The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), an agency under the Department of Agriculture (DA), said it achieved its rice mechanization targets for 2024, delivering thousands of machines and expanding support for farmers, cooperatives, and local government units (LGUs).
PhilMech said in its 2024 report to the Department of Agriculture (DA) it deployed 5,030 rice production and post-harvest machines, including tractors, seeders, harvesters, dryers and milling systems.
It said of the 5,030 machines deployed, 2,450 were funded by the 2024 budget and 2,580 were from previous years, while an additional 4,784 units were newly procured, exceeding the agency’s annual procurement target.
The DA said the installation of rice processing systems (RPS) improved milling recovery rates from 55 to 58 percent to 63 to 65 percent, translating into a gain of at least eight more sacks of rice per 100 sacks of palay, boosting output and cooperative income.
Since the program began, 104 RPS units have been established nationwide, 98 of which were under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while an additional 47 units under Phase 1 of RCEF are set for completion.
PhilMech attributed its success to a rigorous validation process, selecting over 2,000 qualified cooperatives and LGUs in 2024.
PhilMech said training continues to be a priority, with 170 sessions conducted for 4,004 participants on specialized courses like Training of Rice Mechanization Specialists and Training of Trainers, to build a pool of experts.
“Mechanizing rice production helps our aging farmers work more efficiently and increases their productivity. Modern agriculture will also attract younger farmers and investors, ensuring long-term food security and job creation,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel.
He said using modern tools like tractors, precision seeders, improved seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, can significantly lower palay production costs and ultimately rice prices.
PhilMech also distributed 1.7 million learning materials, organized 27 community dialogues with 3,400 participants, and established 18 information hubs in model cooperatives. Its digital platforms further expanded stakeholder engagement.
Supported by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), PhilMech’s program seeks to reduce rice production costs by up to P3 per kilo and cut post-harvest losses by as much as 5 percent.
