, Inc.), Cagbacong Farmers Association (CFA), and Bariis Farmers Association (BFA). A memorandum of understanding was also signed by the representatives of the DAR, DOST, and the local government unit of Legazpi.

Under the agreement, the DOST will fund the initiative for ₱511,000.00 for the acquisition of the Sun Drying Trays. The DAR for its